Smart People

2008 R 1h 35m Blu-ray / DVD

Smart People

2008 R 1h 35m Blu-ray / DVD
  • Overview
  • Details
An unexpected romance with a charming former student and a surprise visit from his wild adopted brother conspire to turn the life of self-absorbed widowed professor Lawrence Wetherhold upside down in this witty dramedy from director Noam Murro.
Cast
Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Thomas Haden Church, Elliot Page, Ashton Holmes, Christine Lahti, Camille Mana, David Denman, Don Wadsworth, Robert Haley
Director
Noam Murro
Format
Blu-ray DVD
Screen
Widescreen Anamorphic 2.40:1
Subtitles
French, Spanish (Neutral)
CC
No
Audio
English: Dolby Digital 5.1
Screen
Widescreen Anamorphic 2.40:1
Subtitles
English SDH, French, Spanish (Neutral)
CC
No
Audio
English: Dolby True HD, English: Dolby Digital 5.1
Rating
R - Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Contains some adult material. Parents are urged to learn more about the film before taking their young children with them. R - Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian. Contains some adult material. Parents are urged to learn more about the film before taking their young children with them.
age 17+
Common Sense rating OK for kids 17+
age 17+

Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that this film -- which co-stars Ellen Page, who'll no doubt attract a fair share of young Juno fans -- is more dramatic than comic, tackling heavy themes like grief and parental indifference. There's also an iffy sexual interaction -- and it's clearly played out as such -- and a surprise pregnancy (though unlike Juno, it's not the central plot line). Both grown-ups and teens discuss sexual matters candidly, and there's some swearing (including "f--k"), a fair amount of drinking (an adult buys drinks for a minor), and teen drug use (again, instigated by an adult).

Sexual Content

Frank discussion about how condoms feel after a couple has sex (they're shown in bed, presumably naked, though they're under a blanket). Some kissing and groping (in bars and during dates), and some lascivious comments. A man's naked backside is flashed a few times, presumably for comic effect.

Violence

Nothing more than yelling and arguing.

Language

Runs the gamut from low-level insults like "moron" to curse words like "s--t" and "f--k."

Social Behavior

A father practically neglects his children and relegates adult responsibilities to his teen daughter, who's eager to please but is desperately lonely and disconnected from him and on the verge of becoming a bitter person. A couple finds it difficult to connect, and the woman lies to finesse an awkward situation. An uncle, in an attempt to help a young relative, introduces her to drugs and alcohol.

Consumerism

Carnegie Mellon is practically a character in the film; a Wellesley College sweatshirt is a high-visibility prop; close-up shot of Marlboro Lights. Signage for the Omni Hotel, Saab, etc. Mention of Penguin Books.

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

Some drinking and drug use (mostly marijuana) by grown-ups, teens, and young adults. Lots of drinking at restaurants and pubs (social situations) and alone (times of despair and oblivion). A character smokes cigarettes.

  • Age appropriate
  • Not an issue
  • Depends on your child and your family
  • Parents strongly cautioned
  • Not appropriate for kids of the age

This information for parents is provided by Common Sense Media, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving kids' media lives.

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