Parents' Guide to

Oh, God!

By Renee Longstreet, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

Warmhearted '70s comic fantasy has positive messages.

Movie PG 1977 98 minutes
Oh, God! Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 10+

Based on 2 parent reviews

Spencer H.
Spencer H. Adult
May 7, 2020
age 10+

Depends entirely on your tolerance for the humor; very little inoffensive content

Not much in the way of offensiveness here. The language is very, very mild even for a late 70's PG where films of that rating had worse swearing than some R rated ones. There are only two uses of the word hell. There is a remark made about a supermarket employee "humping a girl", however it is said metaphorically and not with the intention to offend maliciously. Other than that no real other issues I think CSM is going a bit overboard on the sexual content. John Denver is happily married to his wife and does not have intercourse with her onscreen. There is also no nudity. However it will really depend on what your tolerance level for the humor here is. This could be cited as an example of making God and religion lighthearted if you are very devout you may be offended by some of the jokes which could be considered blasphemist. However the movie does have a message that is positive and will likely relate to believers and non believers. Watch it to have a few laughs and dont focus on it being a religious movie. It is supposed to be lighthearted fun and the content overall is very mild and the movie is overall inoffensive aside from that crude remark and mild language. You will hear more swearing in some Disney films than you will hear in this movie. I kid not. Enjoy the iconic George Burns and John Denver no longer with us but they have fantastic chemistry here undeniably.

This title has:

Great messages
Locoluck
Locoluck Adult
July 9, 2019
age 10+

Oh, God, what a fantastic insightful cinematic gem.

This movie, even after many viewings as an adult, and after watching Oh, God: Book Two as a child, still resonates with me on a spiritual level few films can. Even in the face of modernization and a scientific all-or-nothing approach worldwide, I challenge you as a viewer not to walk away from the film before the credits roll. The ending has one of the greatest and most gratifying Parthian shots ever and makes watching this masterpiece all the more rewarding.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
See all 2 parent reviews

What's the Story?

What a shock to innocent Jerry Landers' (John Denver) sensibilities when he encounters the voice of someone who claims to be God coming through his car radio's speakers in OH, GOD! It isn't until "God" (George Burns) makes it rain inside the car that Jerry has to acknowledge that there may be some truth to what the voice has told him. And when God, with a no-frills business card, appears in the passenger seat (a little old man in a plaid shirt and a cap), Jerry is sufficiently astounded. It takes a while, but Jerry can deny the truth no longer. God explains himself: He's come to Jerry for a very big favor. He wants this very ordinary, but very good, young family man to spread his message throughout the world. Jerry's clueless: How's he supposed to do that? Who's going to believe him? With only a sprinkling of advice and a few small miracles, God will be Jerry's guide, helping him convince his incredulous wife, a disbelieving media, a coalition of religious experts, and just plain folks that he exists -- and, most importantly, all who need to appreciate that God gave them everything they'd ever need to make life work. It's simply up to them to see it through.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (2):
Kids say (2):

This ultimate "what if?" movie is a small comic gem pitting 80-year-old George Burns, playing his version of God, against a world that seems to have forgotten its own simplicity. The film doesn't ask its audience to believe in a supreme being; it only wants to urge the audience to pretend for a moment that there is one. Of course, a few of the jokes and cultural references are dated since the film was made in 1977, but just as many are spot on for 21st-century tastes. It's uncanny how in 1977, the planet, at the hands of its human residents, was known to be an endangered species, and the idea is still controversial. Paul Sorvino's over-the-top parody of a mega-church pastor is particularly hilarious and will resonate as well. George Burns had a career spanning 75 years -- from vaudeville to radio to television and movies. Oh, God! is a wonderful introduction for new audiences to this unique entertainer. An original, warmhearted movie with wonderful messages for families.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the fact that though this is a comedy, the messages are heartfelt and valuable. It was released in 1977; which of the ideals is still relevant? Do you agree with the notion "We've been given everything we need. Now it's up to us to make the world work"?

  • This movie has been described as "comedy," "fantasy," and "science fiction." Which of these genres fits best? How do the three work together to create something entirely original?

  • What is a parody? Which character in Oh, God! is a parody? What do the writing and the actor's performance tell you about the filmmakers' attitude toward this character?

Movie Details

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