Common Sense Note

Parents need to know that Wet Hot American Summer is a 2001 parody of early 1980s summertime coming-of-age teen flicks and, as such, contains frequent references to teen characters wanting to have sex. Two male characters are shown sneaking off into a supply shed to have sex; they're shown nude from the waist up, kissing and holding each other close. During a montage in which the camp counselors go to town for supplies, the counselors are shown smoking cigarettes, drinking beer, smoking pot, buying cocaine, and shooting up heroin in a rundown drug house. Profanity is frequently employed (especially "f--k"), and, although the movie is one of the funniest movies released in recent history, the profanity and overall mature content make this film most appropriate for older teens and up. Still, for all its awareness of the form it's parodying, it's unafraid to celebrate those who are "different," even going so far as to have a gay marriage between two of the lead male characters and everyone in camp celebrating the milestone.

Sexual Content

Frequent references to sex throughout the movie. When the woman in charge of the camp is about to go into town for supplies, one of the female counselors asks if she will buy her some lube, because it's "for her p--sy." Male characters spy on female characters who strip down to their bikinis as they make lewd comments about their bodies. Two male characters are shown sneaking off into a supply shed to have sex; they are shown nude from the waist up, kissing and holding each other close. Two female camp counselors make out during the climax of the movie. Male and female characters are frequently shown making out and openly discussing having sex. During one make-out scene, a female camp counselor grabs a male camp counselor in the groin and lifts him up. The head cafeteria chef admits to everyone that he likes to "hump the fridge" and is briefly shown engaging in the act while fully clothed.

Violence

Comedic pratfalls throughout the movie. A boy is thrown out of a van while it's in motion.

Language

Frequent profanity throughout the movie. "F--k" is used often. Variations on "s--t" are frequently said. The word "dyke" is used, and so is the word "fag." In one of the film's more absurd moments, a can of vegetables says that it can "suck its own d--k."

Social Behavior

In its own unique way, this movie shows that it's OK to be different. For instance, when two male characters learn that one of their best friends is gay and has gotten married to his boyfriend, they buy him a chaise lounge. The "inside kids" -- those who are more interested in science or Dungeons & Dragons instead of outdoor camping activities -- meet a local professor of astrophysics, who takes them under his wing and teaches them about the universe.

Consumerism

Not applicable

Drugs / Tobacco / Alcohol

During a montage in which the camp counselors go to town for supplies, the counselors are shown smoking cigarettes, drinking beer, smoking pot, buying cocaine, and shooting up heroin in a rundown drug house.