Why Him? Movie Parents Guide: What You Need to Know
Hello there, parents! If you're here, it's probably because you're wondering, "Why Him?" - and no, we're not talking about the existential crisis kind. We're diving into the 2016 comedy film "Why Him?" and providing a comprehensive parents guide to help you decide if it's the right fit for your family movie night. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and why him movie parents guide.
What's the Buzz About "Why Him?"?
In a nutshell, "Why Him?" is a holiday-themed comedy that follows the story of a family man, Ned Fleming (Bryan Cranston), who travels to California with his family to visit his daughter Stephanie (Zoey Deutch) at Christmas. There, he meets her boyfriend, Laird Mayhew (James Franco), a billionaire video game designer with a... unique personality. The film is a hilarious clash of worlds as Ned struggles to accept Laird as his future son-in-law.
Why Him? Movie Parents Guide: Age Appropriateness
"Why Him?" is rated R by the MPAA for language and sexual material. Here's a breakdown of why:
- Language: The film is peppered with strong language, including multiple uses of the "F-word" and other profanities. - Sexual Content: There are several sexual references and innuendos, as well as some brief nudity. - Drugs and Alcohol: Characters drink alcohol and smoke marijuana, although it's not glamorized.
Given these factors, we recommend "Why Him?" for older teens and adults. Younger teens might not understand or appreciate the humor, and the mature content might be too much.
Why Him? Movie Parents Guide: Themes
Despite its mature content, "Why Him?" explores some valuable themes that make it a great conversation starter with your older kids:
- Family dynamics: The film shows the evolving dynamics of a family as their children grow up and start their own lives. - Acceptance: Ned's struggle to accept Laird as his daughter's boyfriend highlights the importance of accepting people for who they are, even if they're different from us. - Communication: The film emphasizes the importance of open and honest communication in relationships.
Why Him? Movie Parents Guide: Talking Points
To make the most of "Why Him?" with your older teens, consider discussing these talking points:
- What do you think about Laird's unconventional lifestyle? Is it okay to judge people based on their appearance or how they speak? - Ned struggles to accept Laird because he's different from what he expected. Have you ever had to accept someone who was different from your expectations? - How do you think Stephanie feels about her dad's reaction to Laird? Have you ever felt caught in the middle between your family and your significant other?
Why Him? Movie Parents Guide: Alternatives
If "Why Him?" isn't the right fit for your family, consider these alternative comedy films that might be more suitable:
- The Princess Switch (Netflix, 2018) - Rated PG: A fun, lighthearted holiday rom-com about a baker who swaps places with her royal look-alike. - Game Night (2018) - Rated PG-13: A dark comedy about a game night gone wrong. While it has some mature content, it's generally more suitable for older teens.
Final Thoughts
"Why Him?" is a hilarious and heartwarming comedy that offers a great opportunity to discuss important themes with your older teens. Just be aware of its mature content and use your discretion. As always, it's essential to know your kids and their maturity levels when deciding which movies to watch together.
Happy family movie night, and remember: communication is key! Now, go forth and enjoy some laughs together.