OK for kids 16+
Talky hipster romcom explores the "perfect" divorce.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Celeste and Jesse Forever is an indie romcom that adds an interesting twist to the genre's typical formula but falls short of greatness, despite hip stars Rashida Jones and Andy Samberg. Older teens might find the concept refreshing, but the divorce/break-up-centric material could be a tad heavy (and the scenes talky) for younger teens and tweens. Expect plenty of swearing (particularly "f--k"), a scene of pot smoking (as well as additional references to drugs), some drinking, make-out scenes, lewd jokes, and implied sex and masturbation (though no outright nudity).
- Families can talk about how Celeste and Jesse Forever handles the theme of romance. Is it saying anything different than other romcoms? Does it rely on stereotypes?
- Do you think Celeste and Jesse's situation is realistic? Is their "solution" manageable?
- Parents, talk to your kids about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
The good stuff
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Messages: It's the way a break-up is handled that separates the kind from the hurtful.
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Role models: Celeste and Jesse mean well, and they really seem to care for each other deeply and want to do the right thing. But they're also messy and careless. And despite being seemingly progressive in the way it explores break-ups, the movie does trot out some tired tropes about heartbroken women.
What to watch for
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Violence: Not an issue
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Sex: A couple is shown kissing and then under the covers; it's implied that they slept together. A guy pleasures himself while he's kissing a woman, and she’s not pleased. A suggestive joke about lip balm has suggestive references to masturbation.
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Language: Fairly frequent use of "f--k," plus "shite," stupid, "a--hole," and more.
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Consumerism: Apple logo visible on a computer. IKEA is mentioned.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters smoke pot from a bong. References to getting high. Some social drinking at bars and while people are relaxing at home.
Fan Reviews provided by
2
Sooooo Slow by suemarie
An achingly slow movie about a couple that are not very likeable. They spend months together, apart, together, etc. Not funny, not interesting, and not witty. I always liked Andy S. but he is just boring and so is Rashida. I almost left the theater.
3
wait for the rental by donnner
Rashida Jones has big things in store for her and this movie won't help her a bit. She and Andy Samberg have a nice chemistry but deserved a far better script. So skip this movie. The f-bombs, the drinking, drugs and jokes about masterbation were lost on me. I started looking at my watch about an hour into it.
5
Can't we all just get along? by pedsarq
A married couple decide to get a divorce and suddenly stop fighting and start hanging out with each other like best friends. They have known each other forever and the thought of losing each other isn't really something they have factored in. Their friends are thoroughly confused and say things that motivate them to start seeing other people and deal with the divorce. This gets complicated for them and they go through something like the 9 stages of grief. I really enjoyed this movie and thought there were many, many extremely funny moments. It's not a light comedy by any means, but it will keep you laughing the entire way.
2
Disappointing by entropicangel42
The movie had a lot of promise, potential. Not my cup of tea.
4
Ain't no Rom Com by zachlinder
Don't go into this movie expecting your typical romantic comedy. It is one of the saddest films I've seen in years, and I never saw the mid-point twist coming. The characters are funny, but the movie isn't. A heartbreaking movie with superb performances and well-drawn characters. The genre needs more like this.
5
Breaks the mold by emclaugh
This movie breaks the mold of the typical ROM-COM. Very well written and a definite must see if you're looking for a funny and entertaining movie to see with you significant other or friends.
5
Celeste and Jesse Forever by galenmcooper
Excellent....great, well written script and extremely well acted......moving, Andy showed a serious side that was believable and Rashid was her wonderful self!!!!! Great messages throughout......a classic
1
A Movie for Overgrown Children by tombyrom
This is, in a word, awful. The plot was ridiculous, featuring two people who were supposedly hopelessly in love, acting like giddy 13 year olds (e.g. mutual masterbation of a tube of ointment - a memorable scene) but divorcing anyway because the female wants someone more mature - presumably like her. The two leads are characters one cannot possibly care about. The movie glorifies a lifestyle of non-stop parties featuring drinking and drug use. If this movie has deep meaning, we missed it.
3
A REALISTIC LOOK AT LOVE, MARRIAGE, MATURITY, OR LACK THEREOF IN TODAY'S CONTEMPORARY MILIEU. by Peneflix
This is a classic scenario of "having your cake and eating it too"; "Celeste" and "Jesse" have loved, been in love, their entire lives; they interpret each others thoughts, mimic foreign accents with perfect pitch; are the closest of comrades, play blissfully together; separated after six years of marriage. A troubling enigma is we never know why...
Celeste (Rashida Jones, co-writer) is bright, controlling, a thriving "trend forecaster"; Jesse (Andy Samberg) aimless, loveable, manipulated, withering in Celeste's successful shadow, minimally productive, dwelling in Celeste?s guest house...
THREE STARS!!!
***For full review please visit peneflix (dot) com!!!
4
Celeste and Jesse Forever by lgriese
Rashida Jones is my new favorite actress after this movie. She and Andy Samberg did a great job with their characters - good chemistry between them, and both very likable. I wasn't crazy about the ending, but it didn't matter much, because the characters were so much fun. Thoroughly enjoyable, and I hope they both do many more movies!