Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this movie is gross, which is probably why it will appeal to fourth-graders everywhere. There's also some crude potty humor and mild profanity, as well as name-calling and bullying. But the message is straightforward and simple: It's okay to stand up for yourself, and sometimes, you have to eat worms (or in grown-up terms, do something you don't want to do) in order to gain the courage needed to get by in this crazy world.

Sexual Content

Woody refers to his private parts as "dillydink". Other references to body parts ("sphincter") and potty humor. Mild romantic scenes between characters.

Violence

This movie is refreshingly free of slapstick violence; most is of the verbal variety. Students fear Joe's "death ring," which supposedly kills its victims when they reach 8th grade.

Language

Lots of snot and worm jokes. The boys snicker over crude potty jokes, pet names for male anatomy, other mild profanities.

Social Behavior

Billy thinks about running away, then decides to face the worm challenge. Kids try to intimidate others, and everyone's afraid of Joe, the school bully. His group of insecure thugs do whatever he says. Name-calling, sibling rivalry, and mocking authority figures are integral to the plot.

Consumerism

This movie has an old-fashioned family feel to it, so there are few references to products.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Dad drinks wine after a hard day at work.