Is Tick, Tick Boom Kid Friendly? Parents Guide

Wondering if tick, tick…Boom! is ok for kids? tick, tick…Boom! is rated PG-13 for language, mature content, and some sexual content. A movie for dreamers, this musical is for those who know how laboring and rewarding art can be. However, is it kid friendly? Some topics and scene may be too mature for young kids in tick, tick…Boom! Here’s what parents need to know in this tick, tick…Boom! Parents Guide. 

Is Tick, Tick, Boom Kid Friendly? Parents Guide

The film follows Jonathan Larson (Andrew Garfield), a young theater composer who’s waiting tables at a New York City diner in 1990 while writing what he hopes will be the next great musical. He has spent years of life writing this musical and is finally ready to showcase it, but still has one more song to write to complete it.  Jon is feeling the pressure while he goes through the creative process – from his girlfriend Susan, who dreams of a life beyond New York City; from his friend Michael, who has moved on from his dream of acting to a life of financial security; and also worrying about friends suffering from AIDS. 

What is Tick, Tick, Boom Rated?

tick, tick…Boom! is Rated PG-13 for some strong language, some suggestive material and drug references according to the MPAA which means it may not be suitable for children under 13. 

Language

There is some language including at least 7 uses of sh*t, a**, and a use of fu*k. There are also sexual phrases like screw and pussy.

Mature Content

One scene shows a man and a woman in bed, passionately kissing, while taking each other’s clothes off. They are moaning and a roommate must put on headphones. The man is shown thrusting on top of her, but they stop before having sex.

Some of Jon’s friends have AIDS and there are scenes of them having to tell loved ones and also in the hospital which may be a trigger to some. There is also a scene where a character talks about how much time he may or may not have left.

There is mention of “smoking a bowl.”

A character is looking at a magazine with girls in bikinis. 

Is Tick, Tick Boom Appropriate for Kids Under 12?

tick, tick…Boom! is for kids who really love Broadway and musical theater. This isn’t quite as generally appealing as Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, or In the Heights. The subject matter is mature, and it may be boring or confusing for young ones who just want a musical. There is one scene that includes some of Broadway’s royalty, so that will be exciting for fans! Iykyk. 

Truthfully, I didn’t know much about Jonathan Larson before this film, but I was familiar with Rent. While there are some references to it in the movie, it is not the focus, and you don’t need to have watched it to enjoy tick, tick…Boom!

Andrew Garfield is a pleasant surprise. He commits to the character and showcases his talents in other areas besides acting. At first, I just thought he was hyperactive, but as the film continued, he got better and better, demonstrating the excitement for his craft and the desperation to succeed.

A love letter to theater lovers, to dreamers, to those who won’t quit until their dreams come true, tick, tick…Boom! is a must-watch. Have you ever wanted something so badly, you wouldn’t quit until it happened? But has there also been a time when maybe you should have quit? tick, tick…Boom! also shows the audience the different viewpoints. 

Jon’s best friend Michael (Robin de Jesús) does quit to get a job in advertising and actually has money for central heating, but sometimes Jon judges him for “selling out.” However, when money is tight, Jon thinks maybe it’s not so bad to make money. In the end, you get a wonderfully complex musical with imperfect characters and high energy.