Chang Can Dunk is in inspirational coming-of-age story, that will touch anyone who has ever dreamed of something that might seem out of reach. Is Chang Can Dunk “just another sports movie,” or is it a slam dunk? Wondering if Chang Can Dunk is kid-friendly? I’m breaking down all of the thematic elements, including its PG rating, in my Chang Can Dunk Parents Guide and Movie Review. Here’s what parents need to know to help YOU decide if it’s appropriate for kids. As always, no spoilers!
Chang Can Dunk Parents Guide + Review
I’m no stranger to basketball. My oldest son has been playing since he was 7 years old. Now at 13, he plays competitively, and it’s really fun to watch. He’s already 5’10”, so I can only imagine his excitement when he can finally dunk — because we all know it will happen.
Chang Can Dunk delivers a compelling story in that kids will be able to relate to the main character. Chang is an Asian American 16 year old boy, who is trying to find his place in the world — just like most teenagers.
It’s very important to mention Chang’s ethnicity because it makes the story more relatable…even more so to Asian American teenagers. Diversity and representation is vital in the film industry. Kids need to be able to see themselves accurately represented onscreen.
Chang Can Dunk is More than Another Sports Movie
While Chang Can Dunk does have a focus on basketball, this movie is about so much more. Chang Can Dunk highlights the struggle of finding yourself, especially during those challenging teenage years. It is about navigating relationships.
As a parent, we all know how important communicating with our children is, however, the teen years are a whole other beast. It’s vital to keep that line of communication open with our kids, and that they know we’re on their side always.
There is a beautiful, although messy, mother/son storyline that is eloquently and emotionally tied together at the end. That’s not to say it’s perfect, because it certainly has its faults. Chang’s mother seems to criticize his sensitivity. She straight out tells him he needs to be tough. As a parent, I couldn’t disagree with this statement more. We need to tell our boys that it’s OKAY to be vulnerable. There is nothing wrong with being sensitive.
Is Chang Can Dunk Kid-Friendly? Here’s Your Parents Guide:
Chang Can Dunk has an MPA rating of PG for language and some thematic elements. It has a runtime of 1 hour 47 minutes. Although Chang Can Dunk only has a PG rating, it isn’t necessarily for little ones. Here’s what parents need to know about this Disney+ movie.
Language
There is no profanity in Chang Can Dunk. However, expect to hear the following: shut-up, damn, ass, sucks, idiot, dumb, Hell, and stupid.
Violence
Children get into a fight while in school. You aren’t shown much of the fight, only one shove.
Mature Content
Kids make a bet that another kid can dunk by a certain date. There is also a good amount of bullying in Chang Can Dunk. Breaking and entering, lying, and cheating are also themes. There’s a lot of talk about impressing people and a big focus on popularity. One character vomits from exercising excessively. Drinking beverages is shown at a party, however, it’s not mentioned if it’s alcohol. Someone has a parent who has passed away from cancer. Another character’s parents are separated.
Age Recommendation
When breaking down the thematic elements, Chang Can Dunk does have some heavy themes you wouldn’t necessarily expect from a teenage geared sports movie. While that’s not a bad thing, it is just something that should be known going into the film. Chang Can Dunk is best suited for teenagers, ages 13 and up. However, I would strongly suggest watching along with your children. I didn’t like the heavy focus on popularity. It seemed to just go on for too long.
Something else that didn’t sit well with me was the mention of needing to be tough and not sensitive so you’re not a target of bullying. I wholeheartedly disagree with this statement and was quite shocked to find it included.
Overall Thoughts
Although Chan Can Dunk is not a perfect movie, overall it packs a powerful message. Parents of teenagers will be able to relate to the struggle and importance of communication during this critical period of childhood. As a mom of two boys, I loved the mother/son story. I feel exploring the relationships between mothers and sons is often overlooked. However, if you’re a boy mom, then you know firsthand the immeasurable bond between a mother and her son.
Chang Can Dunk reminds us that obstacles are simply a means of opportunity, and to always believe in ourselves. You can stream Chang Can Dunk exclusively on Disney+.
Chang Can Dunk Synopsis
“Chang Can Dunk” follows Chang, a 16-year-old, Asian American high school student in the marching band, who bets the school basketball star that he can dunk by Homecoming. The bet leads the 5’ 8″ Chang on a quest to find the hops he needs to dunk in order to impress his crush, Kristy, and finally gain the attention and respect of his high school peers. But before he can rise up and truly throw one down, he’ll have to reexamine everything he knows about himself, his friendships and his family.
I HOPE YOU FOUND THIS CHANG CAN DUNK PARENTS GUIDE AND MOVIE REVIEW HELPFUL FOR YOUR FAMILY. WILL YOU BE WATCHING?!
Looking for more Disney Plus movies? Don’t miss these posts HERE!
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