Evolution (2001) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A comedy that follows the chaos that ensues when a meteor hits the Earth carrying alien life forms that give new meaning to the term "survival of the fittest." David Duchovny, Orlando Jones, Seann William Scott, and Julianne Moore are the only people standing between the aliens and world domination... which could be bad news for the Earth.
Rated PG-13 • 2001 • 1h 42m
Directed by Ivan Reitman, 'Evolution' is a sci-fi comedy that earned its PG-13 rating for a mix of sci-fi action, creature peril, and frequent crude and sexual humor. The film follows scientists Ira Kane and Harry Block as they battle rapidly evolving alien life forms that threaten to take over the planet. Parents should be aware of numerous suggestive jokes and situations, including discussions of sex, a scene where a student… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Evolution appropriate for kids?
Directed by Ivan Reitman, 'Evolution' is a sci-fi comedy that earned its PG-13 rating for a mix of sci-fi action, creature peril, and frequent crude and sexual humor. The film follows scientists Ira Kane and Harry Block as they battle rapidly evolving alien life forms that… Read more — free account
Content severity in Evolution
What happens in Evolution, moment by moment
- 0:02 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
- 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
- 0:28 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
Sex and nudity in Evolution
Contains frequent crude and sexual humor, which is a primary source of comedy. There are several suggestive conversations, including a woman propositioning a teacher, men ogling a woman's leg and underwear after she falls, and jokes about 'foreplay' and 'erectile dysfunction.' In one scene, a character unbuttons her shirt in frustration, briefly exposing her bra and cleavage. The finale involves the heroes giving the giant alien an 'enema' with a firehose, which is played for crude humor.
Violence and gore in Evolution
Violence is sci-fi in nature and generally comedic, but features several creature attacks and jump scares that may frighten younger viewers. Aliens are shot with various weapons, but there is no blood. A man is dragged into the water by a creature and later said to have been eaten (off-screen). In a brief but startling moment, a small alien bites a woman's finger off with some visible blood. A mosquito-like creature burrows into a man's leg and is seen moving under the skin, which is played for gross-out comedy.
Language in Evolution
Language is infrequent and mild for a PG-13 film. There are a few uses of 'ass', 'damn', 'hell', and exclamations like 'Goddamn'. Variations of 'shit' (e.g., 'horseshit', 'shittin' me') are also used a couple of times.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Evolution
Substance use is minimal. Military characters are briefly seen smoking cigars during meetings. At a party early in the film, characters are seen holding drinks, but there is no depiction of drunkenness.
Mature themes in Evolution
Thematic content revolves around creature peril, scientific discovery, and distrust of government/military authority. Characters are frequently in danger from aggressive alien creatures, culminating in an intense battle against a gigantic monster. A key subplot involves a character's past professional disgrace due to a failed military experiment, and his quest for redemption. The film also touches lightly on the morality of wiping out a newly discovered life form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Evolution appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Evolution is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Directed by Ivan Reitman, 'Evolution' is a sci-fi comedy that earned its PG-13 rating for a mix of sci-fi action, creature peril, and frequent crude and sexual humor. The film follows scientists Ira Kane and Harry Block…
What age rating does Evolution have?
Evolution is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Evolution about?
Directed by Ivan Reitman, 'Evolution' is a sci-fi comedy that earned its PG-13 rating for a mix of sci-fi action, creature peril, and frequent crude and sexual humor. The film follows scientists Ira Kane and Harry Block as they battle rapidly evolving alien life forms that threaten to take over the planet. Parents…
Is there sex or nudity in Evolution?
Contains frequent crude and sexual humor, which is a primary source of comedy. There are several suggestive conversations, including a woman propositioning a teacher, men ogling a woman's leg and underwear after she falls, and jokes about 'foreplay' and…
How violent is Evolution?
Violence is sci-fi in nature and generally comedic, but features several creature attacks and jump scares that may frighten younger viewers. Aliens are shot with various weapons, but there is no blood. A man is dragged into the water by a creature and later…
Is the language in Evolution appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent and mild for a PG-13 film. There are a few uses of 'ass', 'damn', 'hell', and exclamations like 'Goddamn'. Variations of 'shit' (e.g., 'horseshit', 'shittin' me') are also used a couple of times.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Evolution?
Substance use is minimal. Military characters are briefly seen smoking cigars during meetings. At a party early in the film, characters are seen holding drinks, but there is no depiction of drunkenness.
What mature themes appear in Evolution?
Thematic content revolves around creature peril, scientific discovery, and distrust of government/military authority. Characters are frequently in danger from aggressive alien creatures, culminating in an intense battle against a gigantic monster. A key…
How long is Evolution?
Evolution runs 102 minutes, directed by Ivan Reitman, released in 2001.
Where can I read the full Evolution parent guide?
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