Poster for Larger Than Life

Larger Than Life (1996) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?

Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language

Motivational Speaker Jack Corcoran is determined to get his career off the ground, but the biggest gigs he can get are the ones nobody wants. One day, he receives a telegram that his circus clown father has passed away and left a "huge" inheritance: an elephant that was his father's pride and joy. His main intention to sell the pachyderm off, Jack must choose between loud and rude zookeeper Mo or attractive animal show owner Terry. As the two trek through the country Jack and the elephant develop a bond, and it changes his approach… Sign up for the full guide

Rated PG • 1996 • 1h 33m

5.6
100+
Average rating by Bontent members
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Age
9+

Larger Than Life receives its PG rating for mild language and some comedic peril. The film follows motivational speaker Jack Corcoran, who inherits a 3-ton elephant named Vera and embarks on a cross-country trip. Parents should be aware of some slapstick violence, including a scene where a man is comically threatened with a tire iron, and a more serious moment where an elephant is briefly seen being abused with an electric goad… Sign up for the full guide

Cast

Bill Murray
Bill Murray
Janeane Garofalo
Janeane Garofalo
Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey
Linda Fiorentino
Linda Fiorentino
Pat Hingle
Pat Hingle
Jeremy Piven
Jeremy Piven
Anita Gillette
Anita Gillette
Maureen Mueller
Maureen Mueller
Keith David
Keith David
Tracey Walter
Tracey Walter
Harve Presnell
Harve Presnell
Lois Smith
Lois Smith
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Is Larger Than Life appropriate for kids?

Larger Than Life receives its PG rating for mild language and some comedic peril. The film follows motivational speaker Jack Corcoran, who inherits a 3-ton elephant named Vera and embarks on a cross-country trip. Parents should be aware of some slapstick violence, including a… Read more — free account

Content severity in Larger Than Life

Sex Mild 2/10
Violence Strong 5/10
Language Moderate 3/10
Substances Mild 2/10
Themes Strong 5/10

What happens in Larger Than Life, moment by moment

  1. 0:04 🔥 Mature Themes 2/10
  2. 0:07 🍷 Substances 2/10
  3. 0:10 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
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Sex and nudity in Larger Than Life

Sexual content is limited to a single, brief line of dialogue with mild innuendo. When a character helps Jack determine the elephant's gender and age, she makes a veiled joke about Jack having a "large elephant."

Violence and gore in Larger Than Life

Violence is infrequent and mostly played for comedic effect. A paranoid trucker attacks Jack with a tire iron, but the elephant Vera intervenes in a slapstick manner. Jack comically crashes a semi-truck. More seriously, there is a brief but distinct scene where another trainer is seen striking an elephant with an electric goad, which may be upsetting for animal lovers.

Language in Larger Than Life

Language is mild, consistent with its PG rating. The IMDb Parents Guide notes a few uses of "damn," sometimes as "goddamn," and a single use of "shit."

Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Larger Than Life

Substance use is very light. Characters are briefly seen drinking what appears to be champagne or wine socially at an engagement party near the beginning of the film. There is no focus on alcohol consumption, and no one appears intoxicated.

Mature themes in Larger Than Life

The film contains some mature themes. Jack learns early on that his mother lied to him his entire life, telling him his father was dead when he had actually just left. This theme of parental deception and abandonment is a key plot point. The film also centers on themes of animal welfare, contrasting the compassionate treatment of Vera with the abusive practices of a show-business trainer.

Scary moments in Larger Than Life

No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Larger Than Life 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Larger Than Life appropriate for kids?

Bontent's parent guide suggests Larger Than Life is best for ages 9+. It's rated PG. Larger Than Life receives its PG rating for mild language and some comedic peril. The film follows motivational speaker Jack Corcoran, who inherits a 3-ton elephant named Vera and embarks on a cross-country trip…

What age rating does Larger Than Life have?

Larger Than Life is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 9+.

What is Larger Than Life about?

Larger Than Life receives its PG rating for mild language and some comedic peril. The film follows motivational speaker Jack Corcoran, who inherits a 3-ton elephant named Vera and embarks on a cross-country trip. Parents should be aware of some slapstick violence, including a scene where a man is comically threatened…

Is there sex or nudity in Larger Than Life?

Sexual content is limited to a single, brief line of dialogue with mild innuendo. When a character helps Jack determine the elephant's gender and age, she makes a veiled joke about Jack having a "large elephant."

How violent is Larger Than Life?

Violence is infrequent and mostly played for comedic effect. A paranoid trucker attacks Jack with a tire iron, but the elephant Vera intervenes in a slapstick manner. Jack comically crashes a semi-truck. More seriously, there is a brief but distinct scene…

Is the language in Larger Than Life appropriate for kids?

Language is mild, consistent with its PG rating. The IMDb Parents Guide notes a few uses of "damn," sometimes as "goddamn," and a single use of "shit."

Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Larger Than Life?

Substance use is very light. Characters are briefly seen drinking what appears to be champagne or wine socially at an engagement party near the beginning of the film. There is no focus on alcohol consumption, and no one appears intoxicated.

What mature themes appear in Larger Than Life?

The film contains some mature themes. Jack learns early on that his mother lied to him his entire life, telling him his father was dead when he had actually just left. This theme of parental deception and abandonment is a key plot point. The film also centers…

How long is Larger Than Life?

Larger Than Life runs 93 minutes, directed by Howard Franklin, released in 1996.

Where can I read the full Larger Than Life parent guide?

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