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Then She Found Me Review

Movies.com Critics

2.0

Dave White Profile

… not as funny as it thinks it is. Read full review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 3.0
    56

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Mixed or average reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 30

    out of 100

    Wall Street Journal Joe Morgenstern

    A bizarre, overcooked broth that combines a broad sitcom style (the banter goes rat-tat-tat like a steam drill) with a preposterous succession of plot complications, plus solemn questions of identity, adoption and the nature of happiness.

    Read Full Review

  • 63

    out of 100

    USA Today Claudia Puig

    There are some wise observations about parenting. Hunt draws some good performances from the cast and wisely chose a low-key personal story for her directorial debut.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    The New York Times Stephen Holden

    Then She Found Me, a serious comedy, is more impressive for what it refuses to do than for its modest accomplishment.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Carina Chocano

    There's something about Hunt's put-upon persona that grates, and it would be nice to see her for once in a role that doesn't call on her to be so angry, short-tempered and disappointed all the time...Still, all in all, Then She Found Me is a warm, entertaining and well-made little movie and an auspicious debut for Hunt the director.

    Read Full Review

  • 70

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter

    With subtle laughs but solid emotional thrust, it will play very well with older audiences.

    Read Full Review

  • 75

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly

    Hunt's movie-directing debut frequently crackles with nice gags.

    Read Full Review

  • 90

    out of 100

    Variety Joe Leydon

    A smart, subtle and seriously funny dramedy bound to find favor with sophisticated auds.

    Read Full Review

  • See all Then She Found Me reviews at Metacritic.com

For Families provided by Common Sense Media

Iffy for 16+

Mature dramedy interesting, but meanders too much.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this indie dramedy deals with heavy, mature themes, including infidelity, divorce, and infertility. The romantic entanglements are messy, as is the newly discovered mother-daughter relationship between Bernice and April. The sex scenes aren't explicit, but they're quite frank (and there's lots of panting and other noises). The film also candidly captures the ambivalence some people feel about adoption, and the discussions can border on uncomfortably painful. Expect some swearing, social drinking, and some heated verbal exchanges as well.

  • Families can talk about what messages the movie sends about adoption. Why is April at first so against it when she herself is adopted? What changes her mind? Is her relationship with Bernice believable? In general, do you think movies present realistic relationships between adult parents and children? Why or why not? Teens: What do you imagine your relationship with your parents will be like as you get older?

The good stuff
  • message true0

    Messages: A woman is left by her husband, promptly finds someone else, and is then confused between the two of them. A woman appears claiming to be April's mother, but she seems to have a propensity for lying. Still, the characters -- even the immature husband -- are well-intentioned and appear to hurt others out of confusion rather than malice.

What to watch for
  • violence false0

    Violence: Loud quarrels, sometimes in public venues, but no physical fights.

  • sex false3

    Sex: A married couple furtively has sex soon after the husband says he's leaving; later, they tryst in a car (with the passenger seat still open; he's shown zipping up his pants). There's not much nudity, but lots of panting, etc. Other embraces are depicted as well (mostly making out). A character gets pregnant by one man even though she's dating another.

  • language false3

    Language: Everything from "goddammit" to "f--k" -- not particularly frequent usage, but there's a fair sprinkling.

  • consumerism false0

    Consumerism: Book jackets are shown, since one character writes copy for them. Bernice's fictional TV show is mentioned a few times.

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false3

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Social drinking.

Fan Reviews provided by

4

BRAVO! Colin Firth was GREAT & Cudos for Helen Hunt's directing debut! by AngieCim
This was a surprisingly good movie once Colin Firth stepped onto the scene. It was nice to see him actually have more than a couple scenes in which he actually gets to act, show vulnerability and engage in some very steamy love scenes - as well as loving family dad scenes. Worth the price of admission just to see that . . . However, I must add that Helen Hunt's directing debut was absolutely right on! Sorry - I cannot say the same for her acting in this role - it really seems she was miscast as well as Mathew Broderick. No excuses - can't save money making a movie by throwing the baby out with the bath water. Luckily - Colin Firth, as well as Bette Midler, created enough magic to make this movie really entertaining! They delivered rock-sold acting - Bravo! I really enjoyed it!

4

Way to Go, Helen! by furiousarah
I would like to point out for those who are dense: Helen Hunt produced and directed this movie. She helped write the screenplay--and she was NOT miscast. I LOVE that she doesn't look like a piece of plastic and that you can actually see the lines on her face. She has a gorgeous heart and a wonderful talent. If you don't want to see wrinkles, go to an action or sci-fi flick, people!! Colin Firth was amazing. His vulnerabilities were portrayed with subtle grace. I was initially questioning whether Bette Midler was appropriate b/c she tends to irritate me--but she was thoughtful and precise-something I have never seen from her. Matthew Broderick also gave a fine performance. Though there were some parts of the film that could have used better editing--I thought it was an inspiring and very touching story. I think the tone of the film was near-perfect and very true. I recommend it to those who appreciate the difficulties of mature relationships-romantic or otherwise.

5

Then She Found Me by cposey
Great movie!! Very touching. Bring tissues!

5

Then She Found Me by flaherty
I loved it!!

4

Then She Found Me by Morgan Hall
Good solid chick flick! I am a guy, enjoyed it even though I didn't shed any tears during ti.

5

Then She Found Me by ernmaree
LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this movie. It was so realistic. The movie was so moving and relates to everyone on some level. Would recommend this to anyone.

3

Then She Found Me by Icemall
As much as I liked this movie. It was a bit (not depressing )to real for my taste. I guess I'm not a big fan of that kind of drama. The old if its not one thing its another. But having said that, Helen Hunt was really good in her role. Bette Midler played Bette Midler not bad. If you like watching other people and their problems by all means go see it.

5

Very relatable by chrisijb
As a single 40 year old woman I could really relate to the lead in this film. Helen Hunt gave an excellent nuanced performance. Colin Firth was also great as her love interest (and is that even relative? - I could watch him read the phone book and be pleased.) This film won't be for everyone, but for those who enjoy character based stories you will enjoy this one. The plot is based on a complex, difficult and pivotal time for the lead character and the choices she is faced with are very real for a lot of people. I will watch this movie again.

4

enjoyed this film by nikkita1500
I think women will like this film. What a great cast. It kept my attention the whole time, it was just about the right length. The R rating is just because there's a few f-bombs thrown out and some clothes-on love scenes. There's some witty dialog so I laughed quite a few times. P.S. Anyone who said they didn't like this movie because you could see Helen Hunt's wrinkles needs a reality check!

4

Very Well Done by TMapou
The movie started out a little slow, but it didn't take that long to pick up the pace. Helen Hunt gave a typically excellent performance. Bette Midler was Better Midler--crude, loud, obnoxious and, most of all, very entertaining. Colin Firth was delightful and charming. Overall, it was a nice and warm story about a woman's new relationships during a very difficult period of her life--both with her birth mother and a new boyfriend--and it really kept me interested. The movie is not getting much hype, but I certainly recommend it.

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