Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa
Common Sense says
age 17+
Slightly less offensive Jackass movie with more heart.
- R
- 2013
- 92 minutes
Parents say
age 13+
Based on 10 reviews
Kids say
age 13+
Based on 18 reviews
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
Positive Role Models & Representations
Violence
Sex
Language
Consumerism
Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Bad Grandpa is the latest comedy from Johnny Knoxville and the Jackass crew. Rather than unrelated stunts, this one has a loose story and characters upon which to hang its hidden-camera pranks. The overall tone is lighter, less offensive and with more heart, although parents should keep in mind that the level of vulgarity and sexual innuendo is still very high. There are a few "stunts," some arguing and fighting, and an old lady's supposed corpse that's dragged around throughout the movie. There are some sensitive, albeit fake rubber body parts shown and very strong, constant sexual innuendo (grandpa is forever trying and failing to pick up women). Language is strong and varied, but not constant; it includes "s--t," "f--k," and "p---y," as well as most other words. The eight year-old actor says some of these words and drinks beer in one scene ("Grandpa, I'm f--king wasted..."). Grandpa is shown drinking, and drunk, fairly often.
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User Reviews
- Parents say
- Kids say
Harmless Humor, Fine for 12 and Up
Lots of harmless crude jokes - at a very juvenile level, perfect for mature 12 year olds and up. Also some good old-fashioned slapstick humor. It's stuff... Continue reading
Funny "Bad Grandpa" needs a cold shower
If you don't mind the language, the comedy is hilarious. Having said that, if you have trouble talking to your kids about sex, PLEASE don't take any... Continue reading
Really good but kinda raunchy
I'm nine and I watched it but I don't think its good for kids ages under 11. Besides sex, its okay for people to see
Less offensive than the the Jackass movies
This movie is funny and less offensive. The stunts are not disgusting. But most 13 year olds can handle this. Even though there is one part where the old man ha... Continue reading
What's the story?
The 86-year-old Irving Zisman (Johnny Knoxville) has just become a widower and is very happy to be free. His grandson Billy (Jackson Nicoll) seems to be a nice kid who loves fishing. When Billy's mom is sent to prison for drugs, grandpa agrees to drive Billy from Nebraska to live with Billy's no-good, pot-smoking dad in North Carolina. While on their drive, grandpa and Billy get into all kinds of mischief, from creating disturbances in bingo parlors or convenience stores to running over plaster penguins. Billy often must find his grandpa after his drunken misadventures. Eventually they even enter a disguised Billy in a child beauty pageant. After their time together, grandpa realizes how much he loves Billy and decides to keep him.
Is it any good?
It's interesting the way the filmmakers took several hidden camera-style pranks and stunts and incorporated them into the loose framework of a fairly entertaining road movie. The pranks are far from seamless, and it's often easy to guess how they were done. And for the first half of the movie, the humor relies mostly on the shock of seeing an old man (Knoxville in makeup) and a child (Jackson Nicoll) involved in such rude behavior.
But after a time, the characters start to bond with one another and form a genuinely likeable team. There are even some tears at the climax when they initially part. And while most of the jokes are just throwaways based on sex or alcohol, the movie saves its biggest inspiration for the climax: the child beauty show. It reveals and then destroys the fine line between Billy's stripper-like dance and the quasi-sexualized children at these creepy pageants. It's a bit of Borat-worthy satire.
Talk to your kids about ...
- Families can talk about the appeal of practical jokes. Why is it funny to watch others being fooled? Do any of these jokes cross the line? How?
- What is funny about an old man and a young boy doing all these bad things?
- This movie doesn't have the usual "Jackass" disclaimer about not trying these stunts at home. Do you suppose these jokes, pranks, and stunts are safer to try?
- Why isn't it a good idea for children to drink alcohol? Why is this moment in the movie so shocking (to us and to passersby)?
What kinds of stereotypes does the movie use as jokes?
Movie details
- In theaters: October 25, 2013
- On DVD or streaming: January 28, 2014
- Cast: Jackson Nicoll, Johnny Knoxville, Spike Jonze
- Director: Jeff Tremaine
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 92 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: strong crude and sexual content throughout, language, some graphic nudity and brief drug use
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