Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
High school reunion dramedy has mature sexual content.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The D Train
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Dan (Jack Black) wasn't popular in high school, and now that's he's helping organize his class' 20-year reunion, it's clear that he's still not part of the in-crowd -- and it stings. While channel-surfing late one night, Dan is surprised to see a TV commercial starring Oliver (James Marsden), a former classmate who's looking tanned, toned, and oh so cool. Dan concocts a plan: If he can fly to LA, find the rising star, and convince him to attend the reunion, the event is guaranteed to be a success. And not only will Dan get the credit for putting together an awesome party, he'll also get to hang out with the most successful person in the class. Once he gets to Southern California, things start to fall into place: Dan goes bar-hopping with Oliver and convinces him to come home for the party. But things take an unexpected turn when the actor admits he's bisexual and seduces the happily married family man.
Is It Any Good?
Jack Black is known for his comedic chops, but here he's playing drama, and he's surprisingly good. You can feel Dan's buried pain, his desire to be accepted by the gang, and his sheer joy in spending time with Oliver. Dan isn't gay, but by the time the two men are alone together, it's clear why he's let himself be seduced. It's probably the highlight of his year.
Too bad it's also his undoing; we watch Dan unravel as his deceptions spiral out of control, all as he tries to maintain that glow of friendship. Marsden is a good foil to Black in THE D TRAIN, playing a narcissistic, manipulative wannabe actor who's not nearly as successful as his classmates seem to think but is happy to take advantage of their awe. Oliver is certainly fun to be around, but he's not at all trustworthy. The two stars make this improbable situation into an interesting film, with very human emotions at play.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role that sex plays in The D Train. How does it impact the characters? What consequences to the encounters have? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How are drinking, drugs, and smoking depicted in the film? Are they glamorized? Are there realistic consequences?
How do you think Dan's relationship with his former classmates in the present compares to his connection to them when they were in high school? Why is heso desperate to chang their perception of him, and what is he willing to risk to make it happen?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 8, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : September 1, 2015
- Cast : Jack Black , James Marsden , Kathryn Hahn , Jeffrey Tambor
- Directors : Jarrad Paul , Andrew Mogel
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : IFC Films
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Dads , Moms ) , Friendship , School ( High School )
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong sexual material, nudity, language and drug use
- Last updated : September 6, 2025
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