What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this thoughtful romantic comedy about flawed adult characters isn't as clear-cut as many other Hollywood "chick flicks." For that reason, it's likely to resonate more with adults than teens and tweens who haven't gone through complicated relationships yet. Still, the content isn't inappropriate for teens: There's some passionate kissing and a good bit of discussion about sex (including implications of a lesbian college fling and passing mention of a threesome), but nothing graphic; language is mostly on the mild side ("s--t" is only used in one scene, though it carries a lot of weight when it is used); and there's no violence. Several scenes do feature social drinking (a few also show Will drunk) and smoking; one sequence in particular makes sharing a cigarette break seem like a romantic, intimate experience. Divorce is also an issue here; the main character's tween daughter is upset by her parents' impending split and wants them to reconcile.
- Families can talk about what makes this movie different from other romantic comedies. Does it seem more realistic than others in the genre? Why or why not? How do you usually know which characters will end up together? Do those "rules" apply here? What messages is the movie sending about love, romance, and commitment? Do you think there's one "right" person for everyone? Do you think the movie is saying that? Families can also discuss how smoking is portrayed in the movie. What role does it play in Will and April's relationship? Does that make it seem positive or negative?