OK for kids 14+
Dramedy about grief and love likely won't interest kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this romantic dramedy centers on the topic of grief (and moving past it). There are plenty of tearful references to how characters' loved ones died, so teens dealing with loss or other separation-related issues may find the movie upsetting. While nothing more than kissing is shown, there are several conversations about relationships, as well as allusions to sex and "getting laid." The protagonistdrinks regularly, and several scenes take place in a bar where adultsare drinking (and, in one case, smoking from a hookah pipe). Language includes "s--t," "ass," and "pissed off."
- Families can talk about the movie's message about moving forward past grief and disappointment. How do the various characters come to terms with their anger and heartache?
- Although Bryce pretends to alcohol, he secretly consumes it. How is drinking depicted in the movie?
- What genre does this movie belong to? Is it a romantic comedy, a blackcomedy, a drama? How is it different than most romantic comedies?
The good stuff
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Messages: The main messages seem to be about moving past grief toward acceptance. This is an important take away not only for those who are grieving but to anyone who has experienced disappointment.
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Role models: Burke functions as a positive role model by motivating others to help themselves heal. Although he doesn't help himself until the end of the movie, he has a selfless need to propel his grieving clients to move forward with their lives. Eloise has a fiery personality. She owns her own business, which she says was a dream come true, and she tries to help Burke.
What to watch for
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Violence: Conversations about how loved ones died in accidents and of sickness.
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Sex: Although there's only one big kiss in the movie, the dialogue contains sexual innuendo and several references to dating and relationships, with comments like "did you get laid?" and "either head of yours" etc. Eloise also discusses her ex-boyfriend's infidelity, and a widow talks about how she made a mold of her husband's "you know" so that they could "you know" even after he died. At a poetry slam, people recite poems about "phalluses" and sex.
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Language: Fairly regular use of words like "s--t," "ass," "hell," "damn," and "bitch," as well as "stupid," "pissed off," "oh my God," etc. One character always says his name as "Lane 'Goddamn' Marshall."
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Consumerism: Apple products are on display in a few scenes -- Macbook, desktop computer, and iPod -- as well as Grey Goose vodka, which is Burke's signature drink.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Burke drinks (vodka, mostly) regularly, especially before his seminar talks. Adult characters drink in bars and restaurants and in one scene smoke from a hookah pipe at a Middle Eastern bar.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Love Happens by DiStew55
For anyone who likes movies without immorality, without nudity, without disgusting language and situations, you'll love this movie! A feel-good, honest, fun movie about life, loss, love and relationships. It was wonderful!!
4
A Romantic Comedy with a Serious Side by proudebel
The two lead actors, Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston are easy on the eye, yes; but who would have thought they could really act!?! Both have stretched past their usual "boy meets girl" roles to tackle a serious subject - grieving the loss of a loved one. John Carroll Lynch gives a convincing performance as a man who loses his son in an accident and then loses everything else because he is unable to deal with his grief. Martin Sheen also gives a small role his very best. "Love Happens" is a smart, well-acted movie that takes the viewer emotionally deeper than the average romantic comedy.
5
give it a chance, it's worth it. by amarie22
I am not a fan of supposedly dubbed "chick flicks" or "romantic comedy", but the ambience of the trailer instantly attracted me (as well as the wonderful Jennifer Aniston). Although I did not realize how much of it is centered around the grieving process, this movie was still super and special. Jennifer Aniston and Aaron Eckhart have very believable chemistry and bring their characters to life. There is no way you cannot relate to these characters and their stories. There's hints of laughter here and there, but more so there are several of those moments that just bring a smile to your face. This movie is especially great for anybody who has lost someone and has/is experiencing the grieving process. An eyeopener to what we as humans are capable of when it comes to life, letting go, moving forward, acceptance, and love.
5
Love Happens by thunderrose_o2
I have to say I enjoyed this movie more than I thought I would. I am an action movie lover and only go to these with my daughter. But the character development was excellent. I was moved to tears at the end scene with his father. I loved the fact t hey weren't jumping into bed in the first 20 minutes and that her character was more concerned with what he was going through not how her life had just taken a dump. I think this movie was wonderul and recommend it.
5
Pleasantly surprise by 916hkshin
I wanted to see GI Joe. Wife wanted Love Happens. Saw Jennifer and Aaron and it wasn't bad. Chick flick, well sorta, but it's better than an automatic label. It's a life movie. You won't be disappointed.
5
Loved Love Happens by litahess
What a pleasant surprise! A movie that was entertaining with a little depth to the story that still made you laugh. It covered all the emotions and kept you interested. I highly recommend it for those who appreciate a "clean" movie.
5
Loved it! by andromeda69
I always check the reviews before going to the movies, in this case it had the worst reviews but I still decided to give it a go, I was pleasently surprised that my instincts were right obviously the critic's do not have a romantic bone in their body. When the two first met you could see the spark of passion, I loooved this movie!
5
Fantastic by drewllongo
I expected a mushy love story and got much more! The love story turned out to be a very small part of the plot, the other part of the plot was very moving and unexpected. Ladies, bring your tissues because if this movie doesn't make you cry happy as well as sad tears, then you have emotionally shut down. The best movie of the year by far!
4
Love Happens by tmkite5775
I really loved this movie. Yes it was a typical love story, but tugs at your heart strings
if all sorts of ways. Go see it!!!
3
Five Word Review by Connie_F
Sad slow boring and long