Stripes Movie Review: Is It Good For Kids?

Hey guys! Ever wondered if the movie Stripes is a good pick for a family movie night? Well, you've come to the right place! As parents, we all want to make sure the content our kids are watching is age-appropriate and aligns with our family values. That's where Common Sense Media comes in super handy, offering detailed reviews and ratings for movies, books, games, and more. Let’s dive into a Stripes review, keeping in mind what Common Sense Media typically considers, so you can make an informed decision.

What is Stripes About?

First off, let’s get a quick rundown of the movie. Stripes, released in 1981, is a comedy starring Bill Murray as John Winger, a slacker who decides to join the army after losing his job and girlfriend. He convinces his best friend, Russell Ziskey, played by Harold Ramis, to enlist with him. The film follows their misadventures in basic training and their eventual deployment to Europe, where they find themselves in a series of hilarious and improbable situations. The humor is classic 80s, filled with slapstick, witty banter, and a healthy dose of irreverence. It’s the kind of movie that many adults remember fondly from their own childhoods, but is that nostalgia enough to make it suitable for today's kids?

The plot revolves around John Winger, a man down on his luck, who impulsively enlists in the army, dragging his equally disillusioned buddy, Russell Ziskey, along for the ride. Basic training becomes a playground for their antics, as they clash with authority and find creative ways to shirk their responsibilities. Their rebellious spirit and comedic timing turn mundane military exercises into laugh-out-loud moments, providing a satirical take on army life. However, things escalate when their unit is unexpectedly deployed to Europe, leading to even more outlandish escapades. The humor in Stripes is characterized by its irreverent and often absurd nature. The characters frequently engage in slapstick comedy, witty banter, and humorous situations that poke fun at military customs and expectations. One of the recurring themes is the clash between the free-spirited protagonists and the rigid structure of the army, resulting in comical misunderstandings and chaotic scenarios. The film relies on exaggerated characters and situations to create humor, making it a lighthearted and entertaining experience for viewers. The comedic elements are carefully crafted to elicit laughter while also offering a subtle critique of authority and conformity. Bill Murray's delivery and comedic timing are central to the film's success, as he effortlessly portrays the nonchalant and mischievous nature of his character. Overall, the humor in Stripes is a blend of physical comedy, witty dialogue, and satirical commentary, making it a memorable and enjoyable comedic experience.

Language and Content Concerns

Okay, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. One of the biggest concerns for parents is often language. Stripes, being an 80s comedy, does contain some language that might raise eyebrows. Expect to hear some mild profanity, as well as some suggestive dialogue and innuendo. It's not overly explicit, but it's definitely there. Additionally, the movie features some scenes with brief nudity and sexual content, albeit mostly played for comedic effect. These scenes are not graphic, but they are present. Understanding these aspects is crucial in deciding if the movie aligns with your family's comfort level.

Stripes does contain instances of suggestive dialogue and innuendo that may be a concern for some parents. The characters sometimes make remarks or engage in conversations that allude to sexual topics, though these are typically brief and played for comedic effect. While the movie does not dwell on explicit details, the presence of such content may still make it unsuitable for younger viewers or families who prefer to avoid such themes altogether. In addition to suggestive dialogue, Stripes also features scenes with brief nudity. These instances are generally brief and not overtly sexual, but they may still be a cause for concern for parents who wish to shield their children from such content. The nudity is often used in a comedic context, such as during a locker room scene or a humorous situation involving undress. However, its presence may still be a deciding factor for families when determining whether or not Stripes is appropriate for their children to watch. It is important for parents to be aware of these elements within the movie and to consider their own family values and standards when making a decision. While Stripes is primarily a comedy, its inclusion of suggestive dialogue and brief nudity means that it may not be suitable for all audiences. Parents should take the time to research the movie and understand its content before allowing their children to view it. By doing so, they can ensure that the movie aligns with their family's preferences and values, and that their children are not exposed to content that they may find inappropriate or uncomfortable.

Violence and Intensity

While Stripes is primarily a comedy, it does have some scenes involving violence, though it’s mostly played for laughs. There are instances of slapstick violence, such as characters getting into fights or engaging in exaggerated physical altercations. The violence is generally cartoonish and not realistic, but it’s still present. Additionally, the film includes scenes with military training and combat, though these are also presented in a comedic way. While Stripes is not an action movie, parents should be aware of these elements when considering whether it’s suitable for their children.

In Stripes, the presentation of violence is often exaggerated and comedic in nature. Characters may engage in over-the-top physical altercations or participate in training exercises that are portrayed in a humorous light. While the violence is not intended to be taken seriously, its presence may still be a concern for some viewers. Parents may want to consider whether their children are able to distinguish between fantasy violence and real-world violence before allowing them to watch the movie. The military training and combat scenes in Stripes are also presented in a comedic fashion. The characters may find themselves in absurd situations or engage in ridiculous behavior during training exercises. While the movie does not shy away from depicting military life, it does so in a way that is lighthearted and entertaining. However, parents should still be aware that these scenes may contain elements of violence or danger, even if they are presented in a comedic context. It is important for parents to evaluate the content of Stripes in its entirety before deciding whether it is appropriate for their children. While the movie is primarily a comedy, it does contain instances of violence and intensity that may be concerning for some viewers. By taking the time to research the movie and understand its content, parents can make an informed decision that aligns with their family's values and preferences. Additionally, parents may want to consider watching the movie with their children and discussing any concerns or questions that arise. This can help to ensure that children are able to understand the context of the violence and intensity and that they are not negatively impacted by it.

Positive Messages and Role Models

One area where Stripes might surprise you is in its subtle positive messages. Despite the characters' initial lack of motivation, they learn the value of teamwork and camaraderie throughout the movie. They form strong bonds with their fellow soldiers and work together to overcome challenges. While the characters are far from perfect, they demonstrate loyalty and friendship, which can be positive role models for viewers. Moreover, the film touches on themes of self-discovery and personal growth, as the characters find purpose and meaning in their lives through their experiences in the army. These positive messages may be overshadowed by the film's raunchy humor and irreverent tone, but they are nonetheless present and can provide valuable lessons for viewers.

Throughout the movie, the characters in Stripes demonstrate the importance of standing by one another and supporting each other through thick and thin. They face challenges together and learn to rely on each other's strengths to overcome obstacles. This sense of unity and collaboration is a positive message that can resonate with viewers of all ages. While the characters in Stripes may start off as aimless and unmotivated individuals, their experiences in the army lead them on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. They learn valuable lessons about themselves and the world around them, and they emerge from their experiences as more mature and responsible individuals. This theme of personal transformation can be inspiring for viewers who are also seeking to find their place in the world. In addition to promoting positive values such as teamwork and personal growth, Stripes also encourages viewers to embrace individuality and to challenge conventional norms. The characters in the movie often defy expectations and break free from the constraints of society, which can be empowering for viewers who feel like they don't fit in. Overall, while Stripes may be known for its humor and irreverence, it also contains a number of positive messages and role models that can resonate with viewers. By highlighting themes such as teamwork, personal growth, and individuality, the movie offers valuable lessons that can inspire and uplift audiences of all ages. Parents who are considering showing Stripes to their children may want to discuss these positive messages with them after watching the movie together. This can help to reinforce the lessons that the movie teaches and to encourage children to embrace these values in their own lives.

Age Appropriateness: Is Stripes Good for Kids?

So, is Stripes good for kids? Common Sense Media typically recommends Stripes for ages 17 and up, mainly due to the language, sexual content, and mature themes. While some older teens might appreciate the humor and be able to contextualize the content, it’s generally not suitable for younger viewers. Parents should consider their child’s maturity level and tolerance for the aforementioned content before allowing them to watch Stripes. It’s also a good idea to watch the movie yourself first to get a better sense of what it entails. Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but being informed is key.

The decision of whether or not Stripes is appropriate for children ultimately rests with the parents. While some older teenagers may be able to appreciate the humor and understand the context of the movie's content, it is generally not recommended for younger viewers. Parents should carefully consider their child's maturity level, as well as their tolerance for the language, sexual content, and mature themes present in the film. It is advisable for parents to watch Stripes themselves before allowing their children to view it. This will allow them to gain a better understanding of the movie's content and determine whether it aligns with their family's values and preferences. By doing so, parents can make an informed decision that prioritizes their child's well-being and ensures that they are not exposed to content that may be inappropriate or uncomfortable for them. If parents do choose to allow their children to watch Stripes, it may be beneficial to watch the movie together and discuss any concerns or questions that arise. This can provide an opportunity for parents to explain the context of certain scenes or themes and to address any confusion or discomfort that their children may experience. Additionally, it can foster open communication and strengthen the parent-child bond. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not Stripes is appropriate for children is a personal one that should be made with careful consideration and thoughtful deliberation. By taking the time to research the movie, understand its content, and assess their child's maturity level, parents can make an informed decision that aligns with their family's values and priorities.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Stripes is a classic 80s comedy that offers plenty of laughs, but it’s not without its caveats. The language, sexual content, and mature themes make it more suitable for older teens and adults. By considering the insights from a Common Sense Media-style review, you can make an informed decision about whether Stripes is the right movie for your family. Happy watching, and remember to always prioritize age-appropriate content for your kids!