Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that Underdog Kids is another sports film in the "David vs. Goliath" tradition. In this tale a ragtag bunch of down-and-out kids takes on the winning Beverly Hills martial-arts junior champs with the help of a former MMA (mixed martial arts) heavyweight trying to make a comeback. Filled with straightforward messages about responsibility, confidence, and hard work, the film also has plenty of stereotypes (angry African-American boy, a kid trying to overcome a stutter, an overweight boy fat-shamed by his dad, a struggling single mom, adorable orphans, bullies). Lots of martial-arts action plays throughout with no serious injuries, and there's bullying and some street fighting in which the coach overwhelms an entire company of toughs. Expect some colorful insults ("chicken butt"), a few swear words ("bulls--t," "piss"), and numerous loud farts.
Sexual
Content
A kiss.
Violence
Most of the fighting takes place in competitions; traditional martial-arts combat (falls, offensive and defensive maneuvers, holds). However, in two instances, impromptu fights are motivated by anger or bullying. Some bloody noses, bruising, and throw-downs. An overweight boy is bullied and attacked.
Language
Insults: "chicken butt," "shut up," "fatty." Swearing: "piss," "bulls--t." Farts get considerable screen time. A comic martial-arts move shows a painful groin kick.
Social
Behavior
Promotes confidence, hard work, and a positive outlook as means of reaching goals. Multiple explicit messages: "Be a problem solver, not a problem maker." "You have no choice about what you are -- black or brown, rich or poor. You have no choice about what people think of you. You only have a choice about what you think of yourself. No one can take that away." "Take a negative in life and turn it into a positive." "Follow the 3 R's -- respect for others, respect for yourself, and responsibility for your actions."
Consumerism
Catapult Shoes, MMA (mixed martial arts), Yowza equipment.
Drugs / Tobacco /
Alcohol
Not applicable
