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Parents' Guide to

Bull Durham

By Kevin John Bozelka, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Winning but mature comedy about sex and baseball.

Movie R 1988 108 minutes
Bull Durham Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 17+

Based on 4 parent reviews

Roxanne F.
Roxanne F. Adult
November 1, 2022
age 18+

Too much sex, groupies, and sexist

This title has:

Too much sex
Too much swearing
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
doctora
doctora Parent of 6-year-old
July 22, 2022
age 17+

Sarandon sells this film from beginning to end

Sarandon is the big hitter in this film. Her performance outshines them all, but Robbins, Costner, and gone too soon Trey Wilson do a bang up job of shining bright in this film as well. But Sarandon sizzles as a baseball groupie with a moral code of ethics. The relationship part of the film is ok, and the baseball part is interesting, but where it excels is in how it mixes it all together, the direction is firm, because it is clear they know a thing or two about minor league baseball offering the film fertile ground so the performers can then take chances and knock those lines around. Sarandon's self assuredness is a breath of fresh air and is worth watching the film.
See all 4 parent reviews

What's the Story?

BULL DURHAM is the story of Crash Davis (Kevin Costner), a Walt Whitman-quoting, veteran minor league catcher enlisted to help not-so-bright rookie pitcher Nuke LaLoosh (Tim Robbins) mature as a player. Along the way, siren Annie Savoy (Susan Sarandon), an avid baseball fan and philosopher of sexuality, intervenes by offering Nuke an extended (and explicit) sexual education that she firmly believes will lead him to glory on the diamond.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (4 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

Writer/director Ron Shelton brings a modicum of authenticity to this tale of baseball and sex due to his own experiences as a minor league player. But you don't have to be a devotee of Annie's "Church of Baseball" to enjoy Bull Durham's earthy mix of romance, sports, and comedy. Although much of the movie takes place in dugouts, locker rooms, and on the mound, it will appeal to audiences everywhere.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about where sex fits into Bull Durham, as well as into our culture and our personal lives. What are the characters' philosophies about sex? What messages about sex have you learned from your families? How does the media portray sex?

  • Talk about beliefs. What do you believe in? What's important to you? What guides you through life and helps you make decisions?

Movie Details

  • In theaters: June 15, 1988
  • On DVD or streaming: April 2, 2002
  • Cast: Kevin Costner , Susan Sarandon , Tim Robbins
  • Director: Ron Shelton
  • Inclusion Information: Female actors, Bisexual actors
  • Studio: MGM/UA
  • Genre: Drama
  • Run time: 108 minutes
  • MPAA rating: R
  • MPAA explanation: language and sexual situations
  • Last updated: August 1, 2023

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