Information for Parents
Common Sense Media says Iffy for 16+
Check please. Indie waiter comedy too raunchy for kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this movie is the fourth feature film by the comedy troupe Broken Lizard (Super Troopers, Broken Lizard's Club Dread, Beerfest), which specializes in vulgar, raunchy humor filled with foul language. Neither the comedians nor the material are terribly smart, daring, or memorable, and the movie seems destined to appeal to the Lizard's core cult audience and no one else. However, for first timers, the characters are mildly likeable and the jokes occasionally find purchase. Aside from the nonstop cursing and sex talk, the movie ventures into comic violence and some sexual situations. Broken Lizard fans will want to see it, but only those over 16 should get the chance.
- Families can talk about the "champ," who owns the restaurant. Is he a bully? What makes him so? Who stands up to him, and how?
- Most of the movie consists of a contest to see which waiter can make the most money in one night. Is the contest friendly? Or mean? Do the waiters genuinely like one another, in spite of their insults?
- What made you laugh in this movie? Was it a funny line of dialogue, or something more visual? Why was it funny?
The good stuff
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Positive messages: There are no messages here except one small one that occurs in the film's final minutes. The spineless house manager stands up to the champ, who has been bullying the wait staff, and succeeds in his efforts. Otherwise, the competition is equal parts friendly and mean-spirited, and there are a few derogatory insults along the way.
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Positive role models: While these waiters and restaurant workers may be funny, none of them are worth emulating or even remembering.
What to watch for
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Violence: One character is burned twice, via some hot soup and some birthday candles. Otherwise, there is lots of squabbling and shouting and mild wrestling. The "champ" punches a few people, and a character falls down the stairs and "breaks his legs." (They're bent behind him in a humorous way.)
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Sexy stuff: There is lots of boasting, sex talk, and some kissing (with moaning and slapping). A girl dances in her underwear, but there is no real nudity aside from a naked male bottom.
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Language: We hear constant swearing throughout, with just about every word in the book: "f--k" (and all its variations), "s--t" (and all its variations), "p---y," "c--k," "c--t," "ass," "anus," "bitch," "retard," "suck it," "dick," "blow job," "nuts," "balls," "'tang," "teats," "twat," "douche," and one made up word: "Ejacudor."
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Consumerism: The brands of alcoholic drinks are mentioned in the restaurant, such as Smirnoff and Blue Curacao. The restaurant also carries a Zagat rating.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: The customers in the restaurant sometimes drink to excess, meant as humorous. One new waiter is given Blue Curacao to drink as a prank; his lips turn blue. He gets drunk and begins slurring and getting his words mixed up. Another character forgets to take his "meds" and starts acting crazy in the restaurant.