Charlie St. Cloud (2010) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Accomplished sailor Charlie St. Cloud has the adoration of his mother Claire and his little brother Sam, as well as a college scholarship that will lead him far from his sleepy Pacific Northwest hometown. But his bright future is cut short when tragedy strikes and takes his dreams with it. After high school classmate Tess returns home unexpectedly, Charlie grows torn between honoring a promise he made four years earlier and moving forward with newfound love. As he finds the courage to let go of the past for good, Charlie discovers… Sign up for the full guide
Rated PG-13 • 2010 • 1h 39m
Charlie St. Cloud follows a promising young sailor whose life is upended by a tragic car accident that kills his younger brother, Sam. The film earned its PG-13 rating primarily for a sudden and intense accident scene, mature thematic material dealing with the death of a child and prolonged grief, some sensuality, and brief strong language. Charlie finds he can see and interact with ghosts, particularly Sam's, a premise that drives the… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Charlie St. Cloud appropriate for kids?
Charlie St. Cloud follows a promising young sailor whose life is upended by a tragic car accident that kills his younger brother, Sam. The film earned its PG-13 rating primarily for a sudden and intense accident scene, mature thematic material dealing with the death of a child… Read more — free account
Content severity in Charlie St. Cloud
What happens in Charlie St. Cloud, moment by moment
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
- 0:14 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:16 🔥 Mature Themes 6/10
Sex and nudity in Charlie St. Cloud
Sensuality is present but not explicit. A central couple shares several passionate kisses, leading to one implied sex scene where they are shown lying side-by-side the next morning with bare shoulders and chests visible, but no nudity. In another scene, a man holds an unconscious woman close to share body heat to prevent hypothermia; her sports bra is seen. Otherwise, content is limited to flirting and characters holding hands.
Violence and gore in Charlie St. Cloud
Violence is infrequent but includes one intense and impactful scene. Early in the film, a car is struck by a truck in a sudden and jarring crash. The aftermath shows the two brothers with bloody cuts and injuries, and one is revived with a defibrillator. Other scenes include brief peril as a character searches a wrecked boat during a storm and a quick punch thrown during a bar argument.
Language in Charlie St. Cloud
Language is moderate and consistent with its PG-13 rating. The dialogue includes some scatological terms ("shit"), anatomical references ("ass"), and mild obscenities ("hell"). Most notably, there is at least one instance of a partially obscured or muffled use of the f-word during an emotional outburst.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Charlie St. Cloud
Substance use is moderate and depicted in social contexts. Characters are seen drinking alcohol in a bar, including taking shots. There is also a scene where a character drinks alone. A high school party is referred to as a "kegger," implying teen drinking, though it is not shown.
Mature themes in Charlie St. Cloud
The film's central themes are heavy and emotionally intense, focusing on the death of a young child and the powerful, lingering effects of grief. The protagonist spends five years in a state of arrested development due to survivor's guilt, communicating with his deceased brother's ghost daily. This supernatural element, along with a supporting character's death from cancer and the idea of spirits 'moving on', makes loss the story's primary focus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charlie St. Cloud appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Charlie St. Cloud is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Charlie St. Cloud follows a promising young sailor whose life is upended by a tragic car accident that kills his younger brother, Sam. The film earned its PG-13 rating primarily for a sudden and intense accident scene…
What age rating does Charlie St. Cloud have?
Charlie St. Cloud is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Charlie St. Cloud about?
Charlie St. Cloud follows a promising young sailor whose life is upended by a tragic car accident that kills his younger brother, Sam. The film earned its PG-13 rating primarily for a sudden and intense accident scene, mature thematic material dealing with the death of a child and prolonged grief, some sensuality, and…
Is there sex or nudity in Charlie St. Cloud?
Sensuality is present but not explicit. A central couple shares several passionate kisses, leading to one implied sex scene where they are shown lying side-by-side the next morning with bare shoulders and chests visible, but no nudity. In another scene, a man…
How violent is Charlie St. Cloud?
Violence is infrequent but includes one intense and impactful scene. Early in the film, a car is struck by a truck in a sudden and jarring crash. The aftermath shows the two brothers with bloody cuts and injuries, and one is revived with a defibrillator…
Is the language in Charlie St. Cloud appropriate for kids?
Language is moderate and consistent with its PG-13 rating. The dialogue includes some scatological terms ("shit"), anatomical references ("ass"), and mild obscenities ("hell"). Most notably, there is at least one instance of a partially obscured or muffled…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Charlie St. Cloud?
Substance use is moderate and depicted in social contexts. Characters are seen drinking alcohol in a bar, including taking shots. There is also a scene where a character drinks alone. A high school party is referred to as a "kegger," implying teen drinking…
What mature themes appear in Charlie St. Cloud?
The film's central themes are heavy and emotionally intense, focusing on the death of a young child and the powerful, lingering effects of grief. The protagonist spends five years in a state of arrested development due to survivor's guilt, communicating with…
How long is Charlie St. Cloud?
Charlie St. Cloud runs 99 minutes, directed by Burr Steers, released in 2010.
Where can I read the full Charlie St. Cloud parent guide?
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