Mr. Popper's Penguins (2011) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Tom Popper is a successful businessman who’s clueless when it comes to the really important things in life...until he inherits six “adorable” penguins, each with its own unique personality. Soon Tom’s rambunctious roommates turn his swank New York apartment into a snowy winter wonderland — and the rest of his world upside-down.
Rated PG • 2011 • 1h 34m
Mr. Popper's Penguins is a family comedy that earns its PG rating for mild rude humor, some language, and thematic elements. The film centers on Tom Popper, a businessman whose life is upended when he inherits six penguins. Parents should be aware of some slapstick violence, including a character getting a bloody nose, and scenes of penguins causing chaos and making messes, which is played for laughs. Thematic elements include the… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Mr. Popper's Penguins appropriate for kids?
Mr. Popper's Penguins is a family comedy that earns its PG rating for mild rude humor, some language, and thematic elements. The film centers on Tom Popper, a businessman whose life is upended when he inherits six penguins. Parents should be aware of some slapstick violence… Read more — free account
Content severity in Mr. Popper's Penguins
What happens in Mr. Popper's Penguins, moment by moment
- 0:04 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
- 0:26 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
Sex and nudity in Mr. Popper's Penguins
None. The IMDb Parents Guide notes a brief, non-sexual verbal reference to Viagra, but there is no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.
Violence and gore in Mr. Popper's Penguins
Violence is mild and consists entirely of slapstick and comic peril. In one scene, a character is accidentally hit in the face with a soccer ball and is later seen with a tissue for a bloody nose. Penguins cause property damage and chaos, like flooding an apartment. There are a few instances of potty humor, such as a penguin pooping on a character's shoe and another nearly pooping on his face (it cuts away). A chase scene near the end involves characters running through a zoo and a restaurant but results in no…
Read more — free accountLanguage in Mr. Popper's Penguins
Language is mild and infrequent, consistent with its PG rating. The IMDb guide cites isolated uses of "hell" and "damn," a couple uses of the substitute "freaking," and several exclamatory uses of "God."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Mr. Popper's Penguins
Substance use is very light. Adults are seen holding and drinking champagne in social settings like a fundraiser. In one scene, Tom Popper jokingly tells his ex-wife "You're drunk, I like that," though she is not intoxicated. There is no depiction of smoking or illegal drug use.
Mature themes in Mr. Popper's Penguins
The film's primary themes involve family and responsibility. It opens with the news that Mr. Popper's estranged, globe-trotting father has died, a theme of parental neglect that is explored through Tom's relationship with his own children. A central, emotional subplot involves the characters' vigil over a penguin egg that fails to hatch, which may be sad for younger viewers. An antagonistic zookeeper lies and schemes to steal the penguins, representing themes of deception and greed.
Scary moments in Mr. Popper's Penguins
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Mr. Popper's Penguins 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 Mr. Popper's Penguins appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Mr. Popper's Penguins is best for ages 8+. It's rated PG. Mr. Popper's Penguins is a family comedy that earns its PG rating for mild rude humor, some language, and thematic elements. The film centers on Tom Popper, a businessman whose life is upended when he inherits six…
What age rating does Mr. Popper's Penguins have?
Mr. Popper's Penguins is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 8+.
What is Mr. Popper's Penguins about?
Mr. Popper's Penguins is a family comedy that earns its PG rating for mild rude humor, some language, and thematic elements. The film centers on Tom Popper, a businessman whose life is upended when he inherits six penguins. Parents should be aware of some slapstick violence, including a character getting a bloody…
Is there sex or nudity in Mr. Popper's Penguins?
None. The IMDb Parents Guide notes a brief, non-sexual verbal reference to Viagra, but there is no sexual content, innuendo, or nudity.
How violent is Mr. Popper's Penguins?
Violence is mild and consists entirely of slapstick and comic peril. In one scene, a character is accidentally hit in the face with a soccer ball and is later seen with a tissue for a bloody nose. Penguins cause property damage and chaos, like flooding an…
Is the language in Mr. Popper's Penguins appropriate for kids?
Language is mild and infrequent, consistent with its PG rating. The IMDb guide cites isolated uses of "hell" and "damn," a couple uses of the substitute "freaking," and several exclamatory uses of "God."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Mr. Popper's Penguins?
Substance use is very light. Adults are seen holding and drinking champagne in social settings like a fundraiser. In one scene, Tom Popper jokingly tells his ex-wife "You're drunk, I like that," though she is not intoxicated. There is no depiction of smoking…
What mature themes appear in Mr. Popper's Penguins?
The film's primary themes involve family and responsibility. It opens with the news that Mr. Popper's estranged, globe-trotting father has died, a theme of parental neglect that is explored through Tom's relationship with his own children. A central…
How long is Mr. Popper's Penguins?
Mr. Popper's Penguins runs 94 minutes, directed by Mark Waters, released in 2011.
Where can I read the full Mr. Popper's Penguins parent guide?
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