Parents' Guide to Look Who's Talking

Movie PG-13 1989 93 minutes
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Common Sense Media Review

By Kelly Kessler , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 13+

Dated '80s talking-baby tale has lots of cursing, sex.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 13+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 10+

Based on 6 parent reviews

age 12+

Based on 7 kid reviews

What's the Story?

LOOK WHO'S TALKING chronicles the unlikely love affair of Molly (Kirstie Alley), a CPA, and taxi driver James (John Travolta). After finding herself pregnant with the child of her married client, Albert (George Segal), Molly sets out to find Mikey (vocalized by Bruce Willis) the "best daddy." She makes a deal whereby James will serve as her babysitter and then finds herself conflicted. Should she wait around for a hotshot Mr. Right or take a chance with the dashing and exciting (but poor) James? He's a dreamer, but according to Mikey's musings, he is surely a keeper.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 6 ):
Kids say ( 7 ):

This goofy comedy proved that Americans love talking babies and served as a springboard for Travolta's comeback. While silly and outdated, the film includes underappreciated performances by veteran Abe Vigoda (The Godfather, Barney Miller) as James's senile grandpa and Academy Award Winner Olympia Dukakis (Moonstruck, Tales of the City) as Molly's wisecracking mother. Look Who's Talking also includes a fabulous 1960s/1970s soundtrack that gives Travolta ample opportunity to throw in some classic dance moves.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about who the movie is intended for. What parts were for kids and what's for adults? Do you think this is a family movie? Why or why not?

  • What are some of the ways in which this comedy from the 1980s has not aged well? What are some other examples of movies from the '80s in which humor is derived from sexism, racism, or inappropriate behavior?

  • How has the idea of "families" evolved since the time when this movie was released?

Movie Details

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