Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that teens may be interested in this comedy because it stars Cameron Diaz, and Catherine Keener from The 40-Year-Old Virgin, but they won't get the offbeat, adult humor and storyline. Also, the film is explicit about sex, sexual behavior, and infidelity. John and Maxine have sex several times and you can hear characters reaching climax, though no one is naked. Maxine calls Craig a "fag," and belittles his sexuality. Craig kidnaps, cages, and terrorizes his wife when she falls in love with Maxine. There's discussion of homosexuality and of transexuality.

Sexual Content

There's lots of sexual discussion, sexual behavior, and sex talk. Craig has his puppets talk about their sexual thoughts and simulate masturbation. Lotte and Craig, who are married to one another, both lust after Maxine, and both have sex with her through John Malkovich. There are scenes of Malkovich and Maxine having sex, though she's never completely naked. John kisses Maxine's naked thighs. Lotte talks about being a man trapped in a woman's body and in the end has a lesbian relationship with Maxine.

Violence

A man punches Craig for his sexually explicit puppet show. Lots of falling to the side of the New Jersey Turnpike. Craig imprisons Lotte in the chimp cage and holds a gun to her head, forcing her to lie.

Language

Lots of salty language, including "bastard," "motherf--ker," "bulls--t," "spunk," "tits," "f--k," "s--t," "asshole," and "suck my dick." People are also called names like "fag" and "retard."

Social Behavior

Most of the characters are selfish and amoral. Maxine and Craig sell trips to John Malkovich's brain. Craig terrorizes his wife.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Craig, Maxine, and John Malkovich all drink alcohol at different points. Maxine smokes cigarettes. Lotte talks about smoking pot and Maxine rolls a joint, though she doesn't light it. John Malkovich talks about being stoned.