OK for kids 14+
Frantic working mom tale doesn't have much teen appeal.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this book-based comedy about a mom (played by Sarah Jessica Parker) balancing work and family is more likely to appeal to adults than kids and teens. There's a fair bit of sexual innuendo and discussion about sex, both in and out of marriage (including a humorous reference to oral sex), but aside from a husband and wife kissing and hugging, no actual sexual activity is shown. Profanity isn't constant, though one scene has the main character repeating "s--t" multiple times. Teens who do watch will see mostly positive messages about the value of women in the workplace and the rewards of family life.
- Families can talk about balancing responsibilities. How does this film portray how adults manage home and work? Does it seem realistic? What are some of the challenges your family faces mixing work, school, and family responsibilities?
- What is the movie's message about working women? About the responsibilities of childrearing? Does this movie challenge or reinforce gender stereotypes?
- Talk about the relationships between women in this movie. Are they supportive? Are they realistic? What messages does the movie express about female friendships and conflicts?
The good stuff
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Messages: Supports the idea that a woman's career is important and valuable, and so is her family. Shows the challenges and rewards of balancing work and family. Some stereotyping of male and female roles played for humor.
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Role models: The main character is a successful financial manager with a supportive, loving family. She struggles to balance the challenges of work and family, including battling sexism at work, constant demands from family, and a frazzled schedule that leaves her always feeling rushed and behind.
What to watch for
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Violence: Not an issue
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Sex: Lots of discussion about marital sex and relationships. A married couple prepares for sex, though it doesn't happen. A few scenes of passionate kissing, with the implication that sex will happen. Discussion about a couple's lack of sex. A humorous written and spoken reference to oral sex. Several instances of strong sexual innuendo played for humor. A scene takes place in a strip club, but only the feet of a female dancer are visible.
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Language: A few instances of "hell," "ass," "a--hole," and "oh my God," plus several uses of "s--t" -- in one scene the word is repeated about 10 times in rapid succession.
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Consumerism: Several examples of product placement: Bisquick, Pellegrino, Delta, Lumber Liquidators, North Face.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Multiple scenes of social drinking by adults -- wine with dinner, beer at bars, martinis at restaurants. One joke about mixing vodka and Xanax as a way to cope.
Fan Reviews provided by
2
typical show for the times by daughtersFATHER
NO.. didin't enjoy it. Just like most shows now....why does a PG 13 rating speak of such issues? Kids need leadership. People to look up to... not some doped up POTTYMOUTH that claims its cool. Language? has anyone been raised in a decent home other than me? Really. I mean I'm abso'flippin'lutely amazed at how this world of cinema entertainment has transpired into such a world of viewing trash, vulgar DYSFUNCTION. oh well.
1
I Don't Know How I Saw This Whole Movie by lorenjey1226
It should have been a Lifetime or WE movie. The character did no accomplish something extraordinary like the cure for cancer. She is a working mother, with a husband. If the producers wanted to be more creative, the film should have revolved around a single working mother who is dating and heavily involved with her siblings and parents.
3
"Chick Flick" by DonB7
Just too predictable. My wife liked it more than I did.
4
Really cute! by golflady
It's a really cute movie. I think it's the best thing SJP has done. It's very realistic, and has a lot of funny moments and the story is good. It's just a really good movie, not a classic by any means, but it's definitely worth the ticket price. Enjoyable.
1
Worse Movie Ever 2011 by trillseeker
I went on a blind date to see this movie, thought it would make a great date move, turns out i flee asleep and my date got upset turns out we both hated the movie is so boring we left half way into it. i would not recommend this movie for anyone to see not even at home.. Worse movie ever !
3
Disappointed by meetingbetty
I am a huge SJP fan and was really excited to see this movie but I felt it was depressing and had very little redemptive value. It portrayed a woman who tries to do it all and fails. It leaves you feeling worse about their life. Depressing!