Common Sense Media Review
By Alistair Lawrence
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Dated crime comedy has some language, stereotypes, sexism.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
My Blue Heaven
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
MY BLUE HEAVEN follows former New York mobster Vinnie (Steve Martin), as he tries -- and fails -- to keep a low profile while in witness protection in the San Diego suburbs.
Is It Any Good?
A broad and fast-paced comedy, this 1990 movie leans heavily on gangster comedy cliches but encourages its cast and audience to have some fun with them. Martin takes center stage and makes sure that there's enough force of personality to power My Blue Heaven's so-so script. His motormouth Vinnie is all wild hand gestures and suits so loud that you can see why he wears sunglasses. Supporting Martin's whirling lead performance are a pair of '90s fan favorites, Rick Moranis and Joan Cusack. Neither is asked to journey much outside their comfort zones, but Moranis appears to enjoy bounding through the occasional action scenes.
The movie's only major failing is how little it asks Cusack to do. Her uptight District Attorney, Hannah, is there mainly to hector her co-stars and lose arguments, while absorbing outdated gags about her wardrobe choices and diet along the way. But if you can forgive My Blue Heaven for being disappointingly of its time in that respect, there are enough comedy and action set pieces to keep things engaging.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the representation and portrayal of women in My Blue Heaven. How do the male characters speak to Hannah? How might the movie be different if it was made today? Why representation matters in kids' media.
Much of the film's humor plays into stereotypes about Italian-Americans. Why might this be deemed problematic? What are some of the dangers of stereotyping people?
Talk about some of the language used in the movie. Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
How would you describe Vinnie? What were his motivations? How did he show compassion, humility, and perseverance?
Movie Details
- In theaters : August 17, 1990
- On DVD or streaming : June 1, 2004
- Cast : Steve Martin , Rick Moranis , Joan Cusack
- Director : Herbert Ross
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Comedy
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Humility , Perseverance
- Run time : 97 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 25, 2022
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