Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Meatballs is a sexual-innuendo-filled summer camp comedy from 1979, featuring 29 year-old Bill Murray. Even though it has young kids in it, it's intended for teen and adult viewers. There's no actual nudity, and no sex scenes, although two characters are heard speaking, off-screen, after they've had sex. But male characters ogle women in bikinis, and think and talk about sex almost constantly. There's a questionable spoken joke about children visiting hookers, and an uncomfortable scene in which a man jokingly attacks a woman (she doesn't think it's funny). Aside from sexual references, language includes things like "dick" and "hell." A camp counselor song includes a line about drinking and smoking, though these things are not shown in the movie. Irreverent at the time, the movie feels old-fashioned today. Older viewers will have a nostalgic fondness for it, but younger viewers may not be convinced.

Sexual Content

The movie has almost constant innuendo, sex-related jokes, and scenes of men ogling women in bikinis. Several characters kiss. There's no nudity, but two main characters are overheard, off-screen, after having sex. The actual act is not depicted in any way. There's a joke about "sexual awareness week" in which the children would be given access to hookers, and the winner would be allowed to "rape and pillage." In another scene, the main character wrestles with a woman in a flirty way; he bites her on the behind, she screams for him to stop, and he pretends that she has been attacking him.

Violence

A few pranks, as well as quick images of boxing and wrestling matches between camps.

Language

Language mostly includes sexual innuendo like "sex," "boobs," "nookie," "get laid," "boner," and "panty raid." A character is called a "dick." Other words include "mofo," and "hell."

Social Behavior

Amidst much childish behavior, an older character helps a younger one find his confidence. The boy overcomes the challenge of his own shyness and insecurity by finding something he's good at. The camp counselor's unorthodox behavior makes an otherwise dull place fun.

Consumerism

Characters drink Schweppes soda water and practice burping. A Planters "Mr. Peanut" doll is visible in the background during one scene.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Older characters sing a song about smoking and drinking, but these things are never shown.