Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Outrageous road trip comedy has reckless drug use, language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Idiots
What's the Story?
In IDIOTS, Presbyterian church youth director Davis Hench (O'Shea Jackson Jr.) and sleazy telemarketer Mark Southern (Dave Franco) are fired on the same day. With few options, the two take a job transporting Sheridan Kimberly (Mason Thames)—a manipulative teen from an affluent, powerful family—to court-ordered rehab. But Sheridan has no intention of going, so he proceeds to complicate, elude, and derail Davis and Mark's efforts.
Is It Any Good?
With laughs based in outrageous behavior and shocking moments, Macon Blair's road trip comedy isn't as funny as it wants to be. But Idiots—which counts Danny McBride as an executive producer and is consistent with the type of comedy he's known for—does offer immature laughs that some viewers will heartily enjoy. Think of it like Home Alone from the thieves' point of view.
That said, rehab-bound teen Sheridan Kimberly isn't just a trickster; he's a bad seed whose criminal acts are upsettingly reprehensible—and he's entirely unrepentant. Not only is "Sherry" astronomically wealthy, he's a social media influencer. His millions of followers egg him on and celebrate his bad behavior, while his family's power and desire to avoid scandal shield him from any consequences. Will this make teens think twice about who they watch, comment on, and reward with views on social media? Probably not. Will they laugh loudly and then forget about Idiots one week later? Probably.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about whether drinking, smoking, and drug use are glamorized in Idiots. Did you think the substance use was necessary for the story? Are there realistic consequences for their use? Why does that matter?
Is Davis the kind of character you'd typically expect to see in a raucous comedy? Why, or why not? How does his faith play into the comedy without making fun of his religion or beliefs? Why is this important?
What's the danger of rewarding iffy behavior by celebrities and social media influencers? Why are consequences important to society and to an individual's own character development?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 28, 2026
- Cast : Dave Franco , O'Shea Jackson Jr. , Mason Thames
- Director : Macon Blair
- Studio : IFC Films
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive language, drug content, some violence/bloody images and sexual material.
- Last updated : September 8, 2026
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