What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this romantic comedy contains little that’s potentially worrisome to parents, exceptperhaps a storyline that explores how some women set their sights on becoming involved with pro athletes and set themselves up for a life of comfort. The subject’s played for laughs, but it’s elevated and mocked at thesame time. The movie willingly stays within the formulaic confines of the genre (including the idea that successful women are incomplete without aman), never once pushing its boundaries. Not that Queen Latifah’s legions of fans, which include plenty of teens, would care; she’s in nearly every frame and is as affable as ever. There’s a little cussing and some drinking in social situations (usually wine), but not much more than that.
- Families can talk about the character Leslie: Is she typical of female leads in romantic comedies? Why is it unusual to see women bigger than a size 2 in romantic comedies? Why are so many women in romantic comedies portrayed as if they’re incomplete without a boyfriend? Does this movie do anything to shake up the norm in romcoms?
- Are there really women -- and men, too -- who pursue celebrities and athletes because it’ll pave the way for an easier life? Will it? In the film, does social-climbing Morgan seem sympathetic despite her goals? Why?
- Why is it that in movies, superstar athletes are expected to be one-dimensional, caring only about their sport and bedding women? Why does this stereotype persist? Does this film shatter any of that?