Movie Review: Billy Madison
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What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this film features some strong
language. The humor is immature and is targeted toward
teenagers. An older maid makes continuous sexual advances at
the protagonist (including a request to take her shirt off for
him). The film contains some scenes of binge drinking. Rude
behavior rules. The ending features a positive message of
accomplishment and resilience.
Families who see this movie could talk about Billy's apathetic view on life. How may growing up without any pressures or responsibilities result in Billy's degenerate lifestyle? Parents could highlight Billy's ability to act as a role model for his fellow classmates. Why is it important to have positive role models?
Common Sense Media Review
To inherit his family's chain of hotels, Billy (Adam
Sandler) makes a deal with his father to pass grades 1-12
without cheating. There is only one problem: Billy is a
good-for-nothing idiot. The 27-year-old spoiled brat is usually
drunk. He chases invisible penguins and pranks neighbors by
setting fire to bags of poo on their doorsteps. As the movie
progresses, Billy slowly learns responsibility. The film
culminates while in an academic decathlon against conniving
Madison Hotels V.P., Eric Gordon (Bradley Whitford) and falling
love with his teacher Veronica Vaughn (Bridgette Wilson).
Similar to Sandler's Happy Gilmore, BILLY MADISON is a silly, unintelligent comedy that offers no real message. Without warning, though, audiences both young and old may find themselves guffawing at the film's more random memorable moments (Miss Lippy's paste facial comes to mind). The film features great cameos by Steve Buscemi and Sandler's old SNL pals Chris Farley and Norm McDonald.
Families who enjoy BILLY MADISON might also enjoy Adam Sandler's other popular 90s comedy Happy Gilmore (1996). Other films with this comedy style include Dirty Work (1998), Tommy Boy (1995), and Black Sheep (1996).
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
