OK for kids 11+
Tame but unimaginative romcom doesn't offer anything new.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this upbeat but shallow romcom hews closely to traditional Hollywood formulas. While there isn't much in the way of age-inappropriate content for older tweens and teens -- who may find the banter between stars Amy Adams and Matthew Goode somewhat amusing -- the movie does tap into tired stereotypes about men, women, and romance. Adams' character is supposed to be seen as self-sufficient, but she ultimately comes off as yet another Hollywood female character who's just waiting for "the right one" to make everything right in her life. On the up side, language, sex, and violence are quite tame.
- Families can talk about what the film is saying about love and committment. Why does Anna want to marry Jeremy? Is she actually in love, or is she just ready to make a commitment and he happens to be the one she's with? What does that say about relationships?
- Is Anna a positive role model for women? Is she dependent on relationships for happiness, or is she truly self sufficient?
- How does this movie compare to other Hollywood romantic comedies? Is it a genre that’s difficult to reinvent? If so, why?
The good stuff
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Messages: Although the movie makes the worthwhile point that women don’t have to sit and wait for their boyfriends to propose -- that they're in command of their own destinies -- it still pretty much hews to Hollywood's standard boy-meets-girl, boy-gets-girl, boy-loses-girl, couple-is-reunited fairy-tale structure.
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Role models: Anna is very self-sufficient, but she comes off as kind of brittle, as if she just needs the "right guy“ to bring out her warmer side. Declan seems walled up -- like he's also waiting for the "right girl“ to make him feel safe enough to take a chance on love.
What to watch for
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Violence: A guy gets into a fight with three bruisers who steal a woman’s luggage.
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Sex: Three couples of various ages share stories about love and relationships; each tale ends with a kiss. A woman’s naked silhouette is shown behind a shower curtain.
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Language: "Hell," "damn," "idiot“ and "jackass“ are about as rough as it gets. A couple of uses of "for God's sake."
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Consumerism: Anna is label conscious, and much is made of her Louis Vuitton luggage.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A woman gets tipsy at a wedding reception; also social drinking at a pub, where one regular keels over from inebriation (it's played for humor -- but, parents, remind kids that getting drunk isn't funny!).
Fan Reviews provided by
4
A Small Slice of Love and Happiness. by Biphies
Too often, these days, I leave the theatre feeling jarred or jilted by what I see. I can't remember the last time I saw an adult movie that didn't have sex, violence, or graphic language and innuendo. Frankly, I feel the world is graphic enough. Why should I pay upwards of ten dollars or more to see what can be seen on the evening news?
Leap Year was a refreshing break from the glitz and glamorization of the demoralization of the human race. If anything, it was a sweet reminder of what a little love can do to better the world and its people; a lesson we seem to have forgotten to pass onto our children. The banter was cute, the situations amusing, and at the end of the movie you left feeling like the world was just a little bit happier than when you entered. This is a great movie to see with your significant other, your friends, or as a mom and daughter duo.
If you're looking for a light and happy break from the world that will make heart smile, go see Leap Year.
4
Hidden Morals?!? by navystudent
To be honest, this really is just another copy & paste romantic comedy. Or is it? In my quick, roll-the-credits analysis I discovered something odd: there was no lying, cheating, sexual innuendo, or even (oh my gosh!) sex itself! Even so, it has done quite well for itself.
If you're like me and enjoy a good, clean-cut film, this is a must see; if you like some crudeness, then this movie will not deliver, so don't bother. This is the first movie I've seen that has taken the ultimate cliche ending and made it spectacularly special. Just go and enjoy it.
4
Good Clean Fun by cayorda_okisan_genki
Leap Year may have been predictable, but it was well done and entertaining. Lots of laughs and good clean fun. Definitely worth going.
4
Great date movie by zofante
Charming romanitc comedy. Everyone left the theatre with a smile on their face.. Amy Adams is charming and I thought the chemistry worked. Lovely scenes and characters from Ireland. I thoroughly enjoyed it and what is more impoprtant so did my wife.
5
Leap Year Made my Heart Leap by Greeneyes279
My sister and I went to see this movie and both of us loved it! We talked about it on the way home to relive moments in the film. The chemistry between Amy Adams and Matthew Goode was electric; things really clicked with them and you could feel the sparks between them. It was funny, witty and a terrific love story all done within the gorgeous scenery of Ireland. Loved that little grin of Matthew's and the witty banter between him and Amy. I'd definitely like to buy the DVD and see it again. Don't listen to the critics. Go see it and enjoy the movie, the cast was terrific, the setting was terrific and to me it has a lot to offer and was worth the money. Why pick apart the movie, just relax and enjoy the movie for what it is - an excellent romantic comedy that delivered what was intended! Ahhhh, yes... ;)
4
Expected Nothing Going In by arwenevenstar1024
And in a lot of ways that's exactly what I got. The script left a lot to be desired -- you can figure out the plot by looking at the poster. Some of the humor -- Amy Adams stepping in a cow patty and ruining her expensive shoes left a bit to be desired. However, at it's heart, I actually liked this movie, and I can't believe that I'm saying it. No, it's nothing ground breaking and this is January in a non-Leap Year year.
Amy Adams was her bright and shining wonderfully acted usual self. The acting that caught me by surprise however was Matthew Goode's. This guy is an AWESOME actor who picks up on the nuances of his part and between them the carried the film. Of course, the beautiful countryside helped as well.
Bottom Line: It's a Romantic Comedy. Don't expect anything to deep, and definitely don't take it seriously, and there's a chance that you'll have a good time.
4
This is really more of a rental for those careful with spending..... by lovestalentmoviefan
...but I personally say GO because the magic of Amy Adams eyes and smile on a big screen is worth the money. I also say go because this is a clean,yet romantic and sometimes intimately tense movie. As I have stated before,the implied feelings on screen are so much more effective as well as better for society. Thank you to all involved in the keeping it clean decisions. THE OUTCOME,OF COURSE, IS PREDICTABLE,SO IF YOU DON'T WANT THAT,THEN DON'T GO.However,the getting there had some original ideas and lots of fun. Definitely was chemistry that grew as the leads relationship evolved. My tearful moment came at the apartment party after the fiances revelation and the fire alarm. Hopefully,that statement intrigues you enough to take out your wallet and put money into a movie that is safe and fun and entertaining. :)
4
Storybook Ending by Hoodholtz
What more can you ask for than a lovely story about a girl - who thinks she's met the right guy - only to find that he's totally wrong for her. And of course, it's a hunky guy that helps her get to this new found realization! Oh, and of course, he falls in love with her in the meantime!! Matthew Goode rivals Josh Duhamel and good 'ole George for sexiest movie star this season! Watch out guys - this is DEFINITELY a chick flick :+)
4
Was thinking it was going to stink... by maddo027
Went to this movie thinking it was going to stink but it was actually really good. Sometimes Amy Adams gets on my nerves but she was cute in this movie. Matthew Goode was hilarious and not bad to look at either. Irish scenery was beautiful, overall it exceded my expectations!
4
Cute, but not too cute by suemarie
If you like romantic comedies this is for you. The lead actors are surprisingly good, and there is a chemistry between them that can not be missed. Of course there are predictable scenes, but it's an enjoyable couple hours.
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