OK for kids 13+
Pleasant but overly predictable travel comedy OK for teens.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this romcom probably isn't on most kids' radar, with the exception of teen girls who love romantic films. Sexuality includes discussions about the main character's sex life, some kissing, and a brief post-coital shot of a sheet-covered couple lying in each other's arms. There's less strong language than in most PG-13 films, with "ass" being the main offender. Violence is limited to a pool-side scuffle, and consumerism is tied to one character's job at IHOP, which is a running gag in the movie.
- Families can talk about what the movie seems to say about success versus happiness.
- Does Georgia's decision at the end of the movie make sense, or is itcounter to her personality?
- Why do so many romantic comedies portraythe female protagonist as "uptight"? Is that sexist?
- Kids: Is Georgia agood role model for young women?
The good stuff
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Messages: Although Georgia is an intelligent, educated woman, she's depicted as passionless and uptight until she's swept off her feet by an attractive, mysterious man. The movie's message seems to be that a woman isn't happy or successful unless she's "got a man." On the other hand, the tourists all help each other in one way or another. One kleptomaniac elderly lady stops stealing by the end of the tour, and the obnoxious American couple starts to be more sensitive to Greek culture, etc.
What to watch for
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Violence: When a tourist is told that his Greek T-shirt announces he's gay (in a crass way), he attacks the tour guide who gave it to him, pushing him into a pool and yelling at him.
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Sex: Several references to Georgia's inactive sex life; a few bawdy jokes about the easily available Spanish divorcees on the tour. Several characters flirt and kiss, and one couple ends up going to bed together (they're shown, torsos covered, on the floor). It's implied that another character has a menage a trois, because his hotel door opens and he's in boxers and a robe and then two women in lingerie are visible behind him.
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Language: Relatively mild for a PG-13 film: "ass/es," "idiot," "oh my God," "hell," "damn," "suckers," "stupid," and the words "his stick" misheard as "his d--k." A character's nickname is Poupi, and his last name is Kakas ("Poupi Kakas"; his nephew is "Doudi Kakas").
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Consumerism: One of the characters is an exec at IHOP (International House of Pancakes), and he mentions IHOP constantly, gives everyone his business cards, and compares people and places to menu items. It's a running joke throughout the film. Another tour guide discusses taking his group to the Hard Rock Cafe.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Adults frequently drink beer, cocktails, and Ouzo on their Greek vacation. In one scene, everyone's at a bar, and a few characters get drunk. One tourist pulls out a cigar but is told he can't smoke it.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Varadolas Does It Again by jkleinb1b1
My big Fat Greek Wedding was 5 stars. I would give My Life in ruins 3.5 stars . Well worth going to see. Great adult movie. I didn't have to hear God**** or the F word. Good clean fun.
4
It is what it is. by speedythecat
I have now officially seen everything currently playing. Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!
Well, I'm a 40 year old male who got drug to this movie kicking and screaming by my wife, Robyn.
I really, really, hate to admit this but I actually half enjoyed it. Nice scenery, laid back feel of the film almost like we were part of the tour. A few scattered laughs. Not really coca-cola spewing through your nose and burning you laughs, more like hehe.
If you are under 40 years old, skip it. If you are over 40 you will likely enjoy it.
I'm giving it a "GO" even knowing that lots of younger folks would hate this movie, but I don't think that was the target demographic.
5
Sweet Movie! by karen80
Love this movie! It was sweet and very enjoyable. Too bad some are going to pass on it cause of some less-than-good reviews. Great movie to take even your grandparents. Nice time to spend with those we love and rarely share moments like that. Go ahead and see the movie.
4
A great rainy day movie by harveycats
I would say this is a chick-flick but being a big fan of Nia Vardalos, I enjoyed it. It's not as funny as My Big Fat Greek Wedding but it is heart-warming and enjoyable. Nothing offensive is in the move; laugage or actions so sti back and enjoy the popcorn!
4
Beautiful GREECE! by Catfisher
My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed MY LIFE IN RUINS! It was well done with spectacular shots in and around Greece. The cheerful and somewhat predicable plot line was perfect for a date night. It was refreshing to watch a beautifully filmed movie without lurid gratitious sex sceans, foul language, and violence.
4
My Life In Ruins by rav-4
I loved it! Just as I loved her first movie. It has something for everyone. I laughed and I cried. And yes, I must say Richard Dreyfuss is a stand-out; without him, the movie would be just so-so. The movie has some really witty dialogue and some beautiful scenery. What's not to like?
4
A charming good-natured romance by kiloecho
Nia Vardalos provides us another glimse into Greek life, this time in Greece itself. She plays an uptight, out of work history professor turned tour guide of the ancient ruins of Greece who needs to put some fun back into her life. She's on a week long trip with a bus full of misfits and a mysterious driver. Through the excellent support of Richard Dreyfus, as a bittersweet widower who becomes the Obi-wan to Nia's Luke, and the bus load of characters who steal the show, she finds out that life is about much more that pursuing a career.
It's a good, clean family fun movie (except for the one sexy scene) and it makes you feel good. Its slightly touching and best of all provides more than one good hearty, Greek belly laughs.
This is a great date move.
5
Beautiful scenery and beautiful sentiment by jhales
if you like movies that touch the soul, this is one you must go see. The movie takes place in Greece, and the scenery is breathtaking. Never knew Greece was such a beautiful place. I felt like I went to the movies with the whole theater as we all were laughing so hard it was unbelievalble! I wanted to clap when it was over it was that good. There are not that many movies that touch me like this one did. Am glad I went and would watch it again.
5
My Life In Ruins by seeley7
Great fun and felt like we took a trip to Greece. A great stress reliever. Anyone who has been on a tour will laugh through this whole film! A great story of how humans can spend time searching in the wrong direction- when in fact your gift is right in front of you. Enjoy a great movie.
4
my life in ruins by luckymax
the movie was entertaining, beautiful to look at. it was the perfect movie to foirget yourseklf in