Jury Duty (1995)
Synopsis:
In Jury Duty, Pauly Shore plays Tommy Collins, an out-of-work slacker who finds himself in a bind when his mom kicks him out of the house. Desperate for a place to stay, Tommy discovers that serving on a jury provides free room and board. He eagerly signs up for jury duty, hoping to extend his stay as long as possible. The case involves a high-profile murder trial, and Tommy's antics quickly disrupt the courtroom proceedings. As the trial unfolds, Tommy's unconventional behavior and lack of seriousness create chaos among the jurors and the legal teams. Despite his antics, the trial continues, and Tommy must navigate the courtroom drama while trying to maintain his cushy new living arrangement.
Where To Watch: Jury Duty
Parental Feedback
Jury Duty, released in 1995, is a comedy film rated PG-13, making it suitable for teens. The movie is characterized by its humorous take on the legal system, with a lighthearted and often silly tone. Parental reviews are mixed, with some appreciating the comedic elements while others express concern over the film's more mature humor and themes.
Why Teens Should Watch Jury Duty
The movie offers a fun and entertaining look at the courtroom experience with a comedic twist.
- Promotes the idea of civic duty and responsibility in a humorous way
- Features a memorable performance by Pauly Shore, whose antics provide comic relief
- Teens may enjoy the slapstick humor and quirky characters
Why Teens Shouldn’t Watch Jury Duty
Some parents are concerned about the film's mature humor and themes that may not be suitable for all teens.
- Contains humor that may be considered inappropriate or too mature for younger teens
- Some scenes may depict irresponsible behavior without clear consequences
- The film's portrayal of the legal system is exaggerated and not realistic
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Verdict: Case-by-Case
Parents are split, and it largely depends on your teen’s maturity level due to the film's mature humor and themes.
What Parents Should Know About Jury Duty
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie explore topics that require emotional maturity or guidance? | The film includes mature humor and themes related to the legal system, which may require guidance. |
| Does this movie portray risky behaviors that go unchecked or without consequences? | Some scenes depict irresponsible behavior, such as jury manipulation, without clear consequences. |
| Does the main character show growth or learning across the story? | The main character starts as a slacker but learns the importance of responsibility by the end. |
| Are gender roles, relationships, or family dynamics portrayed in thoughtful or outdated ways? | The film includes some outdated gender stereotypes, particularly in its comedic elements. |
| Will this movie prompt important conversations with my teen? | The exaggerated portrayal of the legal system might encourage discussions about civic duty and responsibility. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Jury Duty's biggest strength lies in its comedic approach to a typically serious subject, making it an entertaining watch for teens. However, the mature humor and themes may not be suitable for all audiences, and parental guidance is recommended. Engaging in discussions about the film's portrayal of responsibility and civic duty can enhance the viewing experience. For those seeking similar comedic films with a more family-friendly tone, consider alternatives like "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" or "The Breakfast Club."
Official Jury Duty Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Jury Duty
Jury Duty's most common core values include Responsibility, Perseverance, and Problem-solving. Teens watching the movie can see how important it is to take responsibility for one's actions, even when things get chaotic. Tommy Collins, the main character, learns about responsibility in the courtroom, where his careless behavior affects more than just himself. Perseverance is also shown as Tommy tries to keep his new living situation. He may be unmotivated at first, but he faces challenges that make him push through. Problem-solving appears in the way Tommy must figure out how to handle each problem he encounters without losing his place on the jury.
These values stand out in different moments throughout the story. Responsibility becomes a lesson as Tommy realizes that his every action has consequences, especially when his antics disrupt the courtroom. Even though he's trying to avoid it, he sees firsthand how serious the murder trial is and begins to understand the weight of the case. Perseverance is highlighted as Tommy must keep coming up with ways to stay on the jury, despite the odds. His creativity shows his problem-solving skills, whether he's coming up with excuses or finding ways to make himself valuable to the team of jurors. These situations teach valuable lessons about facing challenges head-on and thinking critically.
Other Core Values Explored: Honesty | Teamwork | Standing up for what's right
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Jury Duty
Being True to Yourself: Tommy Collins navigates the chaos of a high-profile trial with his unique and quirky personality, teaching viewers that staying true to who you are can bring unexpected insights and solutions, even in serious settings.
Practicing Empathy: Despite his initial disregard for the severity of the trial, Tommy learns to empathize with the other jurors and the gravity of their decisions, illustrating how understanding others' perspectives can lead to personal growth.
Choosing Right Over Easy: As Tommy's antics cause disruptions, he eventually learns the importance of making the right choices rather than the easiest ones, especially when the stakes are high in a legal setting.
Embracing Differences: Tommy's unorthodox approach and the diverse backgrounds of the jurors highlight the value of embracing differences, showing that varied perspectives can contribute positively to a group's decision-making process.
Avoiding Judgments: Initially judged as irresponsible and careless, Tommy proves that there's more to a person than meets the eye, reinforcing the idea that prejudices should be set aside to fully understand someone's character.
Other Lessons Learned: Keeping an Open Mind
Why Kids Love Jury Duty
In "Jury Duty," teens dive into a world where the courtroom turns into an arena for chaos and laughter. The main character, Tommy Collins, isn't your typical juror; he’s a master of mischief whose pranks and silly antics turn a serious trial on its head. Teens love how Tommy's wild tricks keep them guessing what's going to happen next. From outrageous stunts that flip the courtroom upside down to awkward mishaps that make everyone laugh, there's never a dull moment. The unpredictable nature of his antics makes every scene exciting, showing how quick thinking and humor can mix even in serious situations.
The movie amps up the fun when unexpected friendships form among an unlikely crew of jurors. Tommy's carefree attitude and knack for creating unplanned alliances bring a fresh vibe to the deliberation room. Teens get a kick out of how teamwork and creativity lead to surprising solutions for the fictional legal saga they’re embroiled in, proving that standing out with your unique flair can be rewarding. The courtroom transforms into a playground of slapstick comedy and teamwork, where each new situation is more uproarious than the last. It's a wild ride filled with camaraderie and laughs, keeping teens hooked as they watch Tommy juggle pandemonium and unexpected teamwork.