Common Sense Media Review
By Elliot Panek , based on child development research. How do we rate?
Coming of age tale tackles death; for older kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
My Girl
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 20 parent reviews
What's the Story?
Darker than one might expect, MY GIRL is the story of Vada Sultenfuss (Anna Chlumsky), a pre-teenage girl learning to deal with the death of her mother. Vada lives with her widower father (Dan Aykroyd), who runs a funeral parlor out of their home, and spends her days with her best friend, Thomas J (Macaulay Culkin). When her father falls for his new assistant (Jamie Lee Curtis), Vada feels betrayed. In the end, a sudden tragedy brings her closer to her new stepmother, and she begins to understand how to move on after mourning the death of a loved one.
Is It Any Good?
Death and single parenthood are never easy topics to talk about with children, and this film deals with them in a mature, responsible way. It encourages kids to talk about their feelings regarding death -- as well as the romantic lives of their parents. If kids are beginning to ask questions about these serious topics, they are old enough to watch this movie with parents.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how to cope with the death of a loved one. Is it okay for Vada's father to remarry after his first wife died? How do we know when it is time to mourn or time to move on?
Movie Details
- In theaters: November 27, 1991
- On DVD or streaming: May 12, 1998
- Cast: Anna Chlumsky , Dan Aykroyd , Jamie Lee Curtis , Macaulay Culkin
- Director: Howard Zieff
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Sony Pictures
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Friendship
- Run time: 102 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG
- MPAA explanation: mild language and violence
- Last updated: August 2, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
What to Watch Next
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate