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Parents' Guide to

Wild Bill

By Alistair Lawrence, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

British indie comedy-drama has swearing, violence, drugs.

Movie NR 2013 98 minutes
Wild Bill Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

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

  • Wild Bill Movie: Scene #1
  • Wild Bill Movie: Scene #2
  • Wild Bill Movie: Scene #3

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What's the Story?

WILD BILL tells the story of a recently paroled criminal, Bill (Charlie Creed-Miles), who is forced to look after his two young sons, Dean (Will Poulter) and Jimmy (Sammy Williams). But trouble always seems to have a way of finding Bill.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Like its central character, this comedy-drama is a likable underdog in the collection of black-humored British crime movies influenced by the likes of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Creed-Miles's leading man performance in Wild Bill is elevated by his agitated twitches and adept comic timing, both of which draw us in to how uncomfortable Bill finds it to be responsible for anything, let alone being a parent. But he also manages to convey a real sense of hostility and danger when the story calls for a glimpse back at Bill's fiery old ways. An early role for Poulter as eldest son Dean is another high point, particularly in the story's lighter moments, where he finds new ways to scold his hapless father.

Where the script shows its limitations is in its supporting cast, with female characters bolted on as little more than love interests and cliches. The collection of local villains is also less well-drawn than the leads, as the writers can't seem to decide quite how dangerous they're supposed to be. The ending arrives with no real surprises, either. But by that point, Bill and his brood have done enough to wrap up a credible, comical tale about trying to change your ways.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the language in Wild Bill. Did it seem necessary or excessive? Were you shocked by some of the terms used? What did they contribute to the movie?

  • Talk about the violence in the movie. Did you find it excessive? Did the movie's comic tone affect the impact of the violent scenes?

  • How were drinking, smoking, and drug use depicted in the movie? Were they glamorized? Did the characters need to do these things to look cool? What were the consequences?

  • How did Bill's relationship with his sons change? What was it that Bill did that helped with this change? Talk about how the family dynamic in the movie didn't necessarily reflect what some people would call a "traditional" family unit. Why is it important to see families of all different types?

Movie Details

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