The Express (2008) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Follow the inspirational life of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy.
Rated PG • 2008 • 2h 10m
The Express is a biographical drama detailing the life of Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy, as he navigates the racial tensions of the 1950s and 1960s. The film is rated PG primarily for pervasive themes of racism, which include the use of severe racial slurs and episodes of racially motivated aggression. Parents should be aware that the film depicts physical altercations and football-related violence… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Express appropriate for kids?
The Express is a biographical drama detailing the life of Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy, as he navigates the racial tensions of the 1950s and 1960s. The film is rated PG primarily for pervasive themes of racism, which include the use of severe… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Express
What happens in The Express, moment by moment
- 0:08 💬 Language 5/10
- 0:15 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:42 ⚔ Violence & Gore 4/10
Sex and nudity in The Express
Mild; Ernie is briefly shown lying beside his girlfriend on a bed, both fully clothed.
Violence and gore in The Express
Moderate; the film features frequent football-related physical contact, including hard hits after plays are dead, as well as multiple scenes of locker-room fighting and brawling. Some scenes involve players being targeted due to their race, and in one instance, beer bottles are thrown at players during a confrontation.
Language in The Express
Moderate; the script includes multiple uses of 'sh*t,' 'ass,' 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'goddamn.' Most significantly, the film features racial slurs, including the use of 'nigger,' 'spook,' and 'coon,' which are used to depict historical prejudice.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Express
None; there are no scenes of drug use, and alcohol is mentioned only in passing.
Mature themes in The Express
Strong; the film centers on the realities of institutional racism, systemic discrimination, and the intense personal and physical challenges Ernie Davis faces as a Black athlete in a segregated society.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Express appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Express is best for ages 11+. It's rated PG. The Express is a biographical drama detailing the life of Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy, as he navigates the racial tensions of the 1950s and 1960s. The film is rated PG primarily for…
What age rating does The Express have?
The Express is officially rated PG. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 11+.
What is The Express about?
The Express is a biographical drama detailing the life of Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy, as he navigates the racial tensions of the 1950s and 1960s. The film is rated PG primarily for pervasive themes of racism, which include the use of severe racial slurs and episodes of racially…
Is there sex or nudity in The Express?
Mild; Ernie is briefly shown lying beside his girlfriend on a bed, both fully clothed.
How violent is The Express?
Moderate; the film features frequent football-related physical contact, including hard hits after plays are dead, as well as multiple scenes of locker-room fighting and brawling. Some scenes involve players being targeted due to their race, and in one…
Is the language in The Express appropriate for kids?
Moderate; the script includes multiple uses of 'sh*t,' 'ass,' 'hell,' 'damn,' and 'goddamn.' Most significantly, the film features racial slurs, including the use of 'nigger,' 'spook,' and 'coon,' which are used to depict historical prejudice.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Express?
None; there are no scenes of drug use, and alcohol is mentioned only in passing.
What mature themes appear in The Express?
Strong; the film centers on the realities of institutional racism, systemic discrimination, and the intense personal and physical challenges Ernie Davis faces as a Black athlete in a segregated society.
How long is The Express?
The Express runs 130 minutes, directed by Gary Fleder, released in 2008.
Where can I read the full The Express 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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