The Gutter 2024 Parents Guide & Age Rating

Director: Isaiah Lester, Yassir Lester
Writer: Yassir Lester
Stars: Tony Baker, Rell Battle, Adam Brody
Release Date: Release Date: November 01, 2024

Ever wondered what it would be like to turn a struggling bowling alley into the center of a quirky showdown? The Gutter takes this oddball premise and spins it into a chaotic, offbeat comedy that’s not your average sports movie. Directors Isaiah and Yassir Lester make their debut with a wild, improvisational take on the underdog genre, diving into the world of bowling with all the silliness they can muster.

In The Gutter, we meet Walt (played by Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’s Shameik Moore), a young guy who can’t seem to hold a job or keep his shirt on. Desperate for work, he lands at Alleycatz, a rundown bowling alley owned by Mozell (Jackee Harry), who’s just trying to keep her business afloat. Walt discovers he has a natural bowling talent he never knew about, with the help of Skunk (D’Arcy Carden), a former pro bowler turned unlikely mentor. Together, they take on the Super League of Bowlers (SLOB) tour in hopes of saving Alleycatz from closure, but their journey turns into a comedy of errors filled with eccentric rivals and over-the-top showdowns.

The movie combines sports and comedy in a way that’s both silly and surprising, leaning into the kind of slapstick humor you’d expect from movies like Kingpin or The Big Lebowski. It’s packed with quirky visual gags, like Walt and Skunk donning cowboy hats in Texas or dressing up as TLC in Atlanta, and even finding sponsorship from a drink called “Hot Milk” and PornHub. But while there’s plenty of goofiness, not all the jokes land, and some scenes drag with improvisational riffs that don’t always hit their mark.

One of the biggest strengths of The Gutter is its cast, especially Moore and Carden, who give it their all in some truly strange scenarios. They bring energy to the ridiculousness, but the heavy reliance on improvised humor sometimes feels forced, leaving a lot of the jokes feeling repetitive. And while the showdown is fun, there’s a sense that the movie could’ve leaned more into a structured story to keep things engaging.

If you’re a fan of quirky sports comedies or you enjoyed the oddball vibes of The Big Lebowski, The Gutter might just be up your alley. It’s a lighthearted, goofy ride with a few solid laughs, perfect for a night when you’re in the mood for something offbeat. Just be ready for a few awkward moments along the way!

The Gutter 2024 Parents Guide & Age Rating

Language: Frequent use of crude language and profanity throughout, including strong racial humor.

Sexual Content: References to adult websites (e.g., PornHub) as a sponsor, with suggestive jokes and innuendo. Some scenes include crude, misogynistic humor.

Alcohol and Drugs: One of the main characters, Skunk, is depicted as an alcoholic, frequently shown drinking and intoxicated.

Violence: Mild slapstick violence, with some exaggerated physical comedy (no serious injuries shown).

Overall Recommendation: This movie contains mature themes and humor best suited for older teens and adults. Viewer discretion is advised.

Emily Johnson is a seasoned journalist and author dedicated to helping parents navigate the world of Hollywood entertainment through thoughtful, family-oriented film reviews. With over a decade of experience in writing and a passion for fostering safe, enriching viewing experiences, Stephanie launched movitrailer.com to provide parents with the insights they need to make informed choices for their families. Author Page

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