OK for kids 13+
Formulaic romantic comedy has mostly mild content.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this clichéd romantic comedy has some charm but relies heavily on broad stereotypes -- the driven career woman who melts for the right guy, gee-whiz Midwesterners with Fargo accents, etc. -- for its humor. And its message is an unsurprising one about learning to appreciate more of life. Expect some relatively mild swearing (including "s--t"), a few scenes with drinking (including one in which the main character gets drunk), and some kissing and sexual innuendo (mentions of a woman's nipples and thong, for example), but no nudity or violence.
- Families can talk about whether it's OK to play stereotypes -- whether of people or locations -- for laughs. How does the movie portray women and people from small-town Minnesota? Is it accurate or exaggerated? Can you think of movies with stronger positive female role models? Families can also discuss why so many Hollywood romantic comedies are about opposites attracting. Do you think relationships like that are as frequent (and as successful) in real life?
The good stuff
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Messages: The film means well, but it relies heavily on broad stereotypes -- especially those of career women and small-town people in Minnesota. A woman appears to be cold-hearted and judgmental at first but changes over the course of the movie. Characters lie by omission but later feel bad and try to make amends.
What to watch for
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Violence: A man is accidentally shot, but it's played for laughs. Some yelling.
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Sex: Some kissing; references to a woman's nipples and thong.
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Language: Relatively mild swearing, including "damn," "a--hole," "ass," "oh my God," "hell," "son of a bitch," and a few uses of "s--t."
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Consumerism: Closeups on products like high-heeled shoes and handbags (the Chanel logo is visible on one). Signage for various tbusinesses, etc., including UPS and Munck Foods.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Some beer drinking at a bar; a woman gets drunk on wine when her car gets stuck in a snow bank.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
I Loved This Movie by katapillar
I loved this movie, and it is not getting the credit it deserves. First of all, the music in the movie is great, and I can't wait for the soundtrack! Secondly, the peopl e of New Ulm ,Minnesota are taking this way too personal. I am not from Minnesota, nor have I ever been there. But, I did not look at the people in this movie as stupid, and I liked their accent. I think that it is cute. The people are portrayed as caring, kind, compassionate people, and even if it seems like they don't do much with their lives, they do. They create a close community and are willing to take risks where their community is concerned. Any community portrayed like this should be proud and honored. I also like Rene Zellweger and Harry Conick Jr. in this movie. They are cute together. I like their chemistry, and at first Zellweger is portrayed as a shallow corporate exec, but her sensitivity shines through when she talks about her father. This movie is perfect fort oday's situation. Go see it!
4
New in Town by mstollens
I was looking forward 2 watching the movie because of Harry Connick Jr. I have to say,he did NOT disappoint.The movie itself was cute & often times hysterical! I went with my boyfriend who had absolutely no interest in watching the movie,& he loved. He (& everyone else in the theater) was laughing very much out loud! The movie was lighthearted & was a bit of an escape compared 2 all the other movies that were out at the time.The roles that the supporting actors played(Siobhan Fallon & J.K. Simmons)were played very well & you just felt the chemistry the cast had.Normally, these actors are not shown much throughout movies,but in this flick they played a very entertaining role! I understand that they immediately show Renee moving so you can feel how she feels(confused & out of place),however I wished there were more time with character development, more romantic scenes instead of just mostly denial,& 1st dinner scene could have been better.Recommend this over the other movies playing now.
4
Typical, but very cute by marygoroundhorses
everyone, myself included, seemed to enjoy the movie.
predictable, but with the cast, you can't miss. and harry is always hot to watch. :D
5
New in Town by Star322
Don't listen to the critics, I saw this movie with some girlfriends and abosolutely loved it. It was cute, funny and sweet. The perfect "feel good" movie. And to anyone out there that appreciates movies with morals, or movies that you can take your kids to and not have to worry about, this is the one. I especially liked the part about the special gift Lucy receives from Blanche, very touching. Maybe the end might have been a bit predictable, but I would still definately recommend this movie. I thought Siobhan Fallon-Hogan was outstanding in her role as Blanche, she made the whole show. Renee Z. was wonderful as always. Oh yes, it was missing some things, it wasn't violent or vulgar in any way. We need more movies like this.
4
Refreshing by lovestalentmoviefan
It was funny! Thank you for a movie that didn't need nudity,sex and swearing to be enjoyable. I've been so depressed and embarrassed by what it takes to entertain people anymore. If only we could go back and say NO to unnecessary stimulation to the primal ugliness that is in us. I love when someone in Hollywood has the fortitude to say "It's okay to show something with value" Even to the line where Harry Connick remarks on teenage girls idols to not be women who sell themselves as sexual objects(did you get that fergie et al?) Because this was a clean movie I have PAID to see it eleven times just to do a small part in saying- "CAN WE PLEASE HAVE MORE?" If you havent seen it,please go.You will enjoy it and you will be sending a message moneywise.
5
The Movie Critics are"The Biggest Losers!" and I ain't talkin weight! by pepjrp
After reading the critics words, I thought this movie would be horrible to see. I went and saw it anyway and realized that the so-called movie critics have no idea what the folks like. These worthless scumsuckers only give a thumbs up to movies if they are full of "Bush-bashing" or hating America in general. They also love anything that portrays European-Americans as racist and bigots. They especially love it if there is a "GAY" in your face and can push that agenda down your throat. No pun intended as you can be sure they love it down their throats. Claudia Pig is a perfect example of one worthless critic. Her last name sure fits her to a tee. I'm sure when "Fireproof" came out last year. She was all on the side of the hating Hollywood bunch. This movie was very entertaining and a general feel good movie. You will like the characters and hope the best outcome for all.
5
New In Town-Definately Worth Seeing by mindydog83
I wasn't sure what to expect but this was a just plain feel good movie. It was funny....heartwarming...and you came to really like all of the characters. Not F-bombs....nudity...I took my 11 year old daughter and she loved it. Would definately recommend this movie. Wish they made more like this.
4
Better than expected by spyboy
We went to see this movie as sort of a default. We've seen a few of the big movies out and we didn't have time to see the lengthy Benjamin Button which we really wanted to see. So we saw this one. My husband and I both don't really like Renee Zellweger. But I have to say she was pretty good in this movie. It was lighthearted but not stupid. We laughed even though we were sure we wouldn't! It's a cute, simple movie that we found surprisingly entertaining. Some of the supporting cast is actually VERY entertaining and probably are what make the movie better than your average light comedy.
3
Nothing New Here by Bob_Parr_Fan
This film had its charm and Harry Connick did a nice job with his role. There are several laugh out loud moments. But this is a movie that would probably best be seen on TV. On predictability it scored a perfect 10 out of 10. It would be great for a date night at home DVD viewing but not worth shelling out first run movie prices for.
5
New in Town by cjnyman
Loved the movie. It was laugh-out-loud funny. Yes it was predicable, but the acting was great. The town characters definitely added to the atmosphere. Haven't laughed so much in ages. Take a break treat yourself to a little laughter. cj