Iffy for 16+
Snarky comedy about celeb culture lacks bite.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this snarky comedy probably isn't on too many teens' radar, though it does star up-and-comers Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead) and Megan Fox (Transformers). It's got plenty of edgy content, from nudity (breasts and rear) and swearing (including "s--t" and "f--k") to drinking (sometimes to excess) and drug references (there's a comic bit about cocaine).
- Families can talk about the celebrity culture at the center of the movie. Is the film ultimately mocking the media's obsession with stars and their lives or supporting it? Do you think the movie offers an accurate depiction of how Hollywood works -- and how celebrity coverage is shaped by publicists? Why does Sidney get lured in by the celeb culture he seems to despise? And what snaps him back to reality?
The good stuff
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Messages: The workplace seems very high school, with the "in crowd" getting away with everything. Sidney appears to forget what matters to him and is seduced by fame and its perks, including gift bags and entry beyond velvet ropes. He does seem to find his center by the time the film ends. Some crass jokes. Some discussions about what New York women want in men, making them sound materialistic.
What to watch for
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Violence: Some yelling. A party-crasher is hauled off by cops, and a man lunges at a woman in a public forum. More backbiting than punching.
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Sex: A stripper bares her breasts in a stunt witnessed by kids; a married man cheats on his wife; a writer lusts after a Hollywood starlet, who seems keenly aware of how to show off her assets in skimpy clothing. At some point, the starlet mentions that drugs make her horny, so a man tries to procure some for her. A man takes a woman home and finds out that she's actually a he (viewers see her naked from behind, and her would-be lover comments on "her" genitalia).
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Language: A blue streak, from "s--t" and "f--k" to "t-ts," "dick," and "a--hole."
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Consumerism: Pretty much a catalog of tons of high-end products (Armani, Omega Speedmaster), Broadway shows (Stomp, The Drowsy Chaperone), movies (Con-Air, La Dolce Vita), and much more. The Haymarket Hotel is featured prominently.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Several of Sidney's drunken moments result in offensive behavior, including mocking people out loud and even knocking them down physically. Cocaine is mentioned and later displayed in a small baggie. Specific drinks are also mentioned fairly often, including White Russians.
Fan Reviews provided by
3
Funny smart and funny crude by cinema_lvr
I was expecting a mildly comedic movie and was happily surprised as I thought it was deeply funny. Many people in the audience were laughing very hardily. It's that kind of movie. You'll either think it's deeply funny or not. It definitely has a couple of crude humor scenes that aren't gratuitous, but are necessary to keep the humor from being sophomoric. So if you're offended by crude (frontal) humor/nudity, then you should avoid this movie. Otherwise be prepared to embarrass the person(s) with you because someone is going to bust a out loud! Lastly, there is a bit of a love story in there and even though the movie is a crude humor movie. It's definitely not central to the movie so don't try to push this one off on your date as a love story. The woman in the older couple laughed more openly during the movie than the man. I changed my vote to 50-50 because if you love crude humor and biting dialog, then you'll definitely like it, otherwise probably not.
3
Good Movie by Sweetgurl
I liked this movie. I like Simon Pegg. This movie didn't have alot of laughs but it was good. I wouldn't say it's a must see film but it's a good movie to watch when nothing else is on.
3
Pros and Cons by efevans
Cons: 1. Simon Pegg is adorable. Too adorable. His character is more a screwup than an outright jerk.
2. Story arc is flat. There's no real build-up, no real climax, no real resolution.
3. Danny Huston is unsettlingly evil rather than the mere obnoxious cad he's supposed to be.
4. Pegg has done much better films. If you haven't, see Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz.
Pros:
1. Simon Pegg is adorable. If you're a fan it's always nice to see him.
2. Kirsten Dunst manages not to be grating for once. 'Nuff said.
3. Cute Thandie Newton cameo at the beginning.
5
just plain fun by LuisFG
bring a good sense of humor and some good friends.
overall enjoyable and funny, the whole cast does their job.
pay no attention to the bad reviews about what the movie "should of been", it is a good movie none the less.
5
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People. by hoopertx
FUNNY! really enjoyed it completly -- my friends was surprised he liked it so much. I love Simon Pegg so i knew i would enjoy it. If you need a laugh this is the place to go.
4
Great Comedy! by pytljc
If you are in the mood for a comedy, when there's not many out ... this one's pretty good. I'd recommend it, though I'm not giving it too high a mark. It was entertaining and Jeff Bridges is great!!
4
How to lose Friends and Alienate People! by dingmanliz
My husband and I went to see this purely based upon Simon Peg's previous movies. We were going as a date, and were actually pleasanty surprised to see him in more of a romantic comedy. Not his usual Shawn of the Dead or Hot fuzz kind of stuff, but more like Run Fat Boy run. Many times the whole theater was laughing out loud! Very funny, and cute romantic comedy.
3
DVD THIS MOIVE by sky28
IF YOU LIKE BRITISH HUMOR THEN THIS IS THE MOIVE FOR YOU...
THE AD'S FOR THIS MOVIE PUMPED UP THIS AVG. MOVIE TO THINK IT WAS WORTHY YOUR MONEY..BUT IT'S NOT.
EVER MEGAN FOX COULDN'T MAKE THIS $8 TO WATCH!!!!!
4
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People by Dwergislayer
You can't be a Simon Pegg fan and NOT love this movie!!!! It has painfully awkward humor, with tons of flare! Pegg fans, like myself, with recognize special cameos from his costars in recent films and references to possible, future projects. The romantic plot events were somewhat predictable, but not sappy. Even the romance stayed very comedic. Like almost all Pegg movies, this soundtrack ROCKS!!! This movie delivers!!! GO SEE THIS IT RIGHT NOW!!!
1
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People by inker
what a waste of time and money.
i am sorry for such harsh word. but this isn't worth the money and time at all : (