Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Friendship comedy is too crude for younger kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Grown Ups
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 55 parent reviews
Parents say that while some find the film entertaining with its humorous moments and themes of friendship, many others express deep concerns about the excessive sexual innuendos, crude humor, and inappropriate content for children. The movie's portrayal of certain topics like the tooth fairy, drinking, and adult relationships sparks discomfort, leading many to recommend it only for older teens rather than younger viewers.
- crude humor
- inappropriate content
- sexual innuendos
- recommendations for older teens
- mixed parental responses
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 216 kid reviews
What's the Story?
When he gets word that his former basketball coach has heard the "final buzzer" and passed away, Lenny (Adam Sandler)—once the fearless leader of the coach's only championship team, all of them now GROWN UPS—decides it's time to round up the troops: former teammates Eric (Kevin James), Kurt (Chris Rock), Marcus (David Spade), and Rob (Rob Schneider). While in their hometown for the funeral, the guys bunk at an old lodge that brings back fond memories, even as their wives (played by Salma Hayek, Maria Bello, Maya Rudolph, and Joyce Van Patten) and kids try to hit it off. Will the coach's death force the men to re-evaluate their game plan before their own final buzzer?
Is It Any Good?
Here's one of those movies that looks great in trailers but ultimately disappoints. With a cast like this, Grown Ups really ought to be a slam dunk. But it's hobbled by a lackluster script that has little at stake for the characters. And the jokes: Despite the fact that it stars five successful comedians, the same jokes are recycled throughout. How many bits do we really need about a nanny camouflaged as an exchange student, a grandmother's bunioned toe, a retiree's marriage to a younger man, a man's voracious appetite, and a still-nursing 4-year-old?
The five leads share some chemistry, but not enough to make a lifelong friendship believable. They're so cruel to each other that you have to wonder how they stayed friendly. And the women are nothing more than weak supporting acts and fodder for chauvinistic jokes. The film does have a few nice moments, such as the paper-cup extravaganza and the flashbacks. But on the whole, Grown Ups is a stunted comedy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about who Grown Ups is targeted at. Is it intended to appeal to families? Adults? Who might enjoy the film's brand of humor?
The movie relies on countless stereotypes for humor, whether it's punching down at fat people, women over 50, women in general, Latinos, Asians, etc. Which ones did you notice? Do you think these jokes are funny? Why, or why not?
What is the movie saying about kids' love of tech? How do you balance technology and outdoor time at home?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 25, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : November 9, 2010
- Cast : Adam Sandler , Chris Rock , David Spade , Kevin James , Rob Schneider
- Director : Dennis Dugan
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 102 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : crude material including suggestive references, language and some male rear nudity
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate