Heavyweights
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this comedy sends confusing signals about being overweight. It's not clear if the movie is about self-acceptance or self-loathing. There's some mild potty language and some pranks that get a little out of hand, as well.
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What's the Story?
On the last day of school, Gerry Gardner (Aaron Schwartz) gets some unwanted news from his parents: this summer, he's being sent off to "fat camp." Once he's there, though, he meets some great guys who are happy to be away from the rest of the cruel, skinny world, and who share Gerry's obsession with candy and junk food. Their fabulous summer is threatened when Tony Perkis (Ben Stiller) buys the camp from its beloved owners, ruling with an iron fist. Not only are the kids depressed, but the counselors are shamed into submission. Camp movies never have a sad ending, though. Guess what happens in the end?
Is It Any Good?
Ben Stiller's performance as a health maniac who operates the camp as a means to making a weight-loss infomercial is pretty dark. Yes it's funny when he shimmies about in his spandex shorts, doing sham tai chi, but there is something not right about his villainous camp counselor act. Is he having fun playing the role? He's not Bill Murray, that's for sure.
This said, older viewers might appreciate the satire more than younger kids. Judd Apatow is a co-writer on this film, which should ring some bells about over-the-top behavior. In all, HEAVYWEIGHTS does deliver some classic laugh-out-loud moments for the less faint of heart.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about food and its role in our lives. We need to eat to survive, right?
But what influences our decisions to eat certain foods?
Are you hungrier when you watch TV?
When does it feel good to eat? When do you not feel good about eating?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 4, 1995
- On DVD or streaming: March 4, 2003
- Cast: Aaron Schwartz, Ben Stiller, Tom McGowan
- Director: Steven Brill
- Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship
- Run time: 97 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: For some rude language and pranks
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Home Alone
Slapstick comedy is funny but full of iffy stuff.
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Stuart Little
Sweet book-based tale has some emotional intensity.
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The Bad News Bears
Edgy '70s baseball comedy has lots of cursing, drinking.
For kids who love comedies
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