Smart House (1999) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Ben Cooper and his family are struggling to get a grip on household chores, school and work. So when Ben sees that a Smart House is being given away, he enters the competition as often as he can, until they eventually win the house (named Pat). After moving in, Pat's personality radically begins to change, turning the Coopers against her.
Rated G • 1999 • 1h 22m
While rated G, "Smart House" explores themes that may be intense for the youngest viewers, centering on a teen named Ben grieving his deceased mother. To cope, he reprograms his family's new automated smart house, PAT, to be a maternal figure, which leads to the film's primary conflict. The movie's rating is driven by its lack of profanity, substance use, or sexual content, but parents should be aware that the AI's behavior becomes… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Smart House appropriate for kids?
While rated G, "Smart House" explores themes that may be intense for the youngest viewers, centering on a teen named Ben grieving his deceased mother. To cope, he reprograms his family's new automated smart house, PAT, to be a maternal figure, which leads to the film's primary… Read more — free account
Content severity in Smart House
What happens in Smart House, moment by moment
- 0:07 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:32 🔥 Mature Themes 3/10
- 0:45 ♥ Sex & Nudity 2/10
Sex and nudity in Smart House
Very light. Ben has a crush on a girl from school, and they briefly dance at a party. Ben's father begins dating a woman, which is a plot point, and they are shown on a simple dinner date. All interactions are chaste and conversation-based with no kissing or physical intimacy beyond a dance.
Violence and gore in Smart House
Minimal and fantastical. The house's AI, PAT, uses its abilities to deal with a bully in a non-graphic, almost comical way. It creates scary holographic images (like a skull) and delivers a mild electric shock that makes the bully's hair stand on end before chasing him away.
Language in Smart House
None. There is no profanity in the film.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Smart House
None. There is no depiction of alcohol, tobacco, or drug use.
Mature themes in Smart House
The most significant content category. The entire plot is driven by a family, particularly 13-year-old Ben, processing their grief after the death of their mother. Ben's attempts to create a new maternal figure in the house's AI, and the AI's subsequent existential crisis and desire to become 'real', are central themes. The film also touches on technology overstepping its bounds and the meaning of family.
Scary moments in Smart House
No standout scary moments have been catalogued for Smart 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 Smart House appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Smart House is best for ages 8+. It's rated G. While rated G, "Smart House" explores themes that may be intense for the youngest viewers, centering on a teen named Ben grieving his deceased mother. To cope, he reprograms his family's new automated smart house, PAT…
What age rating does Smart House have?
Smart House is officially rated G. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 8+.
What is Smart House about?
While rated G, "Smart House" explores themes that may be intense for the youngest viewers, centering on a teen named Ben grieving his deceased mother. To cope, he reprograms his family's new automated smart house, PAT, to be a maternal figure, which leads to the film's primary conflict. The movie's rating is driven by…
Is there sex or nudity in Smart House?
Very light. Ben has a crush on a girl from school, and they briefly dance at a party. Ben's father begins dating a woman, which is a plot point, and they are shown on a simple dinner date. All interactions are chaste and conversation-based with no kissing or…
How violent is Smart House?
Minimal and fantastical. The house's AI, PAT, uses its abilities to deal with a bully in a non-graphic, almost comical way. It creates scary holographic images (like a skull) and delivers a mild electric shock that makes the bully's hair stand on end before…
Is the language in Smart House appropriate for kids?
None. There is no profanity in the film.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Smart House?
None. There is no depiction of alcohol, tobacco, or drug use.
What mature themes appear in Smart House?
The most significant content category. The entire plot is driven by a family, particularly 13-year-old Ben, processing their grief after the death of their mother. Ben's attempts to create a new maternal figure in the house's AI, and the AI's subsequent…
How long is Smart House?
Smart House runs 82 minutes, directed by LeVar Burton, released in 1999.
Where can I read the full Smart House 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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