Parent reviews for Cool Runnings

Common Sense says
Delightful, tween-friendly story of Jamaican bobsledders.
age 8+
Based on our expert review
Parents say
age 8+
Based on 15 reviews
Kids say
age 8+
Based on 26 reviews
A great show of breaking stereotypes
What we liked:
• They showed inspiring teamwork,
• The bobsleighing because Jamaica has never done it before,
• They showed great resilience,
• It was funny,
• They broke the stereotypes, even though everyone said they can’t do it,
• Showed us not to make fun of people who can’t do it or are different,
• Gave us hope!
What we didn’t like about it:
• In a part, when they argue, they didn’t show good teamwork,
• The part when they showed people getting injured and dying in bobsleighing might upset or scare young kids,
• The fight in the bar might encourage children to fight,
• Some light swearing, which may offend young kids.
We would recommend it to:
• Kids 7 and older.
• They showed inspiring teamwork,
• The bobsleighing because Jamaica has never done it before,
• They showed great resilience,
• It was funny,
• They broke the stereotypes, even though everyone said they can’t do it,
• Showed us not to make fun of people who can’t do it or are different,
• Gave us hope!
What we didn’t like about it:
• In a part, when they argue, they didn’t show good teamwork,
• The part when they showed people getting injured and dying in bobsleighing might upset or scare young kids,
• The fight in the bar might encourage children to fight,
• Some light swearing, which may offend young kids.
We would recommend it to:
• Kids 7 and older.
This title contains:
Positive role models
This review...
Does have sexy stuff
Within the first 10 minutes one of the women comments on the runners behind. There's a kissing booth scene.
References to beer
Hell is used to curse a couple of times, specifically when the team is forming
References to beer
Hell is used to curse a couple of times, specifically when the team is forming
This title contains:
Positive role models
Sexy stuff
Language
This review...
Rated PG (mild language, discrimination, infrequent mild violence).
SEX/NUDITY - One brief remark about the fact that a woman's name sounds like a "two dollar hooker". VIOLENCE/GORE - One scene features mild violence as a fight in a bar breaks out when a man punches another man in the face. PROFANITY - There is occasional use of mild bad language ("asshole", "bad-ass mother"). DRINKING/DRUGS/SMOKING - One brief humorous comment where a man asks another man what he is smoking, to which the man replies that he is only breathing, but you can see his breath due to the extremely cold climate. There is also some casual drinking depicted in a bar. THREAT/HORROR - None. OTHER - There are discreet moments of discrimination throughout, such as when the characters are laughed at for becoming an Olympic bobsled team because they are Jamaican. However, the message of the film heavily opposes the discrimination and instead focuses on the courage and triumphs of the men when everyone treats them differently.
PG - Parental Guidance, some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Contains mild content, generally suitable for children aged 8 years and over.
PG - Parental Guidance, some scenes may be unsuitable for young children. Contains mild content, generally suitable for children aged 8 years and over.
This title contains:
Violence & scariness
Language
This review...
Fun movie
It’s a fun movie that examples the importance of teamwork and more importantly, perseverance.
This title contains:
Positive role models
This review...
Still a winner many years on
I enjoyed this film as a child, and many years later it hasn’t lost its magic. We watched it as a family, and both parents and Mr 8 enjoyed it immensely. A great mixture of comedy, and drama about perseverance against the odds. There’s some mild swearing (butt and ass to the delight of son) and a bar fight (which is more comedic than scary), but the themes are very positive. Character Sanka was very funny, a favorite with the kids. I liked that the film didn’t end in a predictable “win” at the end like most movies, and it portrayed a good lesson about coming first not being the only measure of success.
Miss 6 was a touch too young, she found the tension a bit stressful, and a lot went over her head.
Miss 6 was a touch too young, she found the tension a bit stressful, and a lot went over her head.
This title contains:
This review...
Can’t Go Wrong w a Disney Sports Movie
It was very cute with uplifting messages about sportsmanship, teamwork, going for your dreams and believing in yourself. There was a bit or cursing but not too much bc it’s a Disney movie. Was a fun story. And the characters are well done
This title contains:
This review...
Family Feel Good movie
While I'm not a fan of hearing the word ass repeated multiple times, the movie did have some good themes. The message my 3 children, aged 7-10, all picked up on was that the team never quit. I also liked how they didn't "win" the gold or change the ending of the true story. Kids need to know that they can work hard and still feel good about themselves even when they don't win. It's more about working as a team and doing the best that you can. It's healthy pride. This movie has that. Enjoy!
This title contains:
Positive role models
Language
This review...
This title contains:
Positive role models
This review...
Cool running movie
Very easy and fun to watch. Suitable for the whole family! Enjoy!
This title contains:
This review...
This review...
This title contains:
Positive role models
This review...
Predictably uplifting story with attention-grabbing topic
The words "Jamaican bobsledding" are like "square tire"...they simply don't go together! Not to brag, but all you have to do is look at the DVD cover of this movie to see what it's going to be: John Candy in a refreshingly more dramatic role (Doug E. Doug is more the comic relief here) is the bitter, reluctant coach to take on a ragtag team of Jamaicans and make them Olympic champions. There's going to be them getting together, practicing, the conflict that ultimately unites them: this movie has no surprises except the ending, which only surprised me because I was unfamiliar of the true story. It's typical, comfort food Disney fluff, that has surprisingly a lot more profanities in it than I would expect in a PG film! I think the story is fine, but some references they make in "Cool Runnings" make this more of a tween-friendly movie.
This title contains:
Positive role models
Language
This review...
cool runnings
cool film, got a positve messege to it, but is it a true story? cant tell!! still good. will attract kids. fighting in the bar but apart from that good!!
This title contains:
Positive role models
Violence & scariness
Language
Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
This review...
My kids loved it.
Funny story of the Jamaican bobsledders. The characters have to work hard and overcome struggle. Interesting look at a different culture (OK, a cartoonish representation of another culture). Curse words are used very infrequently.