Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Keith Nelson, an artsy high school outcast, tries to land a date with popular girl Amanda Jones with some help from his tomboy best friend, Watts. However, Watts realizes she likes Keith as more than just a friend and tries to convince him to stop pursuing Amanda. Matters are further complicated when Keith's invitation draws the ire of Amanda's rich yet snobby ex-boyfriend, Hardy Jenns, who makes plans to get even.
Rated PG-13 • 1987 • 1h 35m
A high school artist pursues a popular girl while remaining oblivious to the romantic feelings of his tomboy best friend. The film is rated PG-13 due to moderate language and mature depictions of unrequited love and social class pressures. It is recommended for audiences aged 13 and up who are looking for a grounded teen drama.
Cast
Is Some Kind of Wonderful appropriate for kids?
A high school artist pursues a popular girl while remaining oblivious to the romantic feelings of his tomboy best friend. The film is rated PG-13 due to moderate language and mature depictions of unrequited love and social class pressures. It is recommended for audiences aged 13… Read more — free account
Content severity in Some Kind of Wonderful
What happens in Some Kind of Wonderful, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:15 💬 Language 3/10
- 0:42 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
Sex and nudity in Some Kind of Wonderful
There is no depicted sexual intercourse or explicit nudity in the film, adhering to its PG-13 teen drama roots. Romantic tension is expressed through longing looks and a few choreographed kisses that emphasize emotional connection rather than physical graphicness. The focus remains on the social dynamics and innocent pining of high school students.
Violence and gore in Some Kind of Wonderful
Traditional physical violence and gore are absent from the story, which prioritizes character development over action. While there is a confrontation at a party that threatens a brawl, it is resolved through verbal standoff and social maneuvering rather than actual fighting. The stakes are primarily emotional and social, fitting for a 13+ audience.
Language in Some Kind of Wonderful
The film contains moderate language consistent with an 80s-era PG-13 rating, including several uses of 's-word' and 'a-word.' There are occasional derogatory terms used by bullies to label the protagonists based on their social status and style. The dialogue reflects the realistic, sometimes harsh vernacular of adolescent frustration and angst.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Some Kind of Wonderful
There is no significant depiction of drug use or alcohol abuse by the teenage characters throughout the movie. Social gatherings show backgrounds typical for high school settings, but the narrative avoids focusing on substance consumption as a plot point. The characters remain sober as they navigate their complex interpersonal relationships and class-related struggles.
Mature themes in Some Kind of Wonderful
Hughes's most emotionally honest teen film — the person who truly loves you is already beside you. Watts's unrequited love is the emotional engine. The film inverts Pretty in Pink by letting the underdog girl win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Some Kind of Wonderful appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Some Kind of Wonderful is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. A high school artist pursues a popular girl while remaining oblivious to the romantic feelings of his tomboy best friend. The film is rated PG-13 due to moderate language and mature depictions of unrequited love and…
What age rating does Some Kind of Wonderful have?
Some Kind of Wonderful is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Some Kind of Wonderful about?
A high school artist pursues a popular girl while remaining oblivious to the romantic feelings of his tomboy best friend. The film is rated PG-13 due to moderate language and mature depictions of unrequited love and social class pressures. It is recommended for audiences aged 13 and up who are looking for a grounded…
Is there sex or nudity in Some Kind of Wonderful?
There is no depicted sexual intercourse or explicit nudity in the film, adhering to its PG-13 teen drama roots. Romantic tension is expressed through longing looks and a few choreographed kisses that emphasize emotional connection rather than physical…
How violent is Some Kind of Wonderful?
Traditional physical violence and gore are absent from the story, which prioritizes character development over action. While there is a confrontation at a party that threatens a brawl, it is resolved through verbal standoff and social maneuvering rather than…
Is the language in Some Kind of Wonderful appropriate for kids?
The film contains moderate language consistent with an 80s-era PG-13 rating, including several uses of 's-word' and 'a-word.' There are occasional derogatory terms used by bullies to label the protagonists based on their social status and style. The dialogue…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Some Kind of Wonderful?
There is no significant depiction of drug use or alcohol abuse by the teenage characters throughout the movie. Social gatherings show backgrounds typical for high school settings, but the narrative avoids focusing on substance consumption as a plot point. The…
What mature themes appear in Some Kind of Wonderful?
Hughes's most emotionally honest teen film — the person who truly loves you is already beside you. Watts's unrequited love is the emotional engine. The film inverts Pretty in Pink by letting the underdog girl win.
How long is Some Kind of Wonderful?
Some Kind of Wonderful runs 95 minutes, directed by Howard Deutch, released in 1987.
Where can I read the full Some Kind of Wonderful parent guide?
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