Is Next Goal Wins safe for kids? Is Next Goal Wins OK for children? Read the Next Goal Wins Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parents guide and mom review of the all-new Taika Waititi underdog sports film from Searchlight Pictures, starring Michael Fassbender, Will Arnett and Elisabeth Moss. No spoilers! #NextGoalWins May contain commissioned links.
Next Goal Wins Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide
Everyone loves a good underdog story.
But with “Jojo Rabbit” director Taika Waititi at the helm, this soccer film could be one hilarious and heartfelt ride, or could fall just short of a goal winning performance.
In this Next Goal Wins Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, I’m breaking down the visuals, the story, a full PG-13 age rating explanation for violence, adult themes and language, and what child age recommendation is suggested to watch in this new 2023 Next Goal Wins parents guide to the new Taika Waititi live action film from Searchlight Pictures. A no-spoiler parent review of Next Goal Wins, can Taika Waititi slide tackle this based on a true story underdog soccer film and turn it into another Thor: Ragnarok success story?
The Visuals
Visually, Next Goal Wins highlights the beauty of the small but mighty island territory in the Pacific Ocean, American Samoa. Featuring tropical landscapes and vast mountains, American Samoa offers some pretty great views. But don’t expect lots of fancy CGI and special camera effects for this live action Searchlight Pictures film. Definitely a lower budget movie feel.
Photosensitivity Warning. For viewers prone to epilepsy and photosensitivity, I’m happy to report that there are no bright, flashing lights or dizzying camera effects that may be triggering in Next Goal Wins.
The Story
Writer and director Taika Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok“) takes on an underdog American Samoan soccer team in this 2023 live action underdog sports film from 21st Century Fox film subsidiary Searchlight Pictures. This heartfelt comedy stars Michael Fassbender (“300“) as coach Thomas Rogan along with big celebrity names of Will Arnett (“Arrested Development“) and Elisabeth Moss (“The Handmaid’s Tale“), and produced by Jonathan Cavendish (“Bridget Jones’s Diary“).
This based on a true story film follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. Coach Thomas Rogan begrudgingly steps in to train this rogue international soccer team in the hopes of being good enough to get just “one goal.”
Rooted in American Samoan culture, religion, and lots of signature Taika Waititi crude humor, this casual yet humbling story is pretty simple, superficial, and straight forward. Without full character deep dives, tear jerker moments, or huge plot twists, Next Goal Wins doesn’t feel heavy, keeping the story moving along with a light, upbeat pace. Themes of family, teamwork, and identity run throughout.
Next Goal Wins PG-13 Rating Explained
Is Next Goal Wins safe for kids? Is this heartfelt underdog comedy from Searchlight Pictures hiding some crude adult humor? It’s no secret that I am highly skeptical of all MPAA ratings (um hello, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker not disclosing any language??). And as we know, not all movie and TV age ratings are the same. As a parent, it’s been rather heartbreaking to witness how ratings have shifted over the years with a G-rating no longer an option.
PG ratings now oscillating between Turning Red intense to Christopher Robin calm, and even PG-13/TV-14 age ratings teetering on the edge of R or MA ratings (Moon Knight and Werewolf by Night, I see you!), there’s a wide range between the age of 0-14 years old for parents to consider. Having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or show is kid friendly – and safe for the whole family to watch together.
Why is Next Goal Wins rated PG-13? In this Next Goal Wins Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, this 2023 underdog soccer comedy film from Searchlight Pictures is rated PG-13 for “crude material, some strong language.” With film and TV ratings also unpredictable these days, having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or television show like Next Goal Wins is kid friendly. Is Next Goal Wins inappropriate for kids? Is Next Goal Wins too adult for kids? Let’s breakdown that PG-13 age rating in this Next Goal Wins parents guide.
Violence/Suspense. Overall, violence and suspense are mild. There is one possible jump scare moment of a person being hit by a moving vehicle. There’s also a couple of scenes of a man with a bloody shirt and a knife sticking out of his abdomen (very calm – for laughs).
Adult Themes. Yet another movie that does NOT disclose adult themes. Parents, you’re going to want to focus in because there’s A LOT to cover. Next Goal Wins is based on a true story and true characters, including the spotlight on an American Samoan transgender player. LGBTQ+ themes include focus on male/female identity and taking “hormone pills” throughout the film.
Sexual innuendo includes visual drawing and verbal references to “boobs.” Visual of men dry humping another man with clothing on. Visual of men hitting another man in the private area. One light kissing scene between a male and female. Scenes of men shirtless.
Death, grief and loss are also common themes. Multiple stories of disturbing and possibly violent pet deaths (no visuals). Marriage “separation” is defined in this story as well.
Alcohol consumption is a very common theme as well. Drinking liquor, beer, wine, champagne, implied child buying and delivering alcohol to an adult, drinking from an open container while driving. Playing cards for money.
Religion is a common theme throughout the film. While some serious references like praying, attending church, pictures of Jesus, priest present, etc. are seen on screen, there are also humor undertones and punchlines (such as yelling “Jesus Christ!”) when referring to Christianity and religion as well that may be offensive to some.
Ethnic slurs are common, especially when referring to “white” people. Discussions of “white savior complex,” “white people with ethnic tattoos,” and derogatory remarks about white people can be found throughout the film.
Language. And if you thought the adult themes were heavy, just wait for the swear word count. Almost 40 – might be a new record! Foul language and swear words include 1 “f*ck,” 20 “sh!t,” 1 “bullsh!t,” 2 “@sshole,” 2 “@ss,” 1 “b!tches,” 1 “son of a b!tch,” 8 “H-E-double-hockey-sticks,” 1 “crap” and 3 middle finger visuals.
Other mild bad language and insults include “pissing around,” “pissed,” “freaking out,” “idiot,” “losers,” “shut up,” “screw those guys,” “jeez,” “boobs,” “gonads,” “Jesus Christ,” “oh my g-d”
Next Goal Wins Age Rating for Kids
With a runtime of 1 hour 43 minutes, this underdog comedy film is right in the sweet spot for kids. Even with a light, feel-good story, you may be wanting to take your kids to see an inspirational sports film. However, with crude humor, strong language and HEAVY adult themes throughout, Next Goal Wins is definitely MORE adult focused.
This 2023 underdog sport comedy film is most a mix of spoof and inspiration, similar to Dodgeball meets Cool Runnings.
This 2023 underdog soccer comedy film from Searchlight Pictures is rated PG-13 for “crude material, some strong language” by the MPAA.
Yes, there is one post-credit scene that Taika Waititi fans will want to stay for.
Based on my Next Goal Wins parents guide and mom review above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Next Goal Wins to kids younger than the age of 12-13 years old.
No, not this time. Considering the full PG-13 age rating breakdown above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Next Goal Wins to kids younger than the age of 12-13 years old. This Next Goal Wins PG-13 rating is pretty spot on and easily comparable the adult humor and raunchiness of Dodgeball.
With crude material, adult themes and heavy foul language throughout, this more teen friendly rating is well earned, teetering close to the R rating. I recommend parents to prescreen Next Goal Wins 2023 film for adult themes, crude humor and strong language.
The Overall
Does Taika Waititi score big with Next Goal Wins? Yes, as long as the audience adjusts their movie expectations. Just because Searchlight Pictures is now under the Disney umbrella, Next Goal Wins is NOT your typical Disney inspirational sports film. But is Next Goal Wins the inspirational sports movie for kids? No, I don’t think so.
Ultimately, Next Goal Wins doesn’t take itself too seriously. This humbling yet casual story of underdogs is a mixed bag of spoof and inspiration. The opposing themes sometimes feels chaotic, confusing, and fight against this film from becoming an instant classic. But one thing is for certain, the laughs are packed in – Taika Waititi style.
With a little culture immersion, life lessons and feel-good vibes, this VERY LOOSELY based on a true story film gives celebration of diversity it’s moment in the spotlight. And I’m here for the representation. But definitely NOT kid friendly.
Follow Next Goal Wins on social media:
- Website: https://www.searchlightpictures.com/next-goal-wins/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NextGoalWinsFilm/
- Twitter (“X”): https://twitter.com/nextgoalfilm
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextgoalwinsfilm/
- #NextGoalWins
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Next Goal Wins, the all-new Taika Waititi underdog sports film from Searchlight Pictures rolls into theaters starting Friday, November 17, 2023. Will your family be watching?
I was invited to screen the 2023 Searchlight Pictures underdog sports film Next Goal Wins in exchange for this Next Goal Wins Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide. All photos courtesy of Searchlight Pictures. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment and behind-the-scenes info!
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