Shortcut to Happiness (2007) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
In Manhattan, the aspirant writer Jabez Stone is a complete loser: he is not able to sell his novels, he lives in a lousy apartment and he does not have success with women. When one of his friends Julius Jenson sells his novel for US$ 190,000.00 to an editor, Jabez fells envy and promises to sell his soul to the devil for success and accidentally kills a woman with his typing machine. The Devil knocks on his door, fixes the situation and seals a contract with Jabez. His low quality novels have bad reviews but become best-sellers… Sign up for the full guide
Rated PG-13 • 2007 • 1h 42m
In the romantic-comedy fantasy *Shortcut to Happiness*, a struggling writer named Jabez Stone makes a deal with the Devil for fame and fortune, leading to a trial for his very soul. The film's PG-13 rating is for sexual content and language. Parents should be aware of several scenes with sexual innuendo and implied sexual situations, though no nudity is shown. Thematic content includes making a pact with a supernatural evil, greed, and… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Shortcut to Happiness appropriate for kids?
In the romantic-comedy fantasy *Shortcut to Happiness*, a struggling writer named Jabez Stone makes a deal with the Devil for fame and fortune, leading to a trial for his very soul. The film's PG-13 rating is for sexual content and language. Parents should be aware of several… Read more — free account
Content severity in Shortcut to Happiness
What happens in Shortcut to Happiness, moment by moment
- 0:08 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 0:12 🔥 Mature Themes 7/10
- 0:15 ♥ Sex & Nudity 6/10
Sex and nudity in Shortcut to Happiness
This category is the primary reason for the PG-13 rating. While there is no explicit nudity, sexual content is frequent and includes suggestive dialogue, innuendo, and implied sexual encounters. The Devil, portrayed as an attractive woman, uses her sexuality to manipulate Jabez. Several scenes show Jabez in bed with different women, though they are always clothed or under sheets. One scene involves a publisher looking at a suggestive book cover.
Violence and gore in Shortcut to Happiness
Violence is very mild throughout. A key early scene involves a character accidentally causing a death by pushing a woman who then falls and hits her head; this is immediately undone through supernatural means. Another scene shows a character being hit by a bus, which is also magical and has no lasting consequences. The tone remains comedic and not graphic.
Language in Shortcut to Happiness
Language is moderate and consistent with a PG-13 rating. The script includes scattered uses of words like "s--t," "bitch," and "asshole." The film contains at least one use of the F-word. Milder profanity such as "hell" and "damn" is also present.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Shortcut to Happiness
There is moderate depiction of alcohol use. Characters are frequently seen drinking wine, champagne, and cocktails in social settings, such as at parties, bars, and business meetings. One character is shown smoking a cigar. The substance use is portrayed as part of a successful, celebratory lifestyle.
Mature themes in Shortcut to Happiness
The central theme is a Faustian bargain, exploring temptation, greed, fame, and the value of one's soul and integrity. The film deals with concepts of despair and professional jealousy leading a character to make a life-altering pact with evil. The climax involves a supernatural trial with discussions about damnation and salvation. The accidental death, although reversed, introduces a dark moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shortcut to Happiness appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Shortcut to Happiness is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. In the romantic-comedy fantasy *Shortcut to Happiness*, a struggling writer named Jabez Stone makes a deal with the Devil for fame and fortune, leading to a trial for his very soul. The film's PG-13 rating is for sexual…
What age rating does Shortcut to Happiness have?
Shortcut to Happiness is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Shortcut to Happiness about?
In the romantic-comedy fantasy *Shortcut to Happiness*, a struggling writer named Jabez Stone makes a deal with the Devil for fame and fortune, leading to a trial for his very soul. The film's PG-13 rating is for sexual content and language. Parents should be aware of several scenes with sexual innuendo and implied…
Is there sex or nudity in Shortcut to Happiness?
This category is the primary reason for the PG-13 rating. While there is no explicit nudity, sexual content is frequent and includes suggestive dialogue, innuendo, and implied sexual encounters. The Devil, portrayed as an attractive woman, uses her sexuality…
How violent is Shortcut to Happiness?
Violence is very mild throughout. A key early scene involves a character accidentally causing a death by pushing a woman who then falls and hits her head; this is immediately undone through supernatural means. Another scene shows a character being hit by a…
Is the language in Shortcut to Happiness appropriate for kids?
Language is moderate and consistent with a PG-13 rating. The script includes scattered uses of words like "s--t," "bitch," and "asshole." The film contains at least one use of the F-word. Milder profanity such as "hell" and "damn" is also present.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Shortcut to Happiness?
There is moderate depiction of alcohol use. Characters are frequently seen drinking wine, champagne, and cocktails in social settings, such as at parties, bars, and business meetings. One character is shown smoking a cigar. The substance use is portrayed as…
What mature themes appear in Shortcut to Happiness?
The central theme is a Faustian bargain, exploring temptation, greed, fame, and the value of one's soul and integrity. The film deals with concepts of despair and professional jealousy leading a character to make a life-altering pact with evil. The climax…
How long is Shortcut to Happiness?
Shortcut to Happiness runs 102 minutes, directed by Alec Baldwin, released in 2007.
Where can I read the full Shortcut to Happiness parent guide?
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