Common Sense Media Review
The caviar of lowbrow, gross-out comedy.
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Dumb and Dumber
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 35 parent reviews
Parents say that while this movie is often praised for its humor and entertainment value, it features several crude and inappropriate scenes that make it unsuitable for younger children. Many reviewers highlight its great comedic moments, yet caution about its adult themes and language, suggesting it is more appropriate for older teens.
- kid-friendly moments
- strong language
- adult themes
- hilarious comedy
- not for young kids
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 98 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie is hilarious and features a lot of immature humor, appealing mostly to older tweens and teens, while cautioning that it contains significant crude language, sexual innuendos, and moments of slapstick violence that can be inappropriate for younger viewers. Despite its offensive content, many consider it a classic comedy due to its memorable characters, relatable themes of friendship, and outrageous pranks that evoke laughter.
- crude humor
- slapstick violence
- sexual innuendos
- positive messages
- inappropriate for kids
- classic comedy
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In DUMB AND DUMBER, roommates Lloyd (Jim Carrey) and Harry (Jeff Daniels) give up their low-profile jobs and their dreams of opening a worm store to track down an acquaintance of Lloyd's named Mary (Lauren Holly). After Mary leaves her briefcase at an airport, he rescues it in hopes of returning it and earning her affection. Little does he know that Mary ditched the case on purpose to pay the ransom for her missing husband. As shady characters try to reclaim the case, Lloyd and Harry set out on a cross-country journey to find love. Threatened by mysterious men along the way, Harry and Lloyd's friendship and loyalties are put to the test.
Is It Any Good?
Brothers and co-directors Peter and Bobby Farrelly elevate bodily fluid humor to as high a level as low art can climb. They know what's funny, and they throw it into Dumb and Dumber regardless of how vulgar or politically incorrect it is. There's a gleefulness that, for adults, might feel like being back on the elementary school playground, laughing at somebody making rude noises with a hand cupped to their armpit. Daniels, who was new to this kind of behavior at the movie's first release, is impressively doltish in one of the two title roles. And Carrey is restrained just enough to keep us wanting more, showing glimpses of the acting ability that would later win him critical praise for movies like The Truman Show. The movie only really fails when it abandons its stars in pursuit of a tired kidnapper/assassin subplot. If it loses gas altogether at the end, that should be expected of something propelled by so much gas early on.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why the main characters' antics might be funny to watch in Dumb and Dumber but inappropriate in real life.
Is Lloyd a hero? What heroic characteristics does he portray?
What strengths can be found in Lloyd and Harry's friendship? How do they show up for each other in hard times?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 1, 1994
- On DVD or streaming : September 2, 2003
- Cast : Jeff Daniels , Jim Carrey , Lauren Holly
- Directors : Bobby Farrelly , Peter Farrelly
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : New Line
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 106 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : gross-out humor and sexual themes.
- Last updated : December 24, 2025
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