Things Only Adults Notice In The Sandlot

Of all things, the aspect of "The Sandlot" that's aged the worst is the scene where Squints pretends to drown in order to kiss Wendy Peffercorn. Certainly, in the post-#MeToo era, a child kissing a teenage woman without her consent is the first thing that would get axed from the script, but even for the time it was released, it stands out as a squeamish element in a movie that's squarely aimed at kids.

In the immediate aftermath, Wendy hits Squints and calls him a pervert, and we learn that the entire gang is subsequently banned from the pool forever. But it's clear from the moment that "This Magic Moment" kicks in on the soundtrack when the "kiss" takes place that "The Sandlot" thinks this moment is triumphant and not uncomfortable. Adult Scotty swoops in to narrate about it, celebrating that Squints "had kissed a woman. And he had kissed her long, and good." As the years pass, it's just a more and more jarring inclusion in an otherwise innocent and family-friendly film.

If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).