Masterminds (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
A night guard at an armored car company in the Southern U.S. organizes one of the biggest bank heists in American history.
Rated PG-13 • 2016 • 1h 35m
Based on a true story, "Masterminds" is a slapstick heist comedy whose PG-13 rating is earned for crude and sexual humor, moderate language, and some violence. The film follows gullible armored car driver David Ghantt as he's manipulated into stealing millions. Parents should be aware of frequent sexual innuendo, including suggestive jokes and a character seen in her bra. Violence is mostly comedic, but includes a brief, gross-out… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Masterminds appropriate for kids?
Based on a true story, "Masterminds" is a slapstick heist comedy whose PG-13 rating is earned for crude and sexual humor, moderate language, and some violence. The film follows gullible armored car driver David Ghantt as he's manipulated into stealing millions. Parents should be… Read more — free account
Content severity in Masterminds
What happens in Masterminds, moment by moment
- 0:04 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
- 0:10 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
- 0:16 ♥ Sex & Nudity 5/10
Sex and nudity in Masterminds
Content is moderate and consists of crude humor and innuendo rather than explicit activity. A female character (Kelly) manipulates the protagonist (David) through flirtation, is briefly seen in her bra, and makes a suggestive comment on the phone about cleaning pantyhose with her mouth. There are also jokes about lactation and a product called "Vagaway" is shown. Several characters wear revealing tops showing cleavage.
Violence and gore in Masterminds
Violence is frequent but largely played for slapstick comedy. One scene features a hitman who drops a severed human ear from a napkin, which is a brief but jarringly gory image. Other violence includes a hitman comically failing to assassinate someone, a gun accidentally discharging, a person being tied up, a propane tank explosion, and a chaotic car chase that ends in a crash. The tone remains light, and there is no focus on suffering.
Language in Masterminds
Language is moderate for a PG-13 film. There is one use of the f-word, though it is spoken quickly and can be difficult to hear. Other profanity includes uses of "hell," "damn," "ass," "crap," and derogatory terms like "skank" and "whore."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Masterminds
Substance use is very light. Characters are seen drinking alcoholic beverages socially in the background of party scenes and while on vacation in Mexico. There is no depiction of drunkenness, and no drug use or smoking is present.
Mature themes in Masterminds
The central themes are crime, betrayal, and incompetence. The plot revolves around a major heist, with characters lying to and manipulating each other for personal gain. The protagonist, David, deals with loneliness and the consequences of his foolish decisions, though these themes are explored in a consistently humorous, non-serious manner. The film ends with the criminals facing legal consequences for their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Masterminds appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Masterminds is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Based on a true story, "Masterminds" is a slapstick heist comedy whose PG-13 rating is earned for crude and sexual humor, moderate language, and some violence. The film follows gullible armored car driver David Ghantt…
What age rating does Masterminds have?
Masterminds is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Masterminds about?
Based on a true story, "Masterminds" is a slapstick heist comedy whose PG-13 rating is earned for crude and sexual humor, moderate language, and some violence. The film follows gullible armored car driver David Ghantt as he's manipulated into stealing millions. Parents should be aware of frequent sexual innuendo…
Is there sex or nudity in Masterminds?
Content is moderate and consists of crude humor and innuendo rather than explicit activity. A female character (Kelly) manipulates the protagonist (David) through flirtation, is briefly seen in her bra, and makes a suggestive comment on the phone about…
How violent is Masterminds?
Violence is frequent but largely played for slapstick comedy. One scene features a hitman who drops a severed human ear from a napkin, which is a brief but jarringly gory image. Other violence includes a hitman comically failing to assassinate someone, a gun…
Is the language in Masterminds appropriate for kids?
Language is moderate for a PG-13 film. There is one use of the f-word, though it is spoken quickly and can be difficult to hear. Other profanity includes uses of "hell," "damn," "ass," "crap," and derogatory terms like "skank" and "whore."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Masterminds?
Substance use is very light. Characters are seen drinking alcoholic beverages socially in the background of party scenes and while on vacation in Mexico. There is no depiction of drunkenness, and no drug use or smoking is present.
What mature themes appear in Masterminds?
The central themes are crime, betrayal, and incompetence. The plot revolves around a major heist, with characters lying to and manipulating each other for personal gain. The protagonist, David, deals with loneliness and the consequences of his foolish…
How long is Masterminds?
Masterminds runs 95 minutes, directed by Jared Hess, released in 2016.
Where can I read the full Masterminds 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.
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