
A Thousand Words (2012) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Jack McCall is a fast-talking literary agent, who can close any deal, any time, any way. He has set his sights on New Age guru Dr. Sinja for his own selfish purposes. But Dr. Sinja is on to him, and Jack’s life comes unglued after a magical Bodhi tree mysteriously appears in his backyard. With every word Jack speaks, a leaf falls from the tree and he realizes that when the last leaf falls, both he and the tree are toast. Words have never failed Jack McCall, but now he’s got to stop talking and conjure up some outrageous ways to… Sign up for the full guide
Rated PG-13 • 2012 • 1h 31m
A Thousand Words receives its PG-13 rating for sexual situations, language, and some drug-related humor. The film centers on Jack McCall, a fast-talking agent cursed with a magical tree that loses leaves as he speaks, counting down to his death. Parents should be aware of a scene where a character wears lingerie and attempts to initiate a sexual encounter, as well as frequent profanity that includes multiple uses of "s--t" and one use… Sign up for the full guide
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Is A Thousand Words appropriate for kids?
A Thousand Words receives its PG-13 rating for sexual situations, language, and some drug-related humor. The film centers on Jack McCall, a fast-talking agent cursed with a magical tree that loses leaves as he speaks, counting down to his death. Parents should be aware of a… Read more — free account
Content severity in A Thousand Words
What happens in A Thousand Words, moment by moment
- 0:10 💬 Language 3/10
- 0:15 ♥ Sex & Nudity 3/10
- 0:21 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
Sex and nudity in A Thousand Words
This category is moderate. In one scene, the protagonist's wife attempts to seduce him by wearing a leather bra, panties, and boots; she handcuffs him and asks him to "talk dirty," though he cannot. Another brief scene involves a character making a suggestive, comedic advance toward the protagonist. There are also a few verbal references to sex, including a character talking about conceiving a baby on a kitchen table.
Violence and gore in A Thousand Words
Violence is infrequent and mostly slapstick. When the protagonist, Jack, tries to chop down the magical tree with an axe, a corresponding wound magically appears on his arm, which may be startling but is not graphic. In another scene, Jack's assistant tackles him to the ground to keep him from talking and punches him a few times in a comedic struggle. There are a couple other instances of minor physical comedy.
Language in A Thousand Words
Language is moderate to strong for a PG-13 film. There is one use of "f--k" and roughly 15 uses of "s--t." Other profanity includes "ass," "damn," "hell," and "dickhead." There are also two obscene hand gestures shown. The premise of the film naturally limits dialogue, but curse words are used during moments of frustration.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in A Thousand Words
Substance use is present. In a key comedic sequence, Jack gets unintentionally high from pesticide fumes after a gardener sprays the magical tree he is connected to. Characters drink wine and other alcoholic beverages in social settings and at home. In one scene, a distraught Jack drinks heavily from a liquor bottle to the point of intoxication.
Mature themes in A Thousand Words
The film contains several mature themes. The central plot revolves around the protagonist's impending death, creating constant existential peril. Jack must reconcile with the memory of his father, who abandoned him as a child. In a poignant scene, Jack visits his mother in an assisted-living facility, where she is shown suffering from dementia. The film deals with themes of honesty, regret, and the breakdown of a marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Thousand Words appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests A Thousand Words is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. A Thousand Words receives its PG-13 rating for sexual situations, language, and some drug-related humor. The film centers on Jack McCall, a fast-talking agent cursed with a magical tree that loses leaves as he speaks…
What age rating does A Thousand Words have?
A Thousand Words is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is A Thousand Words about?
A Thousand Words receives its PG-13 rating for sexual situations, language, and some drug-related humor. The film centers on Jack McCall, a fast-talking agent cursed with a magical tree that loses leaves as he speaks, counting down to his death. Parents should be aware of a scene where a character wears lingerie and…
Is there sex or nudity in A Thousand Words?
This category is moderate. In one scene, the protagonist's wife attempts to seduce him by wearing a leather bra, panties, and boots; she handcuffs him and asks him to "talk dirty," though he cannot. Another brief scene involves a character making a…
How violent is A Thousand Words?
Violence is infrequent and mostly slapstick. When the protagonist, Jack, tries to chop down the magical tree with an axe, a corresponding wound magically appears on his arm, which may be startling but is not graphic. In another scene, Jack's assistant tackles…
Is the language in A Thousand Words appropriate for kids?
Language is moderate to strong for a PG-13 film. There is one use of "f--k" and roughly 15 uses of "s--t." Other profanity includes "ass," "damn," "hell," and "dickhead." There are also two obscene hand gestures shown. The premise of the film naturally limits…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in A Thousand Words?
Substance use is present. In a key comedic sequence, Jack gets unintentionally high from pesticide fumes after a gardener sprays the magical tree he is connected to. Characters drink wine and other alcoholic beverages in social settings and at home. In one…
What mature themes appear in A Thousand Words?
The film contains several mature themes. The central plot revolves around the protagonist's impending death, creating constant existential peril. Jack must reconcile with the memory of his father, who abandoned him as a child. In a poignant scene, Jack visits…
How long is A Thousand Words?
A Thousand Words runs 91 minutes, directed by Brian Robbins, released in 2012.
Where can I read the full A Thousand Words parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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