Small Soldiers (1998) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
When missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures, the toys soon begin to take their battle programming too seriously.
Rated PG-13 • 1998 • 1h 50m
Small Soldiers is rated PG-13 for its frequent and menacing action violence, where militarized toy soldiers attack humans. The film's primary content concerns involve the Commando Elite, led by Chip Hazard, using improvised weapons to terrorize, kidnap, and attempt to harm teenager Alan Abernathy and his family. The violence includes a protracted home invasion sequence, toys being brutally dismantled, and intense peril. The film also… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Small Soldiers appropriate for kids?
Small Soldiers is rated PG-13 for its frequent and menacing action violence, where militarized toy soldiers attack humans. The film's primary content concerns involve the Commando Elite, led by Chip Hazard, using improvised weapons to terrorize, kidnap, and attempt to harm… Read more — free account
Content severity in Small Soldiers
What happens in Small Soldiers, moment by moment
- 0:21 ⚔ Violence & Gore 5/10
- 0:25 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:35 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
Sex and nudity in Small Soldiers
Sexual content is very mild. It is limited to some teenage flirtation between the main characters, Alan and Christy, and a single passionate kiss they share near the end of the film. There are no sexual situations, innuendo, or nudity.
Violence and gore in Small Soldiers
The film is filled with action violence, mostly perpetrated by toys against other toys and humans. The Commando Elite use household items to create dangerous weapons, including nail guns, flamethrowers, and small vehicles. Humans are threatened, tied up, and shot with projectiles. Toys are frequently "killed" in violent ways: decapitated, run over by a lawnmower, melted, electrocuted, and put through a garbage disposal, though no blood is shown. A man is punched in the face.
Language in Small Soldiers
Language is infrequent and mild for a PG-13 film. The word "ass" is used a couple of times. Other milder exclamations are also present.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Small Soldiers
There are a few brief drug and alcohol references. Christy's parents drink gin and tonics, and the Commando Elite spike their drinks with sleeping pills to incapacitate them. In one scene, Alan's mother, disbelieving his story about living toys, asks him if he is "on crack."
Mature themes in Small Soldiers
The central theme is the danger of unchecked military technology and consumerism. The Commando Elite embody violent, jingoistic ideals, while the peaceful Gorgonites are treated as monstrous outsiders to be eliminated. The film also explores themes of persecution, the reality of violence versus its sanitized depiction in toys, kidnapping, and corporate irresponsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Small Soldiers appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Small Soldiers is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Small Soldiers is rated PG-13 for its frequent and menacing action violence, where militarized toy soldiers attack humans. The film's primary content concerns involve the Commando Elite, led by Chip Hazard, using…
What age rating does Small Soldiers have?
Small Soldiers is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Small Soldiers about?
Small Soldiers is rated PG-13 for its frequent and menacing action violence, where militarized toy soldiers attack humans. The film's primary content concerns involve the Commando Elite, led by Chip Hazard, using improvised weapons to terrorize, kidnap, and attempt to harm teenager Alan Abernathy and his family. The…
Is there sex or nudity in Small Soldiers?
Sexual content is very mild. It is limited to some teenage flirtation between the main characters, Alan and Christy, and a single passionate kiss they share near the end of the film. There are no sexual situations, innuendo, or nudity.
How violent is Small Soldiers?
The film is filled with action violence, mostly perpetrated by toys against other toys and humans. The Commando Elite use household items to create dangerous weapons, including nail guns, flamethrowers, and small vehicles. Humans are threatened, tied up, and…
Is the language in Small Soldiers appropriate for kids?
Language is infrequent and mild for a PG-13 film. The word "ass" is used a couple of times. Other milder exclamations are also present.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Small Soldiers?
There are a few brief drug and alcohol references. Christy's parents drink gin and tonics, and the Commando Elite spike their drinks with sleeping pills to incapacitate them. In one scene, Alan's mother, disbelieving his story about living toys, asks him if…
What mature themes appear in Small Soldiers?
The central theme is the danger of unchecked military technology and consumerism. The Commando Elite embody violent, jingoistic ideals, while the peaceful Gorgonites are treated as monstrous outsiders to be eliminated. The film also explores themes of…
How long is Small Soldiers?
Small Soldiers runs 110 minutes, directed by Joe Dante, released in 1998.
Where can I read the full Small Soldiers parent guide?
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