Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Over-the-top vulgar comedy has tons of sex, crude language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dicks: The Musical
What's the Story?
In DICKS: THE MUSICAL, two successful businessmen (writers Aaron Jackson and Josh Sharp) realize that they're really long-lost twins. Wishing to make their family whole, they concoct a plan to make their parents (Megan Mullally, Nathan Lane) fall in love again, despite the complicating factor that their father is gay.
Is It Any Good?
Appallingly phenomenal and tremendously bold, this is a no-holds-barred, wild ride. Cinema has never seen anything quite like Dicks: The Musical, but the closest comparison might be saying that it's like John Waters meets Freddy Got Fingered. And, like those films, it will undoubtedly become a cult classic. Because of their confident approach in presenting material that most would never dare to touch, writer-performers Jackson and Sharp -- who are gay -- are likely to inspire queer teens, especially those who've grown up in unsupportive environments. But no matter their sexual identity, the movie's brash, raunchy humor will likely put it on many teens' watchlist. If that happens, try to pre-screen it so you can talk about it with them -- or at least understand where the off-color quotes are coming from.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about deliberately offensive humor. Does the taboo language and content in movies like Dicks: The Musical have a point, or is it just meant to shock viewers into laughter?
Is this a satire, a parody, or a farce? What's the difference? What are examples of each, and how does Dicks: The Musical compare?
What makes this depiction of LGBTQ+ characters different from others you've seen in movies and on TV? Why is positive representation important? What other examples of inclusion did you spot?
How are smoking, drinking, and drug use depicted? Is substance use glamorized? Why does that matter?
What do you think is the filmmakers' intention here? Do you think they intend to provoke a response -- or even a backlash?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 6, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : November 10, 2023
- Cast : Josh Sharp , Aaron Jackson , Nathan Lane , Megan Mullally
- Director : Larry Charles
- Inclusion Information : Gay Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : A24
- Genre : Musical
- Topics : Arts ( Music and Sing-Along )
- Run time : 86 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong crude sexual content, graphic nudity, pervasive language and brief drug use
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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