Iffy for 14+
Naughty Mike Myers comedy has little to love.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that the many kids who like Austin Powers are going to be eager to see Mike Myers' latest ribald comedy about a wacky, catchphrase-spouting character in goofy makeup who enjoys vulgar misadventures before finally managing to triumph (especially since it costars Jessica Alba and Justin Timberlake). But this movie has a coarser feel than the Powers trio. The language and sexual innuendoes are constant, unsubtle, and over the top (expect everything from an elephant pooping on screen to references to masturbation and oral sex); there are drinking and drug references; and products and brand names are almost as prevalent as Myers' cheeky grin. That's a whole lot of iffy content to sit through for only a few laughs.
- Families can talk about the appeal of Mike Myers' over-the-top characters and broad comedic style. What makes characters like Austin Powers and Guru Pitka funny? Are they affectionate caricatures or stereotyped cartoons? Are we expected to laugh at Pitka because he says funny things or because his dress and accent are "funny" to Western eyes and ears? Do you think Myers' portrayal of Pitka is racist? And do you think Pitka's positive messages come through amid all of the fistfights, urine jokes, and sex comedy? Is the message more important than the medium, or is the movie's feel-good philosophy a way to try to dignify lowbrow comedy?
The good stuff
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Messages: Guru Pitka is an American-born, India-trained "guru" with a broad accent and wacky facial hair -- many have questioned whether he's an intrinsically racist character. Although Pitka's message to the world is one of love, he pushes that message as a way to gain influence and prestige. Any other messages are overshadowed by the incessant bathroom humor, from elephants defecating on screen to students "training" by striking one another with urine-soaked mops. Pitka is seen pulling various objects from his anus and, in a yoga-mocking sight gag, with his own head up his anus. Other jokes rely on food and diagrams that look like male genitalia. Women are often portrayed as attractive background decor, although many female characters are also strong, assertive, and loving. Jokes play on the stereotype that Indian people work in customer support, and a diminutive character is constantly referred to as "Frodo," "elf," "hobbit," and so on.
What to watch for
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Violence: Extensive violence throughout (generally played for comedy), including everything from on-ice hockey fight action (a blood-streaked tooth is spat onto the ice) to scuffles. The lead character suffers a bloody attack by a "guard rooster" and is later seen with the rooster's severed head in his teeth; characters punch each other; a mock-comedy bar fight breaks out; a supporting character pulls a bloody piece of glass from a gash in his forehead on-camera.
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Sex: Constant crude sexual language and references, including (but most definitely not limited to) a character renowned for his endowment and references to erections, masturbation, and oral sex. The title character wears a chastity belt, which is often seen; he also has scantily clad minions. References to pet stylists who became charity workers "going from doggie style to the missionary position." References to syphilis and crude catchphrases like "eatin' ain't cheatin" and the double-entendre "Liquor up front, poker in the rear." References to youthful lesbian experimentation for comedic effect. Oral sex is mimed using a corn dog. A character is praised for her "great rack" and "bell-shaped ass." Multiple genital and erection jokes involving sound effects, whether from striking a chastity belt or the organ in question striking the floor (both mercifully unseen).
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Language: Frequent strong language, including "ass," "penis," "dinkbag," "bitch," "prison bitch," "doggy style," "s--t," "crap," "prick," "hos," "dump," "whizz," "nutsack," jackoff," "pubes," "balls," and "a--hole." Thanks to Pitka's accent, the phrase "can't face" is confused for a crude phrase comparing someone's face to female genitalia.
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Consumerism: Lots of real-world brands, including professional sports teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and the L.A. Kings; TV shows like The Electric Company, Oprah, and Law and Order: SVU;products like Altoids; Dell Computers; Cinnabon; Pop-Tarts; Frangelico; Depends Undergarments; and magazines like Marie Claire, Newsweek, and Men's Health.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: A sportscaster makes extensive references to his stint in rehab for the abuse of "peyote buttons and Frangelico." At one point, he relapses on-air. Alcohol is mentioned as a way of enhancing connection and communication. The sing-along finale includes a lyric with the phrase "midnight toker," which another character later repeats while exhaling the smoke of an unknown substance from a hookah.
Fan Reviews provided by
4
It's Austin Powers meets Indian Musical by saintandrew
I'm being generous because its Mike Meyers and I love his characterizations - normally. Love Guru just seems like a retread of Austin Powers. The main character is self absorbed, somewhat jealous of another character in the film, thinks constantly of sex, has all sorts of trade mark sayings, and makes fun of every bodily function. Take your pick - Austin Powers or Guru Pitka? Underneath the set designs and costumes, its really just the same film, same gags, and same characters. Justin Timberlake added a little something to the cast with his portrayal of a French Canadian Hockey Star, Jessica Alba was there for eye candy, and the funniest bit of the film was the Indian Musical slant in the closing credits. Why didn't they incorporate those sooner? All said and done, if you like Mike Meyers you'll probably be somewhat forgiving of the lack of new material. Mike's humor was once cutting edge but, like a joke you've heard a dozen times, eventually you tire of it. Mariska Hargitay everyone.
1
DO NOT SEE THIS MOVIE!!! by mlorsi
You will be extremely disappointed in this movie. There were only a few times that I even chuckled, other than that, it was not funny! Mike myers movies' are known for their "hidden humor", however this movie should have been rated R for the amount of sexual content and visuals on sexual organs. WHATEVER YOU DO , DO NOT ALLOW YOUR CHILDREN OF ANY AGE TO WATCH THIS MOVIE!! In the Austin powers movies it was present and we were still able to get the humor and bust out laughing, but he has crossed the line in this movie by FAR. If you are curious to see it, definately WAIT to watch it on cable because I am sure this horrible movie will be on DVD next week!
5
must go more than once! by bb62
this movie was HILARIOUS1 and I am a serious 51 yr old man - but I was in tears laughing most of the movie...and I am sure I missed two-thirds of the jokes because of my laughter or the rapid fire sequence of the humor, I would need to see Guru a few times to catch all the jokes, inside humor, and cameos.
I don't see many movies a year - hell, I've got 1,000 channels on satellite- but Love Guru is worth getting off your butt and seeing today.
I have never written areview before, by the way, but I couldn't sleep last night laughing from remembering parts of the movie.
5
We've Been counting down the days for this movie and the wait was worth it by GothamGirl
We loved it. Personally I think this is Mike's best move to date. The writing is clever and quick so pay close attention and be sure you're not sitting next to anyone who laughs too loud or you'll miss some of the funny parts.
5
THe Love Guru by queenbeeronda
Ok, if you love Mike Myers, you have to go see this. Silly comedy in the classic Mike Myers style. STarted out a little slow, but after a few minutes I was laughing hard and forgetting about the bad week I had at my job. The movie has lots of special appearances and of course, lots of hidden adult humor. My 12 year old daughter didn't "get" alot of it and it wasn't too vulgar or crude for her. All in all, if you just want to escape the real world for a couple of hours, this movie is lots of fun!!
4
Gime a Pound, Lock it Down, Cut the pickle, Tickle tickle! by Magnolia Fan
If your not into crude humor pass on this one.....
The only way out is in.
Stop hitting yourself, stop hitting yourself, why are you still hitting yourself?
Into me I see.
I know you are....But what am I? LOL
This was a real dumb movie; however, as with all dumb Mike Myers films you just can't bring yourself to miss it. Some of the humor was absolutely tragic. But there was some really funny stuff as well. The special thing about Mike Myers are his colorfull characters and he's created another great one in the Guru Pitka. Not a home run, but laugh out loud funny and worth the price of admission.
5
funny and jessica alba by texasandyanks
i dont care what u guys say this movie was straight up funny. and even if u didnt find the mvie that funny u could have just stared at jessica alba the whole time because that woman is gorgeous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5
Love Guru by kel96kat99
Loved it, laughed out loud! Took the kids and they loved it!
3
Wait for the DVD by UFGator154
It was ok, had a few really funny moments, honestly felt like I was watching Austin Powers all over again. :( Save a few bucks and wait for the DVD
2
mildly amusing at best by Phoolle
This movie was boring. I might have smiled a couple of times, but that was it. Save your money.