Iffy for 14+
Some laughs, but an iffy message for girls.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that although this fluffy college-set comedy is supposedly about why it's important to be yourself, it has some iffy messages for the tween and young teen girls who are most likely to want to see it -- chiefly, that women need to doll themselves up to attract the opposite sex. Since main character Shelley is a Playboy bunny, sex in general is a main theme of the movie, even though the only "action" is a couple of kisses. There are constant references to Playboy: The mansion, the magazine, and Hugh Hefner himself all play central roles in the plot. Scenes set in the mansion include scads of barely dressed bunnies wearing revealing lingerie or tiny bikinis, and Shelley does the same even after she leaves (in one scene, the entire length of her nude body is visible from the back). Characters also discuss sex and virginity. One sorority sister is pregnant, but her pregnancy is used like a prop instead of taken seriously. Language includes one "f--k" and many uses of "bitch," and characters drink frequently (though generally not to excess) at both the mansion and college parties.
- Families can talk about whether Shelley is a good role model. Is her dream of becoming a Playboy centerfold an admirable one? What do the Zeta sisters learn from her? What does she learn from them? What is the movie's message about young women? What does "sisterhood" mean, according to the Zetas? Ultimately, does the movie reinforce stereotypes or undermine them?
The good stuff
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Messages: Although the movie's ostensible message is that everyone should just be who they are, young female viewers are much more likely to get the idea that they need to be thin, tan, and dolled up to be sexy and attractive to the opposite sex. While there's nothing wrong with wanting to look nice, the Zeta girls go from not caring a fig for how they look to (temporarily) becoming just as judgmental and looks-obsessed as the sorority girls they disliked. Shelley's dream is to be a Playboy centerfold. On the other hand, at least Shelley makes philanthropy cool (even if she can't say the word properly). The Iota Mu sisters are typical movie "mean girls," doing their best to humiliate the Zetas and stand in the way of their success. A girl in a back brace is mocked.
What to watch for
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Violence: A woman violently twists the nipples of a man she's angry with (but he actually enjoys it); Shelley gets hurt standing over a steaming manhole cover. Several pratfalls.
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Sex: All of the scenes featuring Playboy bunnies show women nearly undressed. Shelley walks around in lingerie, bikinis, or other cleavage-bearing outfits all the time. She disrobes in front of the sorority, and her nude body is visible from the back for a few seconds. As for actual sex, there isn't any, but there are a couple of quick kisses and lots of flirting and conversations about virginity/hooking up (including a symbolic "sacrifice" of one of the virginal sorority sisters). One male character is in thrall of a woman who turns him on by twisting his nipples painfully. Star Anna Faris appeared in Playboy (though not fully naked) at the time of the film's premiere.
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Language: Mostly the word "bitch" and its variations, plus one "f--kin'" and body parts like "nipples," "boobies," "penis," etc.
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Consumerism: The Playboy brand, the Playboy mansion, and Hugh Hefner are featured throughout the film. Also shown are Haagen-Dazs ice cream and the make-up store Sephora. Shelley mentions a Prius.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Lots of drinking at the Playboy mansion and the college campus' Greek parties, where presumably some students are under 21.
Fan Reviews provided by
1
Um, no thank you? by moviecriticxx
This movie had a minorly good message "it doesn't matter what you look like"(cliche much?), but it was just an excuse to be perverted. It was way too predictable and was quite cliche. Trust me, don't make my mistake and waste your money on it.
4
Really good by water bug
i really enjoyed this movie i hope that you will to
5
I LOVE THIS MOVIE! by Mrs.Sparrow_27
This is a great movie. i dont know who wouldnt like it. its about Shelly (anna Faris) Who is a playboy bunny that for some reason or another has been kicked out of the mansion. It is a halarious movie that combines: The Girls Next door, Leagaly blond, Revenge of the Nerds, and Billy Madison in a Collage Campous. I personally loved all these movies- and house bunny. Its a movie for girls/woman, teenage guys, and ppl with a good sense of humor. Im assuming that most of the ppl who gave this movie bad reviews were ppl who didnt want to see it because there against the whole idea of playboy -witch is stupid. Many young ppl loved and enjoyed this movie. it may be a movie for teens cause adults are cranksters. I dont know. but for all you teens out there it rocked so you should see it. for the adults if you have an open mind you may just love it as much as i did.
4
Anna Faris Fans will love this movie... by cyrese25
Having always thought that Anna Faris is as close to a comedic genius as my generation has, I flock to each of her movies and am not disappointed. The House Bunny was no different. It was not crude, or rude or gross...unless you are an amish person who never sees women in bikinis or the like. It wasn't "pro-playboy" and it didn't make fun of it unfairly, either. Not only was Faris' Shelley Darlington a likeable, charming character, but newcomer Emma Stone came close to stealing the scene a number of times. It is formulaic for sure, but Faris is able to pull it off without you groaning. The part with the baby joining was lame, but the movie was good enough that I wasn't thrown much. A definite rental, but not a waste of money at the theater either.
5
Anna Faris is amazing by karebear4182
This was the funniest movie I have seen in a long time. I always enjoy watching Anna Faris but this has got to be her best performance since The Hot Chick. If you want some light hearted humor and comedic genius, go see this movie.
3
perdy bad by jackerz
i cant imagine seeing this movie sober. if u really wanna see it for gods sake light up first--only possible way to enjoy it
5
The House Bunny by tburgess96
I took my daughter to see it not thinking I would really like it, but I was pleasently surprised, yes it was far fetched and unbelievable, but it was hilarious and fun and made ya feel good. I would recomend it to anyone, I really enjoyed it.
5
Really a fun movie. :) by MountainClimber
Absolutely hilarious. I went to see it twice in the theater and the whole audience was rolling on the floor laughing. Really silly, fun, happy movie. None of the actors were afraid to make fun of themselves. A little cheesy, but a lot of fun.
One of the best lines was when the bunny was instructing her students in beautification: "Eyes are the nipples of the face." The lead actress was very non-threatening and likeable.
4
The House Bunny by moviebunny73
It was hilarious, cute, and made me want to work out to have a body like hers. I will definetly buy it when it comes out on dvd.
5
Almost Pissed My Pants by London Boy Blue
THIS MOVIE IS NOT A CHICK MOVIE. THIS MOVIE CAN BE VIEW & ENJOYED BY BOTH GENDERS.
I COULD NOT BELIEVE HOW ****ING FUNNY THIS MOVIE WAS, I ALMOST PISSED MY PANTS.
ASIDE FROM THE COMEDY THIS MOVIE SHOWS PEOPLE THAT WHATS ON THE INSIDE OF A PERSON IS WHAT REALLY MATTERS IN LIFE & NEVER TO JUDGE A PERSON BASED ON LOOKS ALONE. UNDERNEATH ALL THAT MAKE-UP WERE ALL JUST THE SAME....... I MEAN, I DONT WEAR MAKE-UP CAUSE IM A DUDE & THAT WOULD BE WEIRD; BUT YOU GET WHAT IM TRYING TO SAY.
RIGHT NOW THERE ARE ONLY "3" FUNNY AS HELL MOVIES OUT NOW.
1. "THE HOUSE BUNNY"
2. "PINEAPPLE EXPRESS"
3. "TROPIC THUNDER"