Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that although The Nut Job is being marketed to preschool-aged kids, there are some jump-worthy moments and some gun violence that might make it too scary for the youngest of viewers: the humans use guns and there are several scenes in which it seems like a character will die or be killed. The language includes insults like "moron," "nothing," and "stupid"; parents sensitive to scatological humor should know there are several burp and fart jokes. On the bright side, there is a positive message about what it means to be part of a community.
Sexual
Content
Grayson keeps flirting with Andie and insisting she go on a date with him. He touches and dips her, but she's not interested. Surly develops a crush on Andie as well and they share a couple of hugs. There's a human couple as well -- the buxom blonde Lana, who hugs and briefly kisses King.
Violence
A few jump-worthy moments may frighten little ones, like when the dog pops up right in front of Surly or the scary rat gang attacks Surly and then appear about to kill Buddy. The humans in the movie are old-school gangsters who use guns to shoot at each other and the animals. Cars blow up and go over bridges; an important park tree burns down. A cardinal starts to peck at characters and acts in an evil manner. Even when it seems like characters meet their end, audiences later see they've survived (albeit hurt). Some characters act nobly, but are secretly mean and violent.
Language
Insult language includes "stupid," "nothing," "moron," "lousy," "bums," "no-good," "vermin," "ugly," and of course "nut job." There's also a good bit of scatological humor (burp and fart jokes).
Social
Behavior
The overwhelming message of the movie is to learn to be part of a community -- where helping others and being helped in return is part of life. Surly's adventure makes him realize why he needs the animals in the park, and they discover that he's much more than the selfish squirrel they pegged him as at the beginning of the movie.
Consumerism
Peanut Butter & Co. peanut butter has prominent signage in the front of the nut store. The company hosted a tie-in sweepstakes.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Not applicable