Making The Grades...

The MPAA rated About A Boy (2002) PG-13 for brief strong language and some thematic elements.

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Overall: C+
Will Freeman does a pretty good job of trying to disprove the notion "no man is an island." But his take on human relationships changes when he meets a 12-year-old boy and his single mom. Unfortunately the long list of profanities and a strong sexual theme drown About A Boy's attempt at a positive message.

Violence: C
Child is bullied at school, including name-calling, being chased, and having objects thrown at him. Character makes a brief comment about cutting off body appendage. Character attempts suicide by overdose. A heavy object is thrown and accidentally kills animal. Character watches violence on TV. Character yells and threatens boy with physical harm.

Sexual Content: C-
Character who uses sex only for gratification discusses his break up with numerous sexual partners. Character looks at girlie magazine and website. Numerous characters frankly discuss past sexual relations, cheating spouses, and sexual desires.

Language: D
At least: 2 extreme sexual profanities, 4 crude terms for sexual relations, 1 reference to sexual anatomy, 18 moderate and 51 mild profanities, 28 terms of Deity used as expletives, and some name calling.

Alcohol/Drug Use: C
Characters drink on numerous occasions at home, at dinner and in a park setting. Character makes several references to drunkenness. Character smokes frequently in front of child.

Miscellaneous:
Character makes comment about eating a dirty diaper. Character questions the appropriateness of a relationship between male adult and child.

For a detailed explanation of how content determines grades, click here

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