Iffy for 14+
Forgettable teen comedy has lots of sex and drinking.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this is a review of the movie shown intheaters and not the unrated version with an alternate ending availableon DVD.Parents also need to know that this deplorable teen comedy targets teens especially since it stars Heroes cheerleader Hayden Panettiere. But the movie is full of consequence-free underage drinking and teen sex. Teens drink beer, hard liquor, and champagne (the latter supplied by parents) and drive after doing so. Characters have a threesome (though nothing explicit is shown), there's a running conversation about one character's sexual orientation, and teen girls' naked backs are shown during a titillating locker room scene. Language is notably strong for a PG-13 movie, including "f--k" and many uses of "s--t." The main character also gets beaten up a lot, and his parents are iffy role models at best, providing the aforementioned alcohol and essentially encouraging him to have sex.
- Families can talk about teenage sexuality. How is it portrayed here? Is that realistic? Why would Denis' dad encourage him to have sex? Parents, talk to your teens about your own family's values when it comes to sex.
- What about the underage drinking? Is it as common as the movie suggests? What are the consequences of drinking in real life?
- Are the movie's stereotypes funny? Are all cheerleaders mean and all valedictorians nerds? Can you think of teen movies that don't follow these "rules"? How does this movie compare to the classics in the teen genre?
The good stuff
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Messages: Yes, the movie is saying that high school need not be the peak of a popular teenager's existence, but there are a lot of misleading messages as well. Denis calls the crazy night of party hopping, law breaking, and hooking up "best night" of his life and the only part of high school he'll remember. And there are very few consequences for any of the teens' behavior; in fact, Denis' dad practically congratulates him on his wild night. On the plus side, Denis does help Beth feel better about herself and her future.
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Role models: Although Denis is surprisingly sweet and gentlemanly, Beth isn't a particularly positive role model for girls. Except for the fact that she seems to listen to Denis' advice, Beth thinks nothing of exploiting her looks to get alcohol, driving so recklessly that she commits a hit and run, "teasing" Denis by revealing her naked body to him, and otherwise reveling in her "most popular girl" status. Denis' parents also score pretty low on the role model scale -- they provide him with alcohol for his (unsupervised) graduation party, tell him where to find condoms, and seem more congratulatory than angry when he shows up after being gone all night without word. There's also a lot of stereotyping of the typical high school movie variety -- nerds, popular kids, jocks, etc.
What to watch for
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Violence: Denis is beaten up several times by Beth's pumped-up boyfriend and his equally buff pals. He ends up with visible, bleeding wounds and bruises. There are fist fights, jumps/falls out of windows, car crashes, and one humorous towel fight.
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Sex: Several sexual situations and conversations, though only one actual "sex" scene ... which is a threesome. Two teen girls proposition a virginal boy and start kissing him; the next scene shows them all in bed together, with the sheets pulled up under their arms. Beth and her two friends also undress and shower in front of a guy, but you only see bare backs. Denis drops his pants and spends a scene or two in just his underwear. Conversations about erections, sexual orientation (one character may or not be gay), and misusing sexuality (Beth makes out with a clerk in order to buy beer). Plenty of innuendo and some additional kissing; at one point, Denis' head ends up in Beth's lap, and he sees her panties. Denis' dad tells him where to find his own stash of condoms and implicitly encourages Denis and Rich to have sex; later, Denis' parents are shown making out in a car -- when his dad's cell phone vibrates because a call is coming in, he proceeds to tuck it down his wife's skirt.
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Language: Surprisingly frequent use of strong language for a PG-13 film, including one use of "f--k" and many of "s--t." Other words include "p---y," "a--hole," "bitch," "hell," "oh my God," "damn," "boners," "slut," "goddamn," "ass," etc.
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Consumerism: Mostly cars: Toyota Yaris and Hummer. Other brands shown/mentioned by name include Suzy Qs, Eggo waffles, Spider-Man underpants, and assorted other convenience store snacks/drinks.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Frequent underage drinking, including beer, hard liquor, and champagne (the latter provided by Denis' parents for his graduation party). Teens also purchase alcohol from a cashier who knows they're minors and drive cars after drinking (though it's never implied that they're completely drunk while driving). Occasional cigarette smoking; discussion of being drunk and what champagne "makes" one girl do (the implication is that it leads to sex). Discussion of cocaine use by Beth's older, angry boyfriend and his friends.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
?I LOVE YOU, BETH COOPER? -- Can a Nerd rehabilitate himself via Public Comments? = Rating: 7 of 10 stars (per an advance screening). by jimchudnow
This is a mildly charming, generally sweet film mainly aimed at a teenage audience (which seemed to ?relate? to & enjoy it). Nerdy high school valedictorian Denis (PAUL RUST), urged on by his best friend Rich (JACK CARPENTER), gives a grad speech in which he makes comments about classmates? calling one stuck-up, one a bully, one gay, & one ? Beth Cooper (HAYDEN PANATIERRE) ? as being the object of his love. With a hidden agenda (including upsetting her current boyfriend Kevin ? played by SHAWN ROBERTS), Beth & 2 girlfriends (Cammy, played by LAUREN LONDON, & Treece, played by LAUREN STORM) show up at Denis? grad party. As the girls & guys spend time together, there are the ?usual? high-jinks-- getting drunk, driving badly, fighting, making out, etc. It?s not especially clever or funny or very boisterous, but you end up understanding & ?pulling? for the good guys. The decently-acted film achieves what it sets out to, namely, make some gentle observations about difficulties in growing up
5
Saw It Twice by jaymielikessomeone
It was soooo funny. Hayden did so good in this movie. I never liked her until the movie came out. She and Paul were so funny together. Paul's best friend was so funny. It's a have to see movie.If you want to see a funny movie see it. By the way Hayden's boyfriend was so cute and so funny. I hope my review helped you. You need to see it.
4
Good. Worth going. by iLikeKettleKorn
Not amazing, not the best movie "EVER" but, is worth the cost of admission. Some good laughs and better yet, some good life lessons.
5
I Love You, Beth Cooper by movielvr23
Beth Cooper is an excellent must-see movie. The film starts with high school valedictorian Denis Cooverman (Paul Rust) stating to the entire gymnasium that he's had a crush on cheerleader Beth Cooper (Hayden Panettiere) for six years. Denis' speech upsets everyone except Beth, who thinks it was "sweet," giving Denis the courage to invite her to a party at his house that night. This movie was extremely touching and teaches teenagers not to give up on their dreams, and if they truly believe in something it might just come true.
5
I love you, Beth Cooper by KatcraZ
I laughed myself silly... It was absolutely hilarious!! This is a must see for the whole family!!!
5
Loved it! by Leenylou27
Lot's of funny parts and kept me entertained the WHOLE time.
However very predictible, and you knew what was going to happen in the end.
One of my favorites, and deffniatley a must see(:
4
Beth Cooper is Hot!!!! by moviesinjax
I really enjoyed this movie. It had a good flow and told a good story about how highschool can be for some people. Beth cooper is freaking Hot!!! and her friends weren't bad either. I enjoyed the characters, good bad guys and awesome good guys. It is what it is a teen flick but worth seeing.
5
I Love Beth Cooper Too!!!!!!!! by movie_revewer_claycoker13
This was by far the funniest movie i have ever seen. And I Recommend this movie for people between the ages of 13 and about 25. No freaking person over 25 has the right to review this movie unless your a insignificant blob. with no life.
5
Good movie for Mother and pre-teen daughter by kwilkins2
I took my daughter who is 11 yrs old. We really had a great time watching this movie!!
5
i loved it!!!!!!! by iloveyouedwardcullen
super duper funny!
awesome teenage movie:)
they should make a beth cooper 2!:D
watch if u want to laugh!