Iffy for 15+
J.Lo romcom bursts with frank pregnancy, sex talk.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Back-up Plan is a romantic comedy thatdeals frankly with sex and pregnancy, even though it contains verylittle actual nudity and the story itself is fairly chaste. There is one notable scene of a natural birth in which a naked, pregnant womansquats in an inflatable swimming pool; in one brief shot (played forcomedy), her entire body is visible through the water. The movie alsocontains strong language, including one "f--k" and at least half-a-dozen uses of "s--t." Ultimately, the gruesome details of childbirth andlooming parenthood may be unappealing and perhaps even terrifying toteens, but some parents may find something to laugh about.
- Families can talk about how the movie portrays pregnancy. Teens: What opinions did this movie leave you with about pregnancy and parenthood? Was this a realistic scenario?
- Do you think this movie reinforces or challenges any stereotypes about male-female relationships? How do romantic comedies, in general, portray intimate relationships?
- Teens: Could you relate to any of the experiences or ideas about taking care of kids that came up in the movie? How did this movie portray kids and the practice of caring forthem?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie's ultimate point is that couples should learn to communicateand trust one another before jumping to conclusions and assuminganything. The lead characters must overcome many obstacles -- oftenrelated to the complexity of having children -- before they achievethis. Unfortunately, the movie can also be somewhat cynical and has theside effect of making childbirth and parenthood look unappealing.
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Role models: The characters in the movie are fairly flimsy, with narrow behaviorpatterns. Stan is annoying, but once he decides to stay with thepregnant Zoe, he sticks to his guns throughout, no matter how tough itgets for him.
What to watch for
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Violence: There are some arguments and some shouting, and a few moments ofslapstick, but nothing major.
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Sex: There is very frank talk about sex and pregnancy, including the names of body parts and some unfortunate little details (such as uncontrollablebowel movements during a birth). The main character, Zoe, isartificially inseminated through a sperm donor, and we see and hearabout this process. There's a scene of a natural birth (played forlaughs) that includes a shot of a pregnant woman squatting naked in aninflatable pool; everything is visible through the water. Otherwise, the main couple (Zoe and Stan) flirts, kisses, and has sex, though nothingis shown. Zoe has a noisy orgasm, and Stan appears shirtless in onescene. In another scene, Zoe checks out her pregnant body in the mirror, but ducks out of sight a second later.
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Language: We hear strong, but not constant language, including one "f---k" and atleast half-a-dozen uses of "s--t." Also in earshot: "Oh my God," "Jesus" (as an exclamation), "vagina,""pee," "sperm," "ass," "stupid," "penis," "damn," "hell," "bitch,""douchebag."
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Consumerism: The couple likes to eat at Gray's Papaya, a real hot dog restaurant inNew York. But otherwise, not an issue.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Zoe and Stan drink some wine during a date. Zoe's best friend Monaguzzles a glass of champagne in one scene, for comic effect. No one gets drunk. Zoe does not drink while pregnant.
Fan Reviews provided by
3
Interestingly better than I thought it would be..... by lovestalentmoviefan
...but just as good, if not better, to wait and watch in the comfort of your own home. PROS-1)Really honest about fears and anxieties of unconventional situation 2) Decent acting for the most part, 3)Nice subplot with Linda Lavin and Tom Bosley.4)great best friend,especially bed scene. CONS1) Single mothers group a little over the top.2)Unrealistic 'prettiness'. I was more convinced the lead was pregnant during scene with no makeup and chicken in her hair.3)Too obviously a vehicle for Lopez's shape and looks. 4)Toooooo much predictability; I always expect some in this type of movie,but hoped for a little more imagination. Better than Bounty Hunter& not nearly as good as Date Night.Again,does not need theatre viewing.
4
I changed my soso to go after a second look by LTMF 2
HOWEVER, I stress that if you are asking about spending money,I still say so-so: this will be just as good on dvd. Personal view was improved at 2nd time around because I really saw how good Ms.Lopez's acting was IN THIS.She usually annoys me...it may have just come natural from having recently had a baby,nevertheless,give her a chance..she is pure and believable,both with her pregnancy reactions and with her relationship. I also plain appreciated the honesty and realness of this Zoe and Stan together. There is some pretty smart,maybe experienced,dialogue here. I think there was definitely some fresh material. UP UNTIL the wedding and going to the hospital...they really lost me there with silly,unbelievable material ie:stopping at the market...WHAT?...,all the heartfelt talking during labor...WHAT?...just a few things like that. Maybe still pay matinee price,but do not pay full evening.Again,lots better than Bounty Hunter, but a far cry from Date Night,that was worth paying for.
3
Really a 6 part sitcom by keatsgirl
I'm bummed to have spent full price evening money on this movie. Didn't really know what it wanted to be. There was some heart in various conversations between a few characters,and that is why i wont say out and out Dont Go. Nice vehicle for showing off good looks,etc...but I really recommend saving your money.
1
Alex O the only good thing about it by akibear
It was so full of stereotypes and overused jokes about pregnancy and motherhood it was kind of offensive. It seemed like it was written by a teenager, the plot so thin and the characters one dimentional. HOWEVER Alex O'Loughlin was a pure delight to watch. I wish that he will go on to find better vehicles for his talent.
1
Worst. Movie. Ever. by DredPirateRobertsTucson
I am including Gigli in this assessment. This was absolutely horrible. To be fair, I only saw the first hour or so. I actually left the movie and went and saw Date Night again. I love movies. I have not walked out on a movie in at least a decade. Seriiously...ugh.
1
What a Colossal waste of time by Chazdad
I gave up on hits movie well before half time and walked out for the first time in I don't know how long.. Come on pregnant and drinking wine? What's with eating chili out of the pot like some dog! I saw the previews and was convinced that Lopez had finally learned how to act! No way! Maybe it was the plot or the directing, but nothing was really developed, just one cliché after another! Like watching bits and pieces of a home movie, only you don't know the people. Don't waste your time and money, and time is money that can never be replaced!!
5
Five Word Review by chavezcolker
Best Romantic Comedy Alex Rocks!