Dickens & Rumi
Cover of DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story

film

DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story

2004

When megalomaniacal White Goodman, the owner of a trendy, high-end fitness center, makes a move to take over the struggling local gym run by happy-go-lucky Pete La Fleur, there's only one way for La Fleur to fight back: dodgeball. Aided by a dodgeball guru and Goodman's attorney, La Fleur and his rag-tag team of underdogs launch a knock-down, drag-out battle in which the winner takes all.

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? PG-13 content includes frequent slapstick impacts, crude and sexual humor, harassment, insults, a sudden death, drinking/drug references, and mature relationship themes. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

  • Products & advertising3/5
  • Sexual content & nudity3/5
  • Strong language3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Kindness & empathy3/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising3/5
Why this rating?

Depicts high-end gym brands and corporate culture for satirical effect.

Death of a character2/5
Why this rating?

A main character dies in an accident; it is handled quickly and somewhat humorously.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Brief, non-gory depictions of sports injuries; minimal blood.

Strong language3/5
Why this rating?

Frequent strong language, insults, and crude commentary throughout.

LGBTQIA characters2/5
Why this rating?

A character is revealed to be bisexual late in the film, accompanied by a brief same-sex kiss.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Includes flirting, a romantic subplot between the leads, and a same-sex kiss.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

None; some tense sports competition moments.

Sexual content & nudity3/5
Why this rating?

Features frequent sexual innuendos, crude jokes, and references to sexual harassment.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

Includes scenes with drinking; characters are adults.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Frequent cartoonish sports violence includes repeated impacts, thrown wrenches and car danger. A player is severely injured, but the tone is exaggerated and comedic rather than graphic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

Characters overcome personal fears and physical odds to achieve their goals.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

Promotes imaginative solutions to problems and unconventional approaches to traditional sports.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

Features an ensemble cast with various character types and a notable queer-inclusive reveal.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental lessons on sports, teamwork, and business, though largely satirical.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

The team members support each other and show genuine empathy as the story progresses.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

Themes of perseverance, sportsmanship, and the importance of self-belief against corporate greed.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

The protagonists show some growth, but many characters are intentionally eccentric or flawed.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Did products, possessions, or buying things matter to the story? What message did that send?
  3. Which choice in DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in DodgeBall: A True Underdog Story, and what caused that change?
Discuss this title with other parents

Community reactions

What families noticed

Add your perspective

Sign in from the homepage to rate this title.

Where to watch or buy

Buy or rent on AmazonFind on JustWatch

As an Amazon Associate, Dickens & Rumi may earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

Report an incorrect rating