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Avg. Critic Score: 16 out of 100 Overwhelming dislike Metascore® based on all critic reviews
Information for Parents:
13 Iffy for 13+
Read Common Sense Media review

Critic scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 40
    Variety | Brian Lowry

    There are a few bursts of sheer, irresistible idiocy -- along the lines of "Wayne's World" or even "Pee-wee's Big Adventure"-- but not enough to sustain the more arid stretches. Read full review

  • 40
    The New York Times | Elvis Mitchell

    It succeeds as a reasonably smart no-brainer. If you've ever had a yen to relive the third grade, this must be the next best thing. Read full review

  • 30
    Washington Post | Rita Kempley

    A more kid-friendly version of "Dumb and Dumber." And there's even a moral: "Yahoo for education," though the movie doesn't really put any muscle behind it. Read full review

  • 25
    Christian Science Monitor | David Sterritt

    Adam Sandler's creative songs and silly expressions on "Saturday Night Live" may have turned him into a celebrity, but this movie based solely on his antics doesn't work. Read full review

  • 25
    USA Today | Susan Wloszczyna

    Sandler mugs through a back-to-school daze. [13 February 1995, p.D1] Read full review

  • 25
    Entertainment Weekly | Owen Gleiberman

    By the end, you feel like a drill sergeant-you want to wipe that stupid grin off Sandler's face. Read full review

  • 25
    San Francisco Examiner | Barbara Shulgasser

    Tedious, unfunny. Read full review

  • 20
    Los Angeles Times | Peter Rainer

    Director Tamra Davis and screenwriters Sandler and Tim Herlihy scatter the bad jokes like fertilizer. Nothing sprouts. Read full review

  • 0
    Austin Chronicle |

    A sorry excuse for a movie, and director Davis (CB4, Guncrazy) and star Sandler should be very embarrassed. Read full review

  • 0
    Time | Richard Schickel

    One of the most execrable movies ever made. [6 March 1995, p.100] Read full review

View more reviews for Billy Madison on Metacritic

Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says Iffy for 13+ Young teens will like brash, immature humor.
What Parents Need to 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 can 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?
The good stuff
  • message true0 Positive messages: The main character is an unmotivated "party hound" that coasts through life on his father's funds.
What to watch for
  • violence false0 Violence: Not an issue
  • sex false3 Sex: Sexual advances; covers of eccentric pornos shown ("over 80 women", "drunk chicks").
  • language false3 Language: Sporadic profanity.
  • consumerism false3 Consumerism: Triscuit, Coke, and Snack Pack references.
  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3 Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some binge drinking.
An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology. © Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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