Iffy for 14+
Sandra Bullock plays a stalker in unappealing romcom.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this offbeat comedy includes some sexual content (Sandra Bullock strips down to her bra, and Bradley Cooper is shirtless in the film's one love scene), as well as humorous but continuous references to sex, dating, and unrequited, obsessive infatuation (i.e. stalking). Language includes frequent use of words like "s--t" and "a--hole," and there's a brief glimpse of adults drinking beer with meals. There's a little bit of mild peril when characters get stuck in potentially dangerous situations, as well as a few cartoonish pratfalls.
- Families can talk about obsessive relationships. Is Mary a stalker? Do you think that it's OK for the movie to find humor in that situation? What would be the consequences in real life?
- How would the movie change if the main characters' genders were reversed? Would it be just as funny, or would it seem scary if a man was doing the stalking?
- Does the movie send a negative message to "book smart" young women, or is it a positive one?
The good stuff
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Messages: Although the movie's "stalking" theme is obviously negative, the movie's resolution makes it clear that if you have to stalk someone you love, they don't really love you. The fact that Steve is less interested in Mary after discovering how "book smart" she is also sends an iffy message.
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Role models: Ultimately, Mary realizes that she shouldn't have to change who she is for a man (she doesn't dumb down her behavior or change to be less quirky), but none of the characters is really a role model. Mary is a workaholic who transforms into an unprofessional, obsessed stalker. Steve is only too happy to sleep with a woman he hasn't said two words (until she proves herself too "crazy smart," that is). The news reporters are only interested in ratings and beating their colleagues to juicy stories. Mary's brand-new friends are sweet, but the woman in particular seems ignorant.
What to watch for
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Violence: A group of schoolchildren falls into a hidden mineshaft; later, a couple of main characters fall in, too. A tornado lifts up a car that a few characters just ran away from, and there are a few funny pratfalls by Mary and Steve.
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Sex: Mary basically attacks Steve during their first date. She and Steve are shown shirtless (she's wearing a bra) and make overt sexual references/gestures while making out as they're lying down in the backseat of a car. Although it's technically not a sex scene, the foreplay includes a few verbally explicit moments. Aside from that one scene, there are many conversations about romantic relationships and sexual comments and innuendo.
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Language: Language includes "s--t," "a--hole," and "p---y," as well as "crap," "dumbass," "Christ!" and tamer words like "damn," "hell," etc.
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Consumerism: Surprisingly few product placements, but there are a couple, including Twinkies.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults drink beer with meals in a couple of quick scenes.
Fan Reviews provided by
2
Don't Go and Don't Rent Either by jshoreflyer
I'm only not going to give this an Oh No! because I'm sure there are worse movies out there.
This one was not good, I didn't stay for anything past the scene when the 3 of them get out of the sewer pipe. I hate walking out on movies given that they cost more than $10 a ticket. The arcade game out in the lobby was more entertaining. Don't even bother to rent this, either.
I'm surprised I was in the theater as long as the watch said because the story was that unbelievably slow. Sandra's character is really annoying, and the supporting characters are just stupid.
This movie lacks a real plot, everything seems undeveloped. It's not as funny as it might seem from the previews. In fact, I didn't find anything funny for as far as I got into the movie before leaving. I wasn't entertained or interested in what little story existed here. Save your time and money and skip this.
4
Suprisingly not that bad !! by mommabear651
I know the title of the review is misleading but people are really slamming this movie and it was entertaining, and engaging I took my 73 yr old Mom she loved it. Sandra gives a good performance her character is mind numbingly annoying in the beginning but she grows on you as does this movie which has a message believe it or not...Im not sure some of the more harsh wannabe reviewers got that message, but in this post summer wasteland of garbage the studios are cranking out it is refreshing to have a movie such as this one, light and funny, a good way to spend an afternoon.
4
Loved It!!! by batgirl20
After reading both the fan and critic reviews for All About Steve, I was pretty hesitant to go see it. I usually love Sandra Bullock movies, so I was willing to give this one a shot. I'm really glad I did!
While some of the characters and storylines in the movie, were a little weird and over the top, the message of the movie is EXCELLENT!!! Kudos to Sandra Bullock for encouraging women and teen girls to remain true to themselves despite what other people think. 'Normal' is a relative term, and never change yourself just for a guy!
I particularly loved the quote at the end of the movie, " Loving someone means letting them go, and if you have to stalk that person, it probably means they were never yours to begin with". It was a movie about REAL people, not Hollywood people, with all their flaws and imperfections, and finding out who your true friends are!
I really enjoyed it! Go see it!
5
FUNNY- Laughed the whole time and so did the rest of the packed theater! by WegoMovieWkids
Went with a girlfriend for girls night out. Almost went to another movie because of the bad reviews (even from the young kid who sold us the ticket), glad we did not. We laughed the whole time- for any girls who have ever went a little, or alot, beyond "just liking" a guy in your younger days- it's funny! Light comedy, not realistic- but funny! Husbands may not care for it, I know mine would not have, but there were plenty of guys around us cracking up!
5
HILARIOUS!! by knittybritty09
my mom and i went to see this together, and we loved it!! Bradley Cooper (<3) is fantastic, and sandra bullock really makes it funny!! MUST GO SEE!!!! if not for the hilarious story-line, but just to see bradley cooper on the big screen!!! :D
4
It's a feel good movie by Baby Jane
My husband and I went to see it last night. We really liked it. Laughed through the whole thing. Maybe not her best movie, bust she was funny anyway. Would see it again
4
All About Steve by flick.fan
I don't believe the critics actually saw this movie, otherwise why would they give it such a poor rating. Perhaps they like bad language, of which there was none. I found it to be funny, engaging and charming. Not necessarily for a guy as there was no violence, action and little sexual content. See it for yourself, don't listen to the critics. Who are they anyway?? Certainly not real people.
1
dissapointing and slow moving by fungolfgirl
This movie was really bad. I was shocked to see that Sandra Bullock would even take on a production like this. Very very disapointing, and we were the only ones in the theater. Someone gave us tickets so we went, and it wasnt worth the time. The people in the movie were fine, but the plot and the characters were boring... as was the story line. A few moments of laughter, but all in all, dont bother, not even with the DVD
5
All About Steve by whhagan
Loved it. Genuinely funny with a quiet message. Another hit for Sandra B.
4
Pleasant Surprise!! by MLC REVIEW
I am so glad I did not listen to the critics reviews of this movie. It turned out to be very entertaining and had a beautiful message. Sandra Bullock, as usual, did a great job.