Unfrosted, now playing on Netflix, is not the true story of how Pop-Tarts were created. Instead, it’s filtered through co-writer/director/star Jerry Seinfeld’s sensibilities, which you think would mean “observational humor” but here means “broad, Airplane! Style parody.”
Seinfeld stars as Bob Cabana, who works at Kellogg’s and is desperately trying to create a fruit-filled pastry before their rivals over at Post. Along for the ride in this space-race meets breakfast treats story are Melissa McCarthy, Jim Gaffigan, Max Greenfield, Hugh Grant, Amy Schumer, and so many more. Basically, if there’s a speaking role, it’s a comedian or actor you’ve heard of.
While Seinfeld definitely leaned more adult, I’ll say up front that this movie is pretty much directly aimed at children, to the point that Seinfeld is telling this story to a child who has run away. That means goofy bits like an adorable Ravioli creature created by Chef Boy Ardee (Bobby Moynihan), a goofy James Marsden as Jack LaLanne, and evil milkmen played by Christian Slater and Peter Dinklage. Oh, and Hugh Grant is Tony the Tiger and leads a January 6th-style revolt of mascots against the company.
That said, it is rated PG-13, so let’s discuss what to expect if this movie pops up in your Netflix queue.
Unfrosted Parents Guide: Explaining The PG-13 Age Rating
Unfrosted is rated PG-13 for “some suggestive references and language” and honestly I’ve seen more offensive PG movies so I’m not sure what we’re doing here.
Sex & Nudity: Per above, there are some mildly suggestive references that are extremely tame and will go over the heads of most viewers. Seinfeld’s robe gets blown off at one point by a helicopter, but it’s off-screen and they cut to a surprised squirrel for a “nuts” joke I guess? JFK implies he’s going to have sex with the Doublemint Twins. But that’s it.
Violence: There’s the January 6th thing, of course, which is played for laughs but instead uncomfortably recalls the harrowing invasion of the Capitol Building, so be warned. Max Greenfield’s character gets a nosebleed at one point. He also gets hit with a typewriter. And Jack MacBrayer’s Steve Schwinn (yes, the bike guy) gets blown up and buried, but it’s very cartoonish. And at the end of the movie – spoilers – Andy Warhol (Dan Levy) shoots Jerry Seinfeld on TV in a weird King of Comedy riff, but there’s no blood and everyone is fine.
Language: The only reason I can figure this got a PG-13 is that in the end credits bloopers, Amy Schumer says the “F” word. Otherwise there is no cursing in the entire movie other than “hell” or “damn.”
Drinking & Drugs: There’s some drinking throughout thanks to a party that’s thrown. There’s also a throwaway joke about a vodka-based cereal, and at one point some characters smoke cigars.
Overall Verdict: What Age Is Unfrosted Appropriate For?
Despite the rating, like I said earlier the comedy here is squarely aimed at kids. It’s goofy, cartoon-style humor and honestly might appeal better to children who like fart jokes than adults who enjoyed Seinfeld. Certainly, they won’t get the Mad Men and other comedy cameos, but everyone knows cereal mascots and this will play just fine to pretty much any age. It’s also not very good, so there is that – but 7 and up should be fine with this movie. Make ‘em some Pop-Tarts, and enjoy.