Tools for this page
Print

Notting Hill

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version
    Not age appropriate for kids under 11, age appropriate for kids over 13; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Not deep, but definitely funny--teens will enjoy.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 13 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Some crude humor from William's flatmate.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Comments about breasts, leering at breasts, questions about sleeping with someone, and jokes about masturbating. Also, a comment about seeing old friend Pandora's "box." The two leads are seen post-coital, but not naked.
  • Language:

    Occasional profanity, ranging from mild to heavy.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    A good deal of alcohol is consumed at parties.

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Notting Hill was written by Randy White

Parents need to know there's occasional profanity, ranging from mild to heavy. William's flatmate makes crude remarks and wears lewd T-shirts. A good deal of alcohol is consumed at parties. Comments about breasts, leering at breasts, questions about sleeping with someone, and jokes about masturbating. Also, a comment about seeing old friend Pandora's "box." The two leads are seen post-coital, but not naked.

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about whether or not they would want to be famous.
Did this review help you decide?

Are you going to see it?

Have you seen it? Review It!

More on Notting Hill

What’s the Story?

In this romantic comedy set in London, the quiet life of sweet, bumbling Notting Hill bookseller William Thacker (Hugh Grant) is turned upside down after a chance encounter with American movie star Anna Scott Julia Roberts, who's in London for a film shoot. Constantly hounded by the paparazzi and rarely able to escape her entourage, Scott finds herself attracted to Thacker's adorably humble manner, simple life, and down-to-earth friends. Romance blooms between the unlikely pair, but Scott's fame poses serious challenges to the budding relationship, as does her on-again, off-again affair with arrogant actor boyfriend Jeff King (Alec Baldwin).

Is It Any Good?

While this romantic comedy doesn't expose the dirty underbelly of our celebrity-crazed culture, it's definitely funny. Hugh Grant plies his trademark self-effacing act to great effect. The writers also give Grant some wonderfully funny lines to deliver. Julia Roberts plays the straight character with just the right angst and desire, and William's grungy flatmate Spike nearly steals the movie with his outrageous outfits and disastrous hygiene.

 

Despite the story's attempt to maintain an ironic tone, it descends into mawkish sentimentality at times. It also bogs down in the last fifteen minutes--just bring the two leads together, already! Overall, this is a fine movie for teens and parents to share together.

Movie Details

Studio: Universal Pictures, Director: Roger Michell
Run time: 125 minutes
Theatrical release: 11/10/1999, DVD release: 11/10/1999
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for content and brief strong language

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

What did you think about Notting Hill?

or

to post a review

See all 3 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!!!

    OMG BEST MOVIE EVER!!!!! I loved it!!!! If you liek romantic comedy movies, then this movie is perfect for you!!!!

  2. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 0 and give it 5.0

    OMG.....best movie ever!

    omg!! this is my favorite movie in the world. i love hugh grant. i love julia roberts. i LOVE rhys ifans. it's hysterical!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in California
    I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it 5.0

    soooooooooooooo funny

    I loved this movie it was sooooo funny

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Most Popular This Week

    foursquare

    foursquare

    Is this social network too risky for your child?

  • Tech Tip

    Learn the basics with our latest video.How to Text

    Learn the basics with our latest video.

  • Must See TV

    Life Unexpected

    Life Unexpected

    Teen-themed family drama is edgy but earnest.

  • Pick of the Week

    Sites for Haiti

    Sites for Haiti

    Help kids get involved.

  • Download This

    "Today Was a Fairytale" (CD single)

    "Today Was a Fairytale" (CD single)

    Innocent love song for tweens from a PG-13 movie soundtrack.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends

This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.

Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.

Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name