Failure to Launch (2006) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
At 35, Tripp has an interesting job, a hip car, a passion for sailing, an active dating life, and a great house - trouble is, he still lives with his parents, Al and Sue, who are not happy about it. Al and Sue are fascinated when friends whose adult son has recently moved away from home reveal they hired an expert to help. In desperation to push Tripp out of the nest once and for all, Al and Sue hatch a plan to hire Paula, an "interventionist," who has a formula in these cases.
Rated PG-13 • 2006 • 1h 37m
This PG-13 romantic comedy earns its rating primarily for sexual content, some partial nudity, and profanity. The plot of "Failure to Launch" follows Tripp, a 35-year-old man still living with his parents who hire an 'interventionist' named Paula to trick him into moving out. Parents should be aware of several implied sex scenes, one instance of brief male rear nudity in a comedic context, slapstick violence involving animal bites, and… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Failure to Launch appropriate for kids?
This PG-13 romantic comedy earns its rating primarily for sexual content, some partial nudity, and profanity. The plot of "Failure to Launch" follows Tripp, a 35-year-old man still living with his parents who hire an 'interventionist' named Paula to trick him into moving out… Read more — free account
Content severity in Failure to Launch
What happens in Failure to Launch, moment by moment
- 0:05 ♥ Sex & Nudity 5/10
- 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
Sex and nudity in Failure to Launch
The film contains moderate sexual content and some partial nudity. There are two implied sex scenes between couples, shown under covers or edited to occur off-screen. In one comedic scene, a man's bare buttocks are clearly visible. In another brief moment, a woman is seen from a distance mostly nude but her body is obscured by foliage. The dialogue includes some sexual innuendo and discussions about dating and relationships.
Violence and gore in Failure to Launch
Violence is infrequent and consistently played for slapstick comedy. In several scenes, the main character is comically bitten by animals (a chipmunk, a dolphin, a lizard), with one instance showing a brief, non-graphic spot of blood on his finger. There are scenes of people playing paintball, a character falling off a mountain bike without injury, and another being knocked off a boat. Near the end, a character is tied up and gagged by his friends as part of a plan, which is presented comedically.
Language in Failure to Launch
Language is moderate but includes one use of the f-word. Profanity is used throughout, with approximately 16 uses of "shit," and multiple instances of "bitch," "ass," "damn," "goddamn," and "hell," plus exclamatory uses of "Jesus Christ."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Failure to Launch
Adult characters drink alcohol casually in several social situations. Beer and wine are consumed during meals, on a boat, and at get-togethers. No character is shown to be drunk, and there is no focus on substance use or abuse.
Mature themes in Failure to Launch
The central theme is deception, as the entire premise is based on a lie intended to manipulate an adult into changing his life. The film also deals with themes of unresolved grief, as it is revealed the main character's behavior stems from the past death of his fiancée. Other themes include arrested development and complex family dynamics. A brief, comedic moment also involves the threatened euthanasia of a pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Failure to Launch appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Failure to Launch is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This PG-13 romantic comedy earns its rating primarily for sexual content, some partial nudity, and profanity. The plot of "Failure to Launch" follows Tripp, a 35-year-old man still living with his parents who hire an…
What age rating does Failure to Launch have?
Failure to Launch is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Failure to Launch about?
This PG-13 romantic comedy earns its rating primarily for sexual content, some partial nudity, and profanity. The plot of "Failure to Launch" follows Tripp, a 35-year-old man still living with his parents who hire an 'interventionist' named Paula to trick him into moving out. Parents should be aware of several implied…
Is there sex or nudity in Failure to Launch?
The film contains moderate sexual content and some partial nudity. There are two implied sex scenes between couples, shown under covers or edited to occur off-screen. In one comedic scene, a man's bare buttocks are clearly visible. In another brief moment, a…
How violent is Failure to Launch?
Violence is infrequent and consistently played for slapstick comedy. In several scenes, the main character is comically bitten by animals (a chipmunk, a dolphin, a lizard), with one instance showing a brief, non-graphic spot of blood on his finger. There are…
Is the language in Failure to Launch appropriate for kids?
Language is moderate but includes one use of the f-word. Profanity is used throughout, with approximately 16 uses of "shit," and multiple instances of "bitch," "ass," "damn," "goddamn," and "hell," plus exclamatory uses of "Jesus Christ."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Failure to Launch?
Adult characters drink alcohol casually in several social situations. Beer and wine are consumed during meals, on a boat, and at get-togethers. No character is shown to be drunk, and there is no focus on substance use or abuse.
What mature themes appear in Failure to Launch?
The central theme is deception, as the entire premise is based on a lie intended to manipulate an adult into changing his life. The film also deals with themes of unresolved grief, as it is revealed the main character's behavior stems from the past death of…
How long is Failure to Launch?
Failure to Launch runs 97 minutes, directed by Tom Dey, released in 2006.
Where can I read the full Failure to Launch 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 13-year-olds
Sign up to filter
Movies like Failure to Launch with similar intensity
Sign up to filter
Less intense movies for families
Sign up to filter
More romance movies with parent guides
More movies with Bontent parent guides
- Sullivan's Travels parent guide
- Sibyl parent guide
- Science Fiction Volume One: The Osiris Child parent guide
- Full Speed parent guide
- Ruby Red parent guide
- Barbie Presents: Thumbelina parent guide
- Mr. Church parent guide
- Friends with Money parent guide
- Day Watch parent guide
- Lifted parent guide
- When a Stranger Calls parent guide
- The Night Before the Exams parent guide
- Those Happy Days parent guide
- The Librarian: Return to King Solomon's Mines parent guide
- The Black Dahlia parent guide
- Soul Kitchen parent guide