dodgeball movie common sense media

2 min read 01-03-2025

Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story is a 2004 comedy film that's become a cult classic. But is it appropriate for kids? Common Sense Media offers a helpful review, which we'll expand upon here to give parents a complete picture.

What Common Sense Media Says About Dodgeball

Common Sense Media rates Dodgeball as appropriate for ages 13+, citing the presence of crude humor, sexual innuendo, and some violence. Their review highlights the film's slapstick nature, but also points out the potentially offensive content some viewers might find objectionable. They emphasize the importance of parental guidance.

Content Breakdown: Is Dodgeball Right for Your Child?

Let's delve deeper into the aspects of Dodgeball that Common Sense Media flags:

Humor and Language:

Crude Humor: The film relies heavily on slapstick comedy and juvenile humor. Expect plenty of bodily function jokes, silly faces, and over-the-top reactions. This is the film's main comedic style and might be overwhelming for younger or sensitive children.
Sexual Innuendo: There are several suggestive jokes and situations, often involving the characters' romantic relationships or general flirtation. These moments are not explicit but might be confusing or inappropriate for younger audiences.
Language: While not excessively profane, the movie contains mild swearing and suggestive language. This is relatively infrequent but still something to consider.

Violence:

Slap Stick Violence: The majority of the "violence" is exaggerated and comical dodgeball-related action. Characters are frequently hit with dodgeballs, but the injuries are played for laughs. It's slapstick, not realistic.
Underlying Themes: While the violence is largely comedic, there are moments of competitive aggression and some potentially bullying behaviour. This could be a good conversation starter about sportsmanship and healthy competition.

Positive Elements:

Despite the potentially questionable content, Dodgeball does contain some positive elements:

Underdog Story: The film follows a group of misfits who find success through teamwork and perseverance. This theme is inspiring and relatable for many viewers.
Friendship: The strong bonds of friendship and camaraderie between the team members are highlighted throughout.
Humor: While crude at times, the humor is often lighthearted and silly, creating an overall fun atmosphere.

Talking Points for Parents and Children:

After watching Dodgeball, consider these discussion points with your children:

Types of Humor: Discuss the different types of humor used in the movie and whether they found them funny or offensive.
Sportsmanship: Talk about the importance of good sportsmanship and how to handle competition healthily.
Friendship and Teamwork: Discuss the role of friendship and teamwork in achieving success.
Acceptable Behavior: Talk about the differences between acceptable and unacceptable behavior, particularly when it comes to jokes and language.

Conclusion:

Common Sense Media's assessment of Dodgeball is accurate. While it's undeniably a funny movie, its crude humor, sexual innuendo, and even some subtle bullying themes make it unsuitable for younger children. Parents should preview the film and decide if the content aligns with their family's values and their child's maturity level. A viewing with a parent or older sibling provides an opportunity for discussion and guidance. Ultimately, the decision rests with you as the parent.