Norbit 2007

I rented this movie to watch with my adult sweetheart, and was super glad that my 13 year old daughter had not been present to witness the crude sexual humor in this movie. I was surprised later to find that she had already seen the movie, WITH MY PERMISSION. I remember asking her what it was rated and she had told me PG-13. I assumed that it meant that it was appropriate for a 13 year old, and she went with her friends to the theater and saw this movie. I guess my point is that as parents, we can not solely rely on the rating to determine what we allow our kids to watch. I think that society as a whole is much more liberal than I am. But at any rate, this movie was a blast. We laughed and laughed, and enjoyed it thoroughly.

A mild-mannered guy (Murphy) who is engaged to a monstrous woman (Murphy) meets the woman of his dreams (Newton), and schemes to find a way to be with her.

Comments: 9

cda asfc Jul 7, 2007, 6:53am EDT

I don't have children, but I know what you mean about the content. I was a bit surprised by some things. But I agree my hubby and I laughed alot. I think he enjoyed the movie more than me.

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Genine Hopkins Jul 7, 2007, 7:06am EDT

They reviewed and revamped the ratings system, but this does not seem to mean that you can trust them. I have been repulsed by Eddie Murphy's extreme off color humor for the last several years, starting with "The Nutty Professor." His references to sexual acts and obsession with obesity overrides any potential comedy to his movies. I appreciate his ability to play many characters like he did in Coming to America, but he's way off the deep end. The last good movie I saw him in was Bowfinger.

I've learned to check out movies independently before I allow my daughters to view them and it's become quite a task! Good luck with your choices in the future!

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carolyn b. Jul 7, 2007, 8:01am EDT

We took our 5 and 12 year old to see it to and it was not for them, it really wasn't for me either! I did not like the movie, it really was one of Eddie Murphys worse movies to me.

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Leslie ~ from NYC ~ R. Jul 7, 2007, 8:25am EDT

"Have you ever made a really big mistake?" was the tag line of the movie - from what I understand it was perfect - this movie lost Murphy the Oscar for Dreamgirls - probably.
PG-13 means at that age, it still needs parent's guidance - not great for 13 year olds.

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Kevin (''The SiteWizard'') V. Jul 7, 2007, 8:25am EDT

For anyone that has children, I have personally found the site below indispensable when evaluating movies for appropriateness at any age level.

Kids-In-Mind.com

All movies, including many older ones, are rated on three factors: sex, profanity and violence. The lower the number, the 'safer' the content. They tell you enough about the movie to be aware of all objectionable scenes without giving away too much of the story (so it doesn't spoil the movie for you). In addition, they identify all drug and cigarette usage, as well as any religious references, unsafe or questionable behavior, and a lot more....and all for free!

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Geri T. Jul 7, 2007, 8:42am EDT

Nice article Vanessa.
Thank you Kevin for posting the website. I am glad there is something online to let parents know what to expect.
I appreciate what Genine said and add that many movies that could be fun for children are ruined by the sexual humor.
"Transformers" was ruined, in my opinion, by the sexual humor (that, by the way, was NOT funny) and could have been a great movie for "tweens" had it not been for that unnecessary masturbation discussion. The violence I expected...but not the urinating autobots.

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Jerri H. Jul 7, 2007, 11:30am EDT

Yeah....the rating system seems to have gotten a little lax...I remember being under 18 and not being able to see some werewolf movie because of too much violence....I watched it later and it was very tame...I believe the movie was "Silver Bullet"

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