Man of the House (1995) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Ben Archer is not happy. His mother, Sandy, has just met a man, and it looks like things are pretty serious. Driven by a fear of abandonment, Ben tries anything and everything to ruin the "love bubble" which surrounds his mom. However, after Ben and Jack's experiences in the Indian Guides, the two become much closer.
Rated PG • 1995 • 1h 36m
This PG-rated family comedy receives its rating primarily for mild thematic elements and some slapstick violence. The central plot concerns 11-year-old Ben, who is still grappling with the trauma of his father abandoning him and actively tries to sabotage his mother's new relationship with a prosecutor, Jack. Parents should be aware of themes of parental abandonment, which are emotionally impactful, and sequences of peril where… Sign up for the full guide
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Is Man of the House appropriate for kids?
This PG-rated family comedy receives its rating primarily for mild thematic elements and some slapstick violence. The central plot concerns 11-year-old Ben, who is still grappling with the trauma of his father abandoning him and actively tries to sabotage his mother's new… Read more — free account
Content severity in Man of the House
What happens in Man of the House, moment by moment
- 0:02 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:12 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
Sex and nudity in Man of the House
Very light. In one brief scene, Ben asks his mother if she is dating her new boyfriend for sex, which she quickly denies. There is no other sexual content.
Violence and gore in Man of the House
Moderate. Most of the violence is slapstick and comical, including pratfalls and Ben setting harmless booby traps for Jack. However, there are scenes of genuine peril: mobsters threaten Jack, sabotage his car's brakes resulting in a non-fatal crash into the water, and are later seen in the woods with rifles intending to kill him. The climax involves kids using bows and arrows and improvised traps to non-lethally subdue the armed villains.
Language in Man of the House
Very mild. There are a few instances of light profanity, including one use of "bitching," "hell," and the slang term "sucks."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Man of the House
None. There is no on-screen use of alcohol, drugs, or smoking. A key plot point is that Jack is a prosecutor who put a mobster in prison for drug trafficking, but this is only discussed and never depicted.
Mature themes in Man of the House
The film's primary focus is on an 11-year-old boy's trauma from being abandoned by his father years earlier. This fear of abandonment drives him to deceive and manipulate his mother's new boyfriend. Scenes depicting the initial abandonment and the boy's later emotional distress when he feels betrayed again may be upsetting for younger viewers. The plot also includes criminal intimidation and attempted murder, though it is handled within a comedic framework.
Scary moments in Man of the House
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Man of the House 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 Man of the House appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Man of the House is best for ages 10+. It's rated PG. This PG-rated family comedy receives its rating primarily for mild thematic elements and some slapstick violence. The central plot concerns 11-year-old Ben, who is still grappling with the trauma of his father…
What age rating does Man of the House have?
Man of the House is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 10+.
What is Man of the House about?
This PG-rated family comedy receives its rating primarily for mild thematic elements and some slapstick violence. The central plot concerns 11-year-old Ben, who is still grappling with the trauma of his father abandoning him and actively tries to sabotage his mother's new relationship with a prosecutor, Jack. Parents…
Is there sex or nudity in Man of the House?
Very light. In one brief scene, Ben asks his mother if she is dating her new boyfriend for sex, which she quickly denies. There is no other sexual content.
How violent is Man of the House?
Moderate. Most of the violence is slapstick and comical, including pratfalls and Ben setting harmless booby traps for Jack. However, there are scenes of genuine peril: mobsters threaten Jack, sabotage his car's brakes resulting in a non-fatal crash into the…
Is the language in Man of the House appropriate for kids?
Very mild. There are a few instances of light profanity, including one use of "bitching," "hell," and the slang term "sucks."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Man of the House?
None. There is no on-screen use of alcohol, drugs, or smoking. A key plot point is that Jack is a prosecutor who put a mobster in prison for drug trafficking, but this is only discussed and never depicted.
What mature themes appear in Man of the House?
The film's primary focus is on an 11-year-old boy's trauma from being abandoned by his father years earlier. This fear of abandonment drives him to deceive and manipulate his mother's new boyfriend. Scenes depicting the initial abandonment and the boy's later…
How long is Man of the House?
Man of the House runs 96 minutes, directed by James Orr, released in 1995.
Where can I read the full Man of the House parent guide?
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