How to Eat Fried Worms Parent Guide
Parent Movie Review
Spaghetti might be a hard meal to eat after watching worms fried, boiled, blended and put in the microwave. Warning: this movie is not for the weak of stomach. Unfortunately that’s exactly what Billy Forrester (Luke Benward) is, and his reputation for throwing up is not something he’s anxious for the kids at his new school to find out about.
However, a group of students welcome him on his first day by filling his lunch thermos with a pile of worms. At that moment, Billy knows he’ll have to stomach the urge to puke or risk losing face forever. But he doesn’t stop there. When the gang leader Joe (Adam Hicks) and his followers chase Billy down an alley, the new arrival bets he can eat ten of the juicy wigglers.
With a handshake to confirm the deal, Billy realizes he’ll have to carry through on the ridiculous wager. Luckily, he is befriended by a few of the other class outcasts including an exceptionally tall girl named Erika (Hallie Kate Eisenberg) and the group geek named Adam (Austin Rogers) who are eager to see him succeed.
At home, Billy discovers he isn’t the only one having some trouble fitting in at the family’s new location. At the office, his father (Thomas Cavanagh) is trying to find his place as well. Although Dad doesn’t grasp the fact that Billy is literally eating worms, he does offer some encouragement and shares his own apprehensions about being accepted when his son balks at going to school.
A disclaimer at the end of the movie reassures viewers that no worms were harmed during the making of this production, however the visuals are realistic enough to make at least some audience members feel a little queasy. The film’s gross-out factor also includes bathroom humor, anatomical and pet names for male anatomy, and depictions of throwing up. Name calling among the peers, sibling rivalry and the mocking of authorities are issues for these preteens as well.
Luckily, these fifth graders aren’t all about boyish antics. The kids also discover that standing up to a bully is the best way to disable him or her preferably without having to eat worms.
Starring Luke Benward. Running time: 98 minutes. Theatrical release August 24, 2006. Updated May 2, 2009
How to Eat Fried Worms
Rating & Content Info
Why is How to Eat Fried Worms rated PG? How to Eat Fried Worms is rated PG by the MPAA for mild bullying and some crude humor.
Making bets may not be the best way to stand up to a bully, but Billy is determined to come through on his end by eating 10 worms prepared in a number of yucky dishes. Besides perfecting their culinary skills, the boys snicker over crude potty jokes, body parts, and their principal. Several kids try to intimidate others. Dad drinks wine after a long day at the office.
Page last updated May 2, 2009
How to Eat Fried Worms Parents' Guide
What does Joe use to intimidate the other kids? Why is he able to make them believe in the “death ring”? What does Billy discover about Joe’s reasons for bullying?
Why are “new kids” often picked on? What can you do to help new arrivals feel welcome in your school, community or church?
What struggles do Billy and his father share? Can moving be hard for adults as well? What things can a family do to make a move easier for everyone?
Home Video
The most recent home video release of How to Eat Fried Worms movie is December 5, 2006. Here are some details…
How to Eat Fried Worms wriggles onto DVD just in time to add indigestion to your Christmas celebrations… which might make it the perfect gift for those worried about weight gain over the holiday season!
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This cast of young actors already has an impressive combined resume of movie roles. Look for Ryan Malgarini (Benjy) in the Disney remake of Freaky Friday, Luke Benward (Billy) in Because of Winn-Dixie and Hallie Kate Eisenberg (Erika) in Paulie. Alexander Gould (Twitch) also lends his vocal talents to the little orange fish in Finding Nemo.