Dunston Checks In (1996) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Hotel manager Robert Grant is forced by his boss to postpone his family vacation when a hotel critic checks in. Trouble is, the critic is really a villainous jewel thief with an orangutan assistant named Dunston. When Dunston gets loose and tries to escape a life of crime -- aided by Robert's sons -- havoc, hijinks and lots of laughs abound!
Rated PG • 1996 • 1h 28m
Dunston Checks In is a 1996 family comedy that received its PG rating for slapstick violence, some sensuality, and mild language. The film's chaotic plot follows hotel manager Robert Grant's sons as they try to help a jewel-thieving orangutan named Dunston escape his cruel owner. The violence is mostly cartoonish, but includes moments of mild peril, most notably when a child character is tied up and gagged by the villain. The film… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Dunston Checks In appropriate for kids?
Dunston Checks In is a 1996 family comedy that received its PG rating for slapstick violence, some sensuality, and mild language. The film's chaotic plot follows hotel manager Robert Grant's sons as they try to help a jewel-thieving orangutan named Dunston escape his cruel… Read more — free account
Content severity in Dunston Checks In
What happens in Dunston Checks In, moment by moment
- 0:05 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
- 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:18 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
Sex and nudity in Dunston Checks In
This category contains moderate, comically-framed innuendo and sensuality. In one scene, a woman mistakes the orangutan for her masseuse and reacts with pleasure to his antics. In another, Dunston puts a pair of women's underwear on his head during a heist and later lifts a woman's dress from under a table. A character also makes a joke about someone "talking to his crotch." All of this is played for laughs and lacks nudity.
Violence and gore in Dunston Checks In
Violence is frequent but almost entirely slapstick and cartoonish in nature. Characters endure falls, are hit with objects like kitchen pots, and engage in silly fights. However, there are a few more intense moments: the villain, Lord Rutledge, binds and gags one of the young boys in a bathtub; a brief but clear image of blood is shown when a character cuts his hand on glass; and a large tranquilizer rifle is used. The climax involves a chaotic chase, a cake-smashing, and a man getting punched by the orangutan.
Language in Dunston Checks In
Language is mostly mild, with uses of "hell" and "damn." However, the film contains one prominent use of "holy shit!" exclaimed loudly by a character during a moment of chaos, which is strong for a PG-rated family film.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Dunston Checks In
Substance use is present but mild. The villain, Lord Rutledge, is frequently seen smoking cigarettes, and in one scene Dunston mimics him before spitting the cigarette out. Adults are seen drinking champagne and other alcoholic beverages in social settings like a hotel bar and a formal ball. Dunston also comically opens and drinks from a bottle of champagne.
Mature themes in Dunston Checks In
The film's primary themes involve animal cruelty and freedom, as Dunston is forced into a life of crime by his cruel owner and yearns to escape. It also explores the challenges of a single father, Robert, trying to balance his demanding job with his responsibilities to his two sons. The film ultimately touches on themes of standing up to bullies and choosing family over work.
Scary moments in Dunston Checks In
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Dunston Checks In yet. Because this title is recommended for younger kids, sign up to get community-flagged jump scares, tense scenes, and startling imagery as parents submit them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dunston Checks In appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Dunston Checks In is best for ages 9+. It's rated PG. Dunston Checks In is a 1996 family comedy that received its PG rating for slapstick violence, some sensuality, and mild language. The film's chaotic plot follows hotel manager Robert Grant's sons as they try to help a…
What age rating does Dunston Checks In have?
Dunston Checks In is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 9+.
What is Dunston Checks In about?
Dunston Checks In is a 1996 family comedy that received its PG rating for slapstick violence, some sensuality, and mild language. The film's chaotic plot follows hotel manager Robert Grant's sons as they try to help a jewel-thieving orangutan named Dunston escape his cruel owner. The violence is mostly cartoonish, but…
Is there sex or nudity in Dunston Checks In?
This category contains moderate, comically-framed innuendo and sensuality. In one scene, a woman mistakes the orangutan for her masseuse and reacts with pleasure to his antics. In another, Dunston puts a pair of women's underwear on his head during a heist…
How violent is Dunston Checks In?
Violence is frequent but almost entirely slapstick and cartoonish in nature. Characters endure falls, are hit with objects like kitchen pots, and engage in silly fights. However, there are a few more intense moments: the villain, Lord Rutledge, binds and gags…
Is the language in Dunston Checks In appropriate for kids?
Language is mostly mild, with uses of "hell" and "damn." However, the film contains one prominent use of "holy shit!" exclaimed loudly by a character during a moment of chaos, which is strong for a PG-rated family film.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Dunston Checks In?
Substance use is present but mild. The villain, Lord Rutledge, is frequently seen smoking cigarettes, and in one scene Dunston mimics him before spitting the cigarette out. Adults are seen drinking champagne and other alcoholic beverages in social settings…
What mature themes appear in Dunston Checks In?
The film's primary themes involve animal cruelty and freedom, as Dunston is forced into a life of crime by his cruel owner and yearns to escape. It also explores the challenges of a single father, Robert, trying to balance his demanding job with his…
How long is Dunston Checks In?
Dunston Checks In runs 88 minutes, directed by Ken Kwapis, released in 1996.
Where can I read the full Dunston Checks In 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.
Parents also checked these movies for 9-year-olds
Sign up to filter
Movies like Dunston Checks In with similar intensity
Sign up to filter
Less intense movies for families
Sign up to filter
More family movies with parent guides
- Interstellar parent guide
- Inception parent guide
- The Avengers parent guide
- Avatar parent guide
- Deadpool parent guide
- Avengers: Infinity War parent guide
- Pulp Fiction parent guide
- Forrest Gump parent guide
- Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone parent guide
- Guardians of the Galaxy parent guide
- Iron Man parent guide
- Avengers: Endgame parent guide
More movies with Bontent parent guides
- To the Wonder parent guide
- Sibyl parent guide
- An American Pickle parent guide
- Ophelia parent guide
- Full Speed parent guide
- Marvel One-Shot: All Hail the King parent guide
- Ruby Red parent guide
- Day Watch parent guide
- Friends with Money parent guide
- Don't Worry, I'm Fine parent guide
- Lifted parent guide
- Scoop parent guide
- The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines parent guide
- The Black Dahlia parent guide
- Soul Kitchen parent guide
- Did You Hear About the Morgans? parent guide