Age Appropriateness of Movie "Up"

Updated on June 20, 2009
J.S. asks from Lexington, KY
29 answers

Have any of you taken your children to see the new animated feature "Up"? I was all set to take our two (ages 3,5) then realized it was rated PG and not G. I was curious as to whether it would be entertaining and/or appropriate for that age group. Does anyone know why it was given a PG rating? Thanks in advance for helping out on this one.

What can I do next?

  • Add yourAnswer own comment
  • Ask your own question Add Question
  • Join the Mamapedia community Mamapedia
  • as inappropriate
  • this with your friends

Featured Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W.M.

answers from Nashville on

My kids went and are 3 and 5, they loved it. Although they fell asleep by the end. :o) It is 3D though, they may not want to keep the glasses on but you can still watch the movie without them.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.G.

answers from Nashville on

I have a 5 and 3 year old, and we just went to see the movie. We had to leave early because of my 3 year old.
We probably would have made it if the movie didn't have so many previews! It was 35 minutes before the movie even started. Also, the previews were pretty intense (Transformers, Harry Potter, etc) and my 3 year old was scared by the loud noises and action. He was OK with the UP movie, actually, but I think he just got tired of sitting still for so long!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.G.

answers from Nashville on

I usually go to the Focus on the Family website and read their reviews. I have not seen the movie myself (waiting for it to come to the $1.50 theater), but all of my friends have taken their kids to see it and say that it is wonderful.

More Answers

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

V.C.

answers from Wheeling on

I see you got a lot of 'links' to sites that analyze(sp) the appropriateness of movies. Everyone seems to think it's a great movie that I've heard. It sounds to me as if you should go see it yourself (maybe with 'Dad') and then decide. If you don't think it would be good for your kids, at least you will have enjoyed it yourself!

T.C.

answers from Lexington on

I ws planning on taking my 4 year old to see it, but my co-worker took her granddaughters and said it was a complete waste of time, it was not a good movie in general..espesically when you have to pay extra for the 3D effects. I took my daughter to see Bolt, she loved that and also to see Monsters Versus Aliens and she LOVED that and even my husband and I enjoyed it. Hopefully this will help.
Usually things are issued as PG because it could appeal to a wider audience. In my experience PG means that something may fly over my 4 yr old's head and the 7 year old next to me will laugh at it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

D.T.

answers from Goldsboro on

Try going to http://parentpreviews.com/movie_reviews/up/ You can also review other children's movies as well at this site. Hope this helps! :-)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.M.

answers from Louisville on

honestly if you look most of the kids movies have that rating. mostly i have just noticed jokes that kids wouldnt even pick up on. as for this movie i havent seen it but im dying too take my kiddo!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.D.

answers from Nashville on

I took my 3 year old, thinking it looked harmless. He enjoyed a lot of it, but it got pretty intense at times. He asked to go home mid-movie, but decided he wanted to come back in and finish watching the movie. I think it would be fine for the 5 year old, but the dogs and the scenes where they are falling were a bit too much for my 3 year old.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

W.M.

answers from Louisville on

Hi J..
UP was an amazing movie!!!! But I would not take children as young as yours. Not because its bad, but because the story is emotionally deep. It is one of the best movies I have ever seen. But I am afraid they would be kinda bored. My 7 and 10 yo loved it and understood what all was going on. Its about love, and loss and dreams, its really really good. I do hope you go see it though. You will be glad you did.
W.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.B.

answers from Raleigh on

Rated PG for "some peril and action"

It was a great movie, my Just turned 6yo loved it, my almost 4yo could have done without - too complex.

There are a great many things for an adult to enjoy (especially if you are a "dog" person.) But also the story line is a rather grown up one even though most of the visuals will appeal to a younger set. The movie centers around a grown up relationship & promises, really.

You might want to wait for it to come out on DVD. If your Oldest is a mature 5 & loves animals, she may really like it. There is plenty to laugh at. Leave the 3yo at home.

P : )

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.C.

answers from Nashville on

My kids are 5 and 3, too. I took my 5yr old to see it and would have taken my 3yr old if he could sit in a theater, but he can't yet. LOL Anyway, my daughter liked it alot and it's a pretty cute movie. It does have your typical "bad guy" in it, but it's nothing different from any other movie.........Ursula in Little Mermaid, Sid in Toy Story, Stepmom in Cinderella, Sharks in Nemo....you get my point. =0)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.C.

answers from Huntington on

Plugged In Magazine has a website online that reviews all aspects of movies. Here is the link to the review for UP: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a###-###-###...

I think their review is an accurate description of the movie. After reading that, you can decide if you want your kids to see it or not. It might be too intense for the 3 yo, but you know him better than I do. Check out that site as it breaks it down all the way. I would cut and paste the review, but it is really too long for this type of post.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

J.P.

answers from Memphis on

I did see the movie with my 11 yr. old 8 yr. old and my neighbors kids which includeds a 4 yr old....there were maybe a few parts that were intense but not that scary. All the kids loved it.
It was sad and funny. The 3 yr. old might not enjoy it as much but the 5 yr. old probably would.
Jen

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.H.

answers from Huntington on

I agree that alot goes over a 3& 5 yo's head.

An adult friend of mind recommended I not see it. She said it was depressing (loss of loved ones/unfulfilled dreams), but then this is looking at a kid's movie through an adult's eyes. As a kid, many of the same movies that I now think have 'adult themes' never phased me as a kid. (Hanzel and Gretel come to mind. H was going to be eaten, then the kids killed the witch, but it seemed fine when I was a kid!!) Don't get me started on all the Disney movies with dead moms....

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

S.T.

answers from Johnson City on

Check out www.pluggedinonline.com It gives a full synopsis of the movie.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.Q.

answers from Nashville on

My husband took our 4 year old and she enjoyed it. She's not easily scared though, her favorite movie is Wizard of Oz and the flying monkeys don't bother her a bit...
He said the story line was over her head but that was fine. They need to make it enjoyable for the adults as well, right!?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.R.

answers from Knoxville on

Just about every kids movie is rated PG. I think it is because there are a few obscure jokes that are slightly adult that and older child may question but most of that stuff goes right over my 5 year olds head. I think they put some of that stuff in for us parents so we don't get bored. I am not all that strict on that stuff so I might not be the best to answer this but it seemed fine to me. My parents were really strict on my movie and tv watching.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.F.

answers from Louisville on

It depends on the kids. My son, 3, curls up in anxiety during suspenseful scenes in Toy Story but can't get enough of Sorceror's Stone and my daughter, age 2, laughs during the battle scenes of Fellowship of the Rings.

I'm concerned about my kids exposure to gun violence, domestic violence, foul language, adult themes and gratuitous sex but I let loose on the fantasy stuff that doesn't show blood even if it involves death scenes.

I realized that my son was playing with swords and guns and pretending to die before watching these movies. They seem to understand what is fantasy and what is real. But, some kids don't so you just have to know your kid.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

L.L.

answers from Nashville on

I have not seen it but my best friend did and said it was awful and had several violent/scary places and that her girls (6 & 8) did not enjoy it at all.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

T.A.

answers from Charleston on

I took my 6 yr old granddaughter to see it, and she really liked it, and I did as well. I'm not sure that she actually got the moral of the story, but she liked it anyway. She actually saw it twice, because her summer camp went a few days after,(needless to say, I didn't know their plan at the time she and I went) :-)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.W.

answers from Charlotte on

I have not looked at any of the other responses, but when I have any questions about movies I always check out www.focusonthefamily.com -- go to Entertainment and then Plugged in Reviews. They will give you a listing of what is bad and good about the movie and even list how many times certain bad words are used (not that UP would have any). Great website to keep my family from going to a movie that may not be appropriate.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from Nashville on

J. - I saw Up last week with some co-workers. I LOVED it and plan to take my children who are 7 and 3 1/2. I'm actually looking forward to seeing it again! Of course, like several other people have commented, it depends a lot on your children. Neither of mine are bothered by the scary/chase scenes in movies. They actually enjoy the suspense. Also, here's a great website for a parent's guide to both television and movies - http://parentstv.org.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from Raleigh on

Whenever I am unsure about the appropriateness of a movie, I check Focus on the Family's movie review website, www.pluggedinonline.com. It is very helpful because it gives a summary of the story plus breaks down different aspects of the movie as well (violence, language, etc). To see the review for Up, go to www.pluggedinonline.com and click on "IN THEATERS" under the MOVIE REVIEWS section. Scroll down to the review for Up and click READ. My personal opinion is that your kids sound too young for it, but you can read the review to make your best decision for you and your family. I hope this website is as useful for you as it has been for me!

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.S.

answers from Greensboro on

I took my 3 yr old and she did fine. There are a few scenes with some very angry dogs. My neighbors took their 2 yr old and the dogs were a little upsetting to her, as well as some storm clouds. Other than that both girls seemed to enjoy the movie.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.R.

answers from Knoxville on

I took my 5 year old, and she was fine, but I wouldn't recommend it for a 3 year old. There are several scenes with scary dogs (example: main characters surrounded in a canyon by pack of angry dogs) that would likely frighten a 3 year old, or at least would have frightened my child when she was 3. As far as the 5 year old, there are also adult themes such as loss of a spouse, inability to have a child, and construction threatening to take a man's house away. These are handled very sensitivily but be prepared for questions (why was the man sad, etc.). That said, the movie is beautifully done, the animation is fantastic, and the story is so original. I loved it.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

H.R.

answers from Louisville on

I took both my 2 year old and 10 year old to see the movie "Up" last week. The 2 year old was more interested in the popcorn than the movie while the 10 year old seemed to enjoy it. The content was somewhat scarey to my 2 year old and it was a more emotionally mature subject matter than expected. I would not recommend it for your children, they are too young. It is a great movie to own and I will certainly but it on dvd. Good luck with your choice.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

K.M.

answers from Raleigh on

Please visit www.commonsensemedia.org. You'll never have to wonder whether a movie, TV show, book or video is appropriate again. This fantastic, empowering website for parents provides a review, along with a recommendation on the appropriate age. It highlights the level of certain issues, including violence, language, message & role models, sex, consumerism, as well as drinking, drugs and smoking. If you decide that something is not appropriate for your child, thankfully it also suggests appropriate alternatives (if there are any).
By the way, it rates the movie "Up" for ages 6 and above.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

R.W.

answers from Knoxville on

www.kids-in-mind.com

This is an awesome site and will tell you everything you need to know about the appropriateness of any movie.

Hope it helps!

R.

For Updates and Special Promotions
Follow Us

Related Questions

Related Searches