Stealing Harvard (2002) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
John and his girlfriend have vowed to marry once they save $30,000 for their dream house. But the minute they achieve their financial goal, John finds out his niece has been accepted at Harvard, and he's reminded of his promise to pay for her tuition (nearly $30,000). John's friend Duff convinces him to turn to petty crime to make the payment … but Duff's hare-brained schemes spin quickly out of control.
Rated PG-13 • 2002 • 1h 25m
Stealing Harvard is a broad comedy that earns its PG-13 rating for pervasive crude and sexual humor, language including f-bombs, and drug references. The plot follows John Plummer, who resorts to petty crime with his dim-witted friend Duff to pay for his niece's college tuition. Parents should be aware of a central, recurring joke involving a man being forced to cross-dress and "spoon" with another man at gunpoint, which is used for… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Stealing Harvard appropriate for kids?
Stealing Harvard is a broad comedy that earns its PG-13 rating for pervasive crude and sexual humor, language including f-bombs, and drug references. The plot follows John Plummer, who resorts to petty crime with his dim-witted friend Duff to pay for his niece's college tuition… Read more — free account
Content severity in Stealing Harvard
What happens in Stealing Harvard, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 4/10
- 0:15 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
- 0:18 ♥ Sex & Nudity 7/10
Sex and nudity in Stealing Harvard
Contains strong but non-graphic sexual humor and situations. A recurring plot point involves a man, John, being forced by a homeowner (Judge Cook) to wear his late wife's dress and lie in bed with him to "spoon" while being photographed for blackmail. This happens again later to another character. The film ends with a character, Duff, offering to "spoon" with the judge for money. There is no nudity, but the themes of sexual humiliation and coercion are central to the comedy.
Violence and gore in Stealing Harvard
Violence is moderate and played for slapstick comedy. A character is held at gunpoint in his home, though the scene quickly turns comedic. Failed robbery attempts lead to chaotic scuffles and property destruction. In one scene, a dog attacks a character by latching onto his crotch and refusing to let go, which is played for laughs. There is some brief, minor blood shown, but the violence is never intense or graphic.
Language in Stealing Harvard
Language is a significant factor in the PG-13 rating. There are two uses of "f--k" and more than a half-dozen uses of "s--t." Other profanity is frequent, including multiple uses of "asshole," "bitch," "bastard," and "damn." God's name is also used as an exclamation.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Stealing Harvard
Substance use is mild but present. There are multiple drug references, including a major subplot where the main characters pretend to be involved in an ecstasy ring to trick a criminal. In one scene, a character buys alcohol for a group of underage teenagers. Adults are also seen smoking cigarettes and cigars.
Mature themes in Stealing Harvard
The central theme is the justification of crime for a noble purpose, as the protagonist resorts to robbery and deception to fulfill a promise. The film's plot is driven by a series of escalating crimes, including burglary, armed robbery, and confidence schemes. Blackmail is a major plot device, used by one character to coerce others and later used by the protagonist to escape legal consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Stealing Harvard appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Stealing Harvard is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. Stealing Harvard is a broad comedy that earns its PG-13 rating for pervasive crude and sexual humor, language including f-bombs, and drug references. The plot follows John Plummer, who resorts to petty crime with his…
What age rating does Stealing Harvard have?
Stealing Harvard is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Stealing Harvard about?
Stealing Harvard is a broad comedy that earns its PG-13 rating for pervasive crude and sexual humor, language including f-bombs, and drug references. The plot follows John Plummer, who resorts to petty crime with his dim-witted friend Duff to pay for his niece's college tuition. Parents should be aware of a central…
Is there sex or nudity in Stealing Harvard?
Contains strong but non-graphic sexual humor and situations. A recurring plot point involves a man, John, being forced by a homeowner (Judge Cook) to wear his late wife's dress and lie in bed with him to "spoon" while being photographed for blackmail. This…
How violent is Stealing Harvard?
Violence is moderate and played for slapstick comedy. A character is held at gunpoint in his home, though the scene quickly turns comedic. Failed robbery attempts lead to chaotic scuffles and property destruction. In one scene, a dog attacks a character by…
Is the language in Stealing Harvard appropriate for kids?
Language is a significant factor in the PG-13 rating. There are two uses of "f--k" and more than a half-dozen uses of "s--t." Other profanity is frequent, including multiple uses of "asshole," "bitch," "bastard," and "damn." God's name is also used as an…
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Stealing Harvard?
Substance use is mild but present. There are multiple drug references, including a major subplot where the main characters pretend to be involved in an ecstasy ring to trick a criminal. In one scene, a character buys alcohol for a group of underage teenagers…
What mature themes appear in Stealing Harvard?
The central theme is the justification of crime for a noble purpose, as the protagonist resorts to robbery and deception to fulfill a promise. The film's plot is driven by a series of escalating crimes, including burglary, armed robbery, and confidence…
How long is Stealing Harvard?
Stealing Harvard runs 85 minutes, directed by Bruce McCulloch, released in 2002.
Where can I read the full Stealing Harvard parent guide?
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