Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that kids will definitely want to see this much-hyped, effects-heavy adventure. The effects are good (the dinosaur skeleton is especially fun), but the plot is uneven and the action hectic, with some point-of-view camerawork that could potentially startle younger viewers. The movie features spastic, cartoonish violence by the museum exhibits that come to life. This includes shooting (Civil War soldiers), explosions (miniature cowboys and miners), poison dart-shooting (miniature Mayans), chasing and hunting (dinosaur skeleton, lions), fighting, and car-crashing. Weapons include arrows, swords, guns, catapults, spears, axes. There's a repeated joke about Attila the Hun's preference for ripping off victims' limbs. Larry has an antagonistic relationship with a monkey and repeatedly disappoints his son (who acts sad) -- until the end, when he's impressed by his father's quick decision-making.

Sexual Content

Mild flirting between Larry and Rebecca; Teddy Roosevelt admires Sacajawea through his binoculars (prompting Larry to ask, "Are you checking her out?").

Violence

Lots of comic crashes and falls. Repeated scenes in which soldiers and other warriors fight (shooting, explosions, fighting, swords), though none of these encounters leads to visible/lasting injuries (some charring following explosions). A little truck carrying two characters crashes and disappears in smoke and a teeny fire. Some scary moments, as when the dinosaur skeleton and Attila the Hun chase Larry. Larry and a monkey fight repeatedly: The monkey steals keys, pees on Larry, slaps Larry (who slaps back), etc. Characters with a bad motive kick and flip Larry.

Language

"Oh my god," "for god's sake," "don't be a kiss-ass," "screwed up." Gus calls Larry names ("weirdy," "cupcake," "hopscotch"); Jed calls him "gigantor," and they discuss name-calling.

Social Behavior

Amid the potty humor and fast-paced antics is a message about going after your dreams -- Larry tries to inspire his son to pursue his dreams, and Larry eventually learns to try harder for what he wants, too. Larry and his son have an uneven relationship, but it's clear that Larry means well and is ultimately a good dad.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Not applicable