Smart People (2008) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Professor Lawrence Wetherhold might be imperiously brilliant, monumentally self-possessed and an intellectual giant -- but when it comes to solving the conundrums of love and family, he's as downright flummoxed as the next guy.
Rated R • 2008 • 1h 35m
Smart People is an R-rated dramedy centered on Professor Lawrence Wetherhold (Dennis Quaid) navigating family tensions, grief and new romance. The film’s rating is driven mostly by frequent strong language, brief teen drug and alcohol use, and some mild sexual content (a consensual hookup with limited nudity). Parents should also be aware of a fall that leads to a seizure and several emotionally sharp family arguments about neglect and… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Smart People appropriate for kids?
Smart People is an R-rated dramedy centered on Professor Lawrence Wetherhold (Dennis Quaid) navigating family tensions, grief and new romance. The film’s rating is driven mostly by frequent strong language, brief teen drug and alcohol use, and some mild sexual content (a… Read more — free account
Content severity in Smart People
What happens in Smart People, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:09 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
- 0:12 ⚔ Violence & Gore 2/10
Sex and nudity in Smart People
Mild, brief sexual activity and partial nudity. Lawrence and Dr. Janet have a consensual sexual encounter (no explicit sex shown); there is a short shot of a man's bare back/buttock later. IMDb Parents Guide lists these as non-graphic and brief.
Violence and gore in Smart People
Brief, non-graphic physical incidents. The most significant episode is Lawrence climbing a fence, falling and suffering a seizure; other moments include an argumentative confrontation and a medical injection scene in the ER. No on-screen blood or graphic injury is shown.
Language in Smart People
Moderate-to-strong profanity throughout, including multiple strong curse words and frequent insulting name-calling. Characters use f-words and various slurs/insults in family and academic confrontations; IMDb Parents Guide documents several instances. Expect repeated rough language rather than sustained vulgar monologue.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Smart People
Mild, on-screen smoking, drinking and brief teen drug use. A teenage character and an adult share a joint, multiple characters are shown drinking alcohol at a party and one teen appears drunk, and there are cigarettes in several scenes.
Mature themes in Smart People
Moderate, adult themes about grief, family estrangement, parental neglect and an unexpected pregnancy. The film shows a widower coping with loss, a strained father/son relationship, and characters confronting personal selfishness — these are treated in realistic, sometimes sharp scenes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smart People appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Smart People is best for ages 13+. It's rated R. Smart People is an R-rated dramedy centered on Professor Lawrence Wetherhold (Dennis Quaid) navigating family tensions, grief and new romance. The film’s rating is driven mostly by frequent strong language, brief teen…
What age rating does Smart People have?
Smart People is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Smart People about?
Smart People is an R-rated dramedy centered on Professor Lawrence Wetherhold (Dennis Quaid) navigating family tensions, grief and new romance. The film’s rating is driven mostly by frequent strong language, brief teen drug and alcohol use, and some mild sexual content (a consensual hookup with limited nudity). Parents…
Is there sex or nudity in Smart People?
Mild, brief sexual activity and partial nudity. Lawrence and Dr. Janet have a consensual sexual encounter (no explicit sex shown); there is a short shot of a man's bare back/buttock later. IMDb Parents Guide lists these as non-graphic and brief.
How violent is Smart People?
Brief, non-graphic physical incidents. The most significant episode is Lawrence climbing a fence, falling and suffering a seizure; other moments include an argumentative confrontation and a medical injection scene in the ER. No on-screen blood or graphic…
Is the language in Smart People appropriate for kids?
Moderate-to-strong profanity throughout, including multiple strong curse words and frequent insulting name-calling. Characters use f-words and various slurs/insults in family and academic confrontations; IMDb Parents Guide documents several instances. Expect…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Smart People?
Mild, on-screen smoking, drinking and brief teen drug use. A teenage character and an adult share a joint, multiple characters are shown drinking alcohol at a party and one teen appears drunk, and there are cigarettes in several scenes.
What mature themes appear in Smart People?
Moderate, adult themes about grief, family estrangement, parental neglect and an unexpected pregnancy. The film shows a widower coping with loss, a strained father/son relationship, and characters confronting personal selfishness — these are treated in…
How long is Smart People?
Smart People runs 95 minutes, directed by Noam Murro, released in 2008.
Where can I read the full Smart People 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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