Kingpin (1996) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Name: Kingpin
Director: Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly
Released: 1996
Duration: 114 min
Rating: 6.5

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

After bowler Roy Munson swindles the wrong crowd and is left with a hook for a hand, he settles into impoverished obscurity. That is, until he uncovers the next big thing: an Amish kid named Ishmael. So, the corrupt and the hopelessly naive hit the circuit intent on settling an old score with Big Ern.

Rated PG-13 • 1996 • 1h 54m

Directed by Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly

6.5

800+

Average rating by Bontent members

Age

15+

Kingpin is a crude Farrelly Brothers comedy that earns its PG-13 rating with pervasive, non-stop sexual humor, frequent profanity, and consistent substance use. The story follows disgraced bowler Roy Munson, who lost his hand in a hustling accident, as he tries to coach a naive Amish bowler named Ishmael to victory. Parents should be aware of constant crass jokes and innuendo (including a recurring crude gesture), a central character… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Woody Harrelson

Randy Quaid

Vanessa Angel

Bill Murray

Chris Elliott

William Jordan

Nancy Frey-Jarecki

Richard Tyson

Lin Shaye

Zen Gesner

Prudence Wright Holmes

Rob Moran

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Is Kingpin appropriate for kids?

Content severity in Kingpin

Sex Strong 7/10

Violence Strong 7/10

Language Strong 6/10

Substances Strong 6/10

Themes Strong 6/10

What happens in Kingpin, moment by moment

0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 7/10
0:17 🍷 Substances 6/10
0:20 ♥ Sex & Nudity 7/10

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Sex and nudity in Kingpin

Frequent and crude sexual humor and innuendo drive much of the film's comedy. A pivotal scene strongly implies a character has sex with his landlady to cover rent, followed by her making a vulgar gesture for cunnilingus which becomes a recurring visual gag. Other content includes a joke implying bull ejaculation, a character suggestively dancing in a strip-club setting, a prosthetic hand landing on a woman's breast, and dialogue about paternity suits and 'pulling out'. While there is no nudity in the PG-13…

Violence and gore in Kingpin

Violence is mostly comedic or brief, but includes one notable, shocking moment. Early in the film, Roy's bowling hand is forced into a ball return machine; the violence isn't visually gory, but the graphic sound effects and his screams are intense. Other scenes include a man slapping his girlfriend (the impact is just off-screen), a comical fistfight between a man and a woman, a character breaking his own hand by punching a wall, and a cartoonish gag where a horse's hooves are removed.

Language in Kingpin

Language is frequent for a PG-13 comedy. The script includes approximately 20 uses of "s--t," as well as multiple instances of "ass," "hell," "damn," "bastard," "whore," and "S.O.B." Cruder slang for breasts ("tits") and genitals ("pussy") are also used. Exclamatory uses of "God damn" and "Jesus" are present.

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Kingpin

Substance use is pervasive. The main character, Roy, is a cynical alcoholic who is frequently seen drinking from a flask or bottle. His drinking is a central part of his character for most of the film. Other characters are seen drinking beer and wine, and one character takes a large hit from a bong. Cigarette smoking is also frequent, with the naive Ishmael picking up the habit during his journey.

Mature themes in Kingpin

The film contains moderate mature themes, primarily centered on failure, desperation, and redemption. Roy's alcoholism and the squandering of his talent are central to the plot, leading him to demeaning acts like trading sexual favors for rent. The film also touches on exploitation, as both Roy and Claudia initially see Ishmael as a means to an end. Themes of domestic abuse are present in a brief but impactful scene.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kingpin appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Kingpin is best for ages 15+. It's rated PG-13. Kingpin is a crude Farrelly Brothers comedy that earns its PG-13 rating with pervasive, non-stop sexual humor, frequent profanity, and consistent substance use. The story follows disgraced bowler Roy Munson, who lost…

What age rating does Kingpin have?

Kingpin is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 15+.

What is Kingpin about?

Is there sex or nudity in Kingpin?

How violent is Kingpin?

Is the language in Kingpin appropriate for kids?

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Kingpin?

What mature themes appear in Kingpin?

How long is Kingpin?

Kingpin runs 114 minutes, directed by Bobby Farrelly, Peter Farrelly, released in 1996.

Where can I read the full Kingpin parent guide?

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