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Grown Ups
By S. Jhoanna Robledo,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Friendship comedy is too crude for younger kids.

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Grown Ups
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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 -- 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 attempt 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?
GROWN UPS is one of those movies that looks great in trailers but ultimately disappoints. With a cast like this, it 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 much 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 -- the paper-cup extravaganza, the flashbacks -- and makes a good point about not giving up the best moments of childhood to gadgetry and gimmicks. 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?
The movie's sexual humor includes plenty of jokes about older women dating younger men. Does the film reinforce or undermine stereotypes on that topic? What about on other subjects?
What is the movie saying about kids' love of tech toys?
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 actors
- Studio: Sony Pictures
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 102 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: crude material including suggestive references, language and some male rear nudity
- Last updated: May 16, 2023
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