The Benchwarmers is a 2006 sports comedy film directed by Dennis Dugan. It follows
three adult men creating a baseball team. They challenge elementary school baseballers and develop a following
of left-out kids.
The Benchwarmers Parents Guide⁚ An Overview
Movie Overview
The Benchwarmers, released in 2006, is an American sports comedy film directed by Dennis Dugan. The movie
revolves around three grown men. They compensate for their childhood lack of athleticism. They form a
three-man baseball team. The team then challenges full squads of elementary school baseball players. The film
stars Rob Schneider, David Spade, and Jon Heder.
Produced by Adam Sandler. The movie follows the trio as they gain a large following of kids. The
kids were often left out. They head towards a high-stakes game. It is a winner-take-all. The game is with
the state’s best team.
Parents should know that the film contains crude humor. There are suggestive jokes and some language. The
Benchwarmers explores themes of overcoming adversity. It also touches on bullying.
Plot Summary
Three nerdy guys form a three-player baseball team. A wealthy man sponsors them in a revenge tournament.
They play against childhood bullies. One becomes a hero but has a past as a bully.
Three Underdogs Form a Baseball Team
“The Benchwarmers” features three grown men compensating for missed athletic opportunities in their youth. They
create a baseball team challenging elementary school players. Gus, Richie, and Clark aim to prove themselves.
A millionaire funds their team, seeking revenge on bullies. They gain popularity with bullied kids. The trio
prepares for a high-stakes game. Their trainer uses unorthodox methods to enhance their skills. This involves
pranks and unconventional practice. As they progress, one’s past as a bully surfaces. This threatens their
image as underdogs. The team confronts personal challenges. They learn about teamwork and redemption.
Content Concerns
The Benchwarmers has crude humor and suggestive jokes. This may be unsuitable for younger viewers.
There are also many sexual references and innuendos.
Crude and Suggestive Humor
The Benchwarmers features repeated adolescent jokes and crude humor.
Parents should know that the movie has an adult eating his nose boogers,
as well as a scene where bullies fart on the targeted boys. There are jokes
about urine looking like things. The film recycles problems as the nerds face
when they are bullied.
There are many sexual references that will sit well (or not) with adult
members of the audience. The Benchwarmers has a PG-13 rating for crude and
suggestive humor.
The jokes in the movie are sometimes premised on adult men behaving like angry
children. The movie features many jokes of adolescent nature.
The film has lots of references and innuendoes.
Language
The Benchwarmers is rated PG-13, partially due to language. Parents should be aware that there is some profanity used throughout the movie. Although the language is not excessively pervasive, it is present enough to warrant consideration, especially for younger or more sensitive viewers.
The film’s dialogue contains instances of mild to moderate language. The use of stronger expletives is limited. The language contributes to the movie’s overall tone, which is intended to be comedic and somewhat edgy.
Reviewers have noted the presence of language as a potential concern for parents. It’s advisable for parents to consider their child’s maturity level and tolerance for such language before allowing them to watch the film.
Bullying and Mockery
The Benchwarmers contains instances of bullying and mockery, which are important factors for parents to consider. The film depicts characters being subjected to ridicule and mistreatment. This is especially from bullies, which may be uncomfortable for some viewers.
The movie also contains scenes where characters are mocked for their physical appearance. One character is ridiculed for being pale and agoraphobic. This can be a sensitive topic for viewers who have experienced similar forms of bullying.
Parents should be mindful of the potential impact of these scenes on their children. It may be beneficial to discuss the difference between humor and harmful behavior after watching the film.
Sexual References and Innuendo
Parents should be aware that “The Benchwarmers” contains sexual references and innuendo, contributing to its PG-13 rating. The film includes jokes and suggestive humor that may not be suitable for younger or more sensitive viewers. These elements are integrated into the dialogue and some of the comedic situations.
While not explicit, the sexual content is present enough to warrant caution. Parents might want to consider the maturity level of their children before allowing them to watch. The humor relies on double entendres and implied situations rather than overt depictions.
This aspect of the film is something to keep in mind when assessing its appropriateness for different age groups. Parental guidance is advised to navigate these themes.
Positive Aspects
“The Benchwarmers” presents a narrative of underdogs striving to overcome their challenges. It subtly promotes teamwork, perseverance, and standing up against bullying, offering a simple, yet positive message.
Message of Overcoming Adversity
While The Benchwarmers primarily focuses on humor, it subtly incorporates a message about overcoming
adversity. The film depicts three underdogs, initially lacking in athleticism, forming a baseball team to
challenge skilled Little League players. This premise inherently promotes the idea that individuals can
transcend their perceived limitations through dedication and teamwork. The characters face mockery and
skepticism, but their determination to prove themselves serves as an encouragement for viewers to pursue
their goals despite obstacles.
Moreover, the film highlights the importance of standing up against bullying. By challenging the
bullies on the baseball field, the protagonists indirectly advocate for defending oneself and others against
unfair treatment. The nerds cheer the team, recycling the same problems as the nerds face when they are bullied.
Age Appropriateness
The Benchwarmers has a PG-13 rating. This rating indicates that the movie may contain material
unsuitable for children under 13. Parents should be aware of content concerns before allowing younger
viewers to watch.
PG-13 Rating Explained
The Benchwarmers received a PG-13 rating from the MPAA due to “crude and suggestive humor, and for language”.
This rating suggests that some material might be inappropriate for children under 13 years old, advising parents
to exercise caution. The movie contains repeated adolescent jokes and several sexual references that may be more
suitable for mature audiences. Profanity is present, and there are instances of bullying and mockery, which can
be sensitive topics for younger viewers.
Parents should be aware that the film includes scenes with crude humor, like an adult eating his nose boogers, and
references to bodily functions. While the movie is a comedy, these elements may not align with all parents’
preferences for their children’s viewing content.
Critical Reception
The Benchwarmers received mixed reviews. Some found it funny and cute, others considered it a waste of time.
The IMDb rating is 5.5/10. Rotten Tomatoes shows a wide range of opinions on the movie.
Movie Reviews and Ratings
The Benchwarmers has garnered a range of critical responses. Some reviewers have praised the movie for its
lighthearted humor. They also appreciate its positive message of overcoming adversity. Others have criticized it for
its reliance on crude jokes. Some have even found it to be a waste of time. Common Sense Media notes a lack of
positive role models.
The film holds an IMDb rating of 5.5/10, reflecting mixed audience opinions. Rotten Tomatoes, a popular review
aggregator, also shows a diversity of critical scores. Some critics felt the movie lacked originality. They also felt it
recycled tired tropes. Despite mixed critical reception, some viewers found the movie funny.
Ultimately, the reception of The Benchwarmers varies widely. Some find it enjoyable for older kids who can
appreciate silliness. Others may find it falls short due to its humor and questionable content.
Overall Recommendation
The Benchwarmers is best suited for older kids who can discern the humor. Parents should note
the PG-13 rating. Consider the child’s maturity when deciding if it’s appropriate.
Suitability for Different Age Groups
Considering the PG-13 rating, The Benchwarmers is generally more suitable for older children and
teenagers. The movie contains crude and suggestive humor, as well as some language. Parents should be aware
of these elements and consider their child’s maturity level before allowing them to watch the film.
Younger viewers may not understand or appreciate some of the jokes and references. Some content could
be unsuitable or uncomfortable for them. However, older children who can understand the context and
intent of the humor may find the movie entertaining. Ultimately, parental discretion is advised.
It is important to remember that every child is different, and what one child finds funny, another may
find offensive.