When it comes to choosing movies for children, parents often rely on ratings, trailers, and recommendations to ensure the content is appropriate. However, some films can be misleading, appearing child-friendly at first glance but containing mature themes that are unsuitable for younger audiences. One such movie is Sausage Party, an animated film that has sparked debates among parents and critics alike. At The Kids Point, we believe in helping parents make informed decisions about the media their children consume. In this article, we’ll explore whether Sausage Party is suitable for kids, what parents should know about its content, and why it’s essential to look beyond the surface of animated films.
What Is Sausage Party About?
Sausage Party is a 2016 animated comedy film produced by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, known for their work on adult-oriented comedies like Superbad and Pineapple Express. At first glance, the movie might seem like a typical animated adventure, featuring anthropomorphic food items living in a grocery store. The main characters include Frank, a sausage (voiced by Seth Rogen), Brenda, a bun (voiced by Kristen Wiig), and a variety of other food products like a bagel, taco, and lavash.
The plot revolves around the food items’ belief that being chosen by the “gods” (humans) means they will be taken to a better place. However, Frank discovers the horrifying truth: the “gods” are actually consuming them. This revelation leads to a chaotic and comedic journey as the food items try to survive and come to terms with their existence.
While the premise might sound whimsical, Sausage Party is far from a family-friendly film. It is rated R for strong crude sexual content, pervasive language, and graphic violence. These elements make it clear that the movie is intended for mature audiences, despite its colorful animation and playful concept.
Why Sausage Party Is Not Suitable for Kids
Crude Sexual Content
One of the most significant reasons Sausage Party is inappropriate for children is its explicit sexual content. The film is filled with sexual innuendos, jokes, and scenes that are far from suitable for young viewers. For example:
- The relationship between Frank and Brenda is heavily sexualized, with numerous jokes about their physical compatibility as a sausage and a bun.
- There are multiple scenes involving food items engaging in suggestive behavior or making explicit comments.
- The movie’s climax features a graphic and over-the-top orgy scene involving various food items, which is both shocking and highly inappropriate for children.
These elements are not only inappropriate but also confusing for kids who may not understand the context or humor.
Pervasive Language
Sausage Party is packed with profanity, including frequent use of the F-word and other explicit language. The dialogue is filled with crude jokes, insults, and vulgar expressions that are not suitable for young audiences. For parents who aim to shield their children from such language, this movie is a clear no-go.
Graphic Violence
Despite its comedic tone, Sausage Party contains graphic and violent scenes that can be disturbing for children. The film depicts food items being brutally killed, chopped, and eaten by humans, often in a gory and exaggerated manner. Additionally, there are scenes of food items attacking each other, resulting in bloody and violent outcomes. These depictions can be frightening and unsettling for kids, especially those who are sensitive to violence.
Mature Themes
Beyond its explicit content, Sausage Party explores complex and mature themes that are not appropriate for children. The movie delves into existential questions about life, death, and the meaning of existence, often in a dark and cynical way. It also critiques religion, consumerism, and societal norms, topics that are likely to go over the heads of younger viewers and may not align with the values parents wish to instill in their children.
Misleading Presentation
One of the most concerning aspects of Sausage Party is its misleading presentation. The film’s colorful animation and playful premise might lead parents to assume it’s a harmless kids’ movie. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. The movie’s R rating and adult-oriented content make it entirely unsuitable for children, and parents should be cautious not to judge a book by its cover.
The Importance of Researching Movies Before Watching
Sausage Party serves as a reminder of why it’s crucial for parents to research movies before allowing their children to watch them. Here are some tips to help you make informed decisions:
Check the Rating
Movie ratings provide a general guideline for the appropriateness of content. Sausage Party is rated R, which means it is intended for viewers aged 17 and older. Always pay attention to ratings and consider whether the content aligns with your child’s maturity level.
Read Reviews and Synopses
Reading reviews and plot summaries can give you a better understanding of a movie’s content. Websites like Common Sense Media offer detailed breakdowns of themes, language, violence, and other elements, helping you determine if a film is suitable for your child.
Watch the Trailer
Trailers can provide a glimpse into a movie’s tone and content. However, keep in mind that trailers can sometimes be misleading, so it’s essential to combine this with other research methods.
Preview the Movie
If you’re unsure about a film, consider watching it yourself before allowing your child to view it. This way, you can assess its content and decide whether it’s appropriate for your family.
Alternatives to Sausage Party for Kids
If you’re looking for animated movies that are both entertaining and appropriate for children, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some family-friendly alternatives:
- Toy Story Series: A heartwarming and humorous series about toys that come to life when humans aren’t around.
- Inside Out: A thought-provoking and emotional film that explores the inner workings of a child’s mind.
- Zootopia: A fun and engaging movie that tackles themes of diversity and inclusion.
- Finding Nemo: An adventurous underwater tale about family and friendship.
- Shrek: A humorous and slightly edgy (but still kid-friendly) take on fairy tales.
These movies offer engaging stories, positive messages, and age-appropriate content that children can enjoy without exposure to mature themes.
How to Talk to Kids About Inappropriate Content
If your child has already seen Sausage Party or another movie with inappropriate content, it’s essential to address the situation calmly and constructively. Here are some tips for having this conversation:
Ask Questions
Start by asking your child what they thought of the movie and if there was anything that confused or upset them. This will help you gauge their understanding and feelings about the content.
Explain Why It’s Inappropriate
In age-appropriate terms, explain why the movie isn’t suitable for kids. For example, you might say, “That movie has grown-up jokes and scenes that aren’t meant for children.”
Reinforce Your Values
Use the opportunity to discuss your family’s values and why certain types of content are off-limits. This can help your child develop critical thinking skills and make better media choices in the future.
Offer Alternatives
Redirect your child’s attention to more appropriate movies or activities. This can help them move on from the experience and focus on positive entertainment.
While Sausage Party may appear to be a lighthearted animated film, its explicit content, mature themes, and graphic scenes make it entirely unsuitable for children. As parents, it’s our responsibility to ensure that the media our kids consume aligns with their developmental stage and values. By researching movies, checking ratings, and having open conversations with our children, we can make informed decisions that protect their innocence and promote positive entertainment.
At The Kids Point, we’re committed to helping parents navigate the challenges of raising children in a media-saturated world. By staying informed and proactive, you can create a safe and enriching environment for your kids to grow and thrive. Remember, not all animated films are created equal—sometimes, it’s best to look beyond the surface and choose content that truly benefits your child’s well-being.