BEDTIME STORIES
A messy family comedy better saved for home viewing.
Should You Watch It?
BEDTIME STORIES has a promising family premise: a hotel handyman discovers that the bedtime stories he tells his niece and nephew begin coming true. The film can be funny when it mocks political correctness and Communism, and it includes positive references to heroism.
But the movie is often contrived, over the top, and shrill. The plot loses momentum because there is no real jeopardy or important danger at stake. Sexualized imagery, gross humor, sexual innuendo, and some foul language also make this less comfortable for a family audience.
The −1 Family Content rating calls for discernment, especially with younger children. For your family, this is better saved for home viewing.
The Story
NO SPOILERS — WE KEEP THE SURPRISESSkeeter Bronson is a handyman at the hotel his father once owned. When his sister asks him to care for her two children while she searches for a job, Skeeter tries to keep them occupied with bedtime stories.
The next day, those stories mysteriously begin to come true. Skeeter sees a chance to change his own difficult circumstances, but the children’s contributions keep turning his plans in unexpected directions.
Is It Any Good?
Two stars means BEDTIME STORIES has a likable idea and occasional laughs, but does not hold together as a satisfying movie.
The comedy works best when it mocks political correctness and Communism. The fantasy premise also creates some amusing situations. But the film is frequently contrived and over the top, with annoying routines, an overly shrill performance style, and a plot that becomes dull and tedious about halfway through. It lacks cohesive storytelling, real jeopardy, and something important at stake. The ending is fantastically illogical.
The Worldview
BEDTIME STORIES presents a light mixed pagan worldview in which bedtime stories magically come true. The film connects these stories with messages of resentment and revenge, while also offering some positive references to heroism.
The movie wants to do the right thing, but its moral vision is weakened by its chaotic storytelling and by treating magical wish fulfillment as the engine of change. Its political humor includes jokes making fun of Communists and other politically incorrect jokes. Those jokes may draw laughs for some viewers, but they do not provide a biblical framework for understanding people or conflict.
The film’s positive emphasis on heroism can point toward courage used for others rather than merely for personal gain. Scripture says, “Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you” (Deuteronomy 31:6).
The Content Guide
The specifics — spoilers included by nature — so you can judge for your own family.
Content Summary
Light mixed pagan worldview with bedtime stories magically coming true with messages of resentment and revenge and some positive references to heroism, plus jokes making fun of Communists; six light obscenities and eight light profanities such as Oh God and My God as well as some jokes about passing gas and sexual innuendo; light slapstick violence including pratfalls, a dwarf kicks man in shin, man stops man from choking to death on beach by kicking him, arena Star Wars type battles with light action violence; some passionate kissing, cross-dressing jokes, six-year-old boy urged to kiss older girl, and sexual innuendo such as in a hot tub scene; lots and lots of female cleavage; drinking; no smoking or drugs; and, revenge, some politically incorrect jokes such as bashing vegetarians, making fun of Communists, and making fun of American Indians.
Talk About It
Questions for the drive home, the dinner table, or the youth group.
The film connects its magical stories with resentment and revenge. What does Scripture say about responding when someone has wronged us?
Romans 12:19–21 · Ephesians 4:31–32The story includes positive references to heroism. What makes an act courageous and pleasing to God rather than merely impressive?
Joshua 1:9 · Philippians 2:3–4The movie uses jokes about different groups of people. How can we pursue humor without treating people carelessly or cruelly?
Ephesians 4:29 · Colossians 4:6Skeeter’s stories affect how he sees his difficult circumstances. How should Christians respond when they want their lives to change?
Proverbs 3:5–6 · James 1:5The Final Word
BEDTIME STORIES has a charming premise and a few funny moments, but its thin plot, crude humor, sexualized imagery, and uneven execution make it a poor theatrical choice. Families with older children may find something to enjoy at home, where parents can guide the experience. Our answer is WAIT FOR HOME.
