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Boss Baby

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General Review

Parent's Guide to Boss Baby

The Boss Baby (2017) is an animated spy comedy film from DreamWorks Animation, loosely adapted from Marla Frazee's picture book. The movie centers on seven-year-old Tim Templeton, whose idyllic life is disrupted by the arrival of a suit-wearing, briefcase-carrying baby who is secretly an agent from Baby Corp. Tim and his new brother, voiced by Alec Baldwin, must navigate their sibling rivalry to expose a plot by the CEO of Puppy Co. to dominate the world's affection. The film explores themes of sibling jealousy, the expanding capacity for family love, and the significance of cooperation. Aimed at a family audience, it incorporates humor designed to appeal to both children and adults. The film has an MPAA rating of PG for some mild rude humor. While generally considered appropriate for older children and adults, parental guidance is recommended for children under 8, and it may be too intense for children under 5 due to certain chase sequences, slapstick violence, and thematic elements. Despite some critical reception noting its reliance on toilet humor, the movie ultimately conveys a heartwarming message about the enduring strength of family bonds.

Things to Consider

Medium8
LGBTQ & Gender IdentityViolenceRomance and Sexual ContentProfanitySubstance UseScary & Intense ContentDisrespect & RebellionAnti-Christian Themes
Low1
Witchcraft & Occult
Medium8

LGBTQ & Gender Identity

While the 2017 film "Boss Baby" does not contain explicit or canonically confirmed LGBTQ+ characters or themes, there are instances of gender non-conformity for comedic effect and external discussions within fan communities and analyses of the broader franchise regarding potential LGBTQ+ representation.

Violence

The film features frequent instances of comedic slapstick violence and cartoon action, mostly played for laughs, but also includes moments of peril and non-graphic physical altercations that could be concerning for very young viewers.

Romance and Sexual Content

The movie contains frequent crude humor related to bodily functions, brief instances of non-graphic nudity played for comedy, and mild suggestive language that might be interpreted differently by adults than children.

Profanity

The film includes some mild coarse language, particularly misuses of a term of deity, and a notable reliance on potty humor for comedic effect, consistent with its PG rating.

Substance Use

The film contains a few fleeting references to substances, including a character being offered an alcoholic beverage, presented in a comedic or fantastical context.

Scary & Intense Content

The movie includes suspenseful scenes, chase sequences, and a menacing villain that, despite the overall comedic tone, may be frightening or intense for very young children.

Disrespect & Rebellion

The film prominently features sibling rivalry and displays of disrespect, particularly from the Boss Baby towards the parents and Tim, and instances of rebellious behavior from both children, often without immediate negative consequences.

Anti-Christian Themes

While some Christian reviews identify positive pro-family and pro-life messages, others express concern over irreverent comedic uses of religious references and symbols, which some perceive as mocking or sacrilegious.

Low1

Witchcraft & Occult

The movie features fantastical elements and magical objects, primarily presented within the imaginative world of the child protagonist, rather than depicting actual witchcraft or occult practices.

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The Boss Baby (2017) presents several core themes that largely align with biblical values, particularly regarding the sanctity of family and the transformative power of love. The film's central message champions the 'infinite quality of family love' and the idea that a family's capacity to care expands with new members, rather than being divided. This resonates deeply with Christian teachings on self-sacrificial love and the blessing of children. Furthermore, the movie subtly critiques a materialistic worldview by demonstrating that true happiness and fulfillment are found in relationships and belonging, not in career advancement or material gain, as evidenced by Boss Baby's ultimate choice to embrace a real family over his corporate ambition. The importance of teamwork, cooperation, and developing an open mind are also positively highlighted as Tim and Boss Baby learn to work together for a common good. Character morality in 'The Boss Baby' generally rewards virtue. Initially driven by self-interest and sibling rivalry, both Tim and Boss Baby undergo significant moral development. Boss Baby, initially focused on his career at Baby Corp, ultimately chooses to sacrifice his ambition and high-ranking position to become a 'real' brother to Tim, demonstrating a profound act of love and selflessness. Tim, in turn, moves past his jealousy to genuinely desire and welcome his brother, illustrating themes of forgiveness and reconciliation. The villain, Francis E. Francis, driven by bitterness and a desire to monopolize love, is ultimately thwarted, showcasing a clear moral accountability for selfish and destructive actions. These arcs reinforce the biblical principle that love triumphs over self-interest and that virtuous choices lead to lasting joy. Regarding faith representation, 'The Boss Baby' notably includes positive, albeit cartoonish, references to Heaven, angels, Jesus, prayer, sacrifice, and reconciliation. While the fantastical origin story of babies from 'Baby Corp' is a whimsical narrative device that does not overtly contradict religious teachings, some references, such as Tim asking if Boss Baby is 'baby Jesus,' might be seen as irreverent by some parents. However, overall Christian reviews suggest the film maintains a respectful tone towards these themes. Family relationships, though initially strained by jealousy, are ultimately portrayed as profoundly valuable, emphasizing sibling bonding and the unending nature of parental love. Parents are shown as loving, if at times comically overwhelmed, reinforcing the idea of family as a central blessing, even amidst its challenges.

Additional Context

Best For Ages

Recommended for ages 7 and up, with parental guidance for children under 8. While rated PG, the film contains thematic elements, slapstick violence, and rude humor that may be too intense or confusing for younger children, particularly those under 5. Older children will likely better understand the comedic and imaginative aspects of the story.

Good to Know

The sequel, 'The Boss Baby: Family Business' (2021), also carries a PG rating and continues themes of family bonds and teamwork, but introduces more pronounced themes of mild peril, scary themes, and mild cartoon violence, similar to the first film's content.

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