Common Sense Media Review
'90s buddy comedy has cursing, violence, sexism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
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City Slickers
What's the Story?
In CITY SLICKERS, Mitch (Billy Crystal) wakes up on his 39th birthday, bored with his job, listless with his family, and obsessed with the pointlessness of his life. As a birthday treat, his friends Phil (Daniel Stern) and Ed (Bruno Kirby) surprise him with a childhood fantasy come true: the chance to be cowboys for a week and drive cattle from New Mexico to Colorado. At the ranch, the three men meet crusty old cowboy Curly (Jack Palance), learn to ride horses, and gain some cowboy wisdom. But when the cattle drive goes awry and they find themselves responsible for the entire herd alone, can they step up and be the men they dreamed of?
Is It Any Good?
This is an uplifting story about three men approaching 40 who go on vacation in search of fun, but find something a little more meaningful. City Slickers is a lighthearted '90s buddy movie that offers some universal messages that stand the test of time, alongside some sexist behavior that doesn't. The three main actors are great as bickering but ultimately dedicated friends who go on a journey together and yet have their own personal epiphanies. Meanwhile, veteran actor Palance, who won an Oscar for his arresting performance as rugged aging cowboy Curly, is as full of wise enlightenment as he is shadowy threat.
The film trots between buddy comedy and more typical Western adventure, with larger-than-life characters, plenty of one-liners, and some fun situations involving inappropriately fancy coffee and a moonwalking horse. All of which helps keep the slightly lengthy runtime on track. But it's the believable friendship at the center of the movie that continues to make it a favorite with the '90s crowd and newer audiences alike.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how women were treated in City Slickers. Did you find any of the male character's language or behavior problematic? Do you think things would be different if the film was made today?
How were drinking and smoking portrayed? Were there consequences? Did the movie glamorize it?
Talk about the strong language in the movie. Did it seem necessary, or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How did the three friends show courage and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths to have? Can you think of a time when you've shown these traits?
The movie is centered on the midlife crises of three friends. How did this compare to other "coming-of-middle-age" movies you've seen?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 1991
- On DVD or streaming : May 8, 2001
- Cast : Billy Crystal , Bruno Kirby , Daniel Stern
- Director : Ron Underwood
- Studio : MGM/UA
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Adventures , Friendship , Animals
- Character Strengths : Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 114 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and thematic elements.
- Last updated : May 11, 2024
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