The Bachelor - PG-13

An unbelievable plot and outdated stereotypes mar this film.

Rating: PG-13 for language Studio: New Line Cinema Directed By: Gary Sinyor Cast: Chris O'Donnell, Renee Zellweger Running Time: 101 minutes Release Date: 12/26/2001 Genre: Comedy

Common Sense Note

In general, women are portrayed as marriage-hungry robbers of men's freedom, and men are portrayed as commitment-fearing wild animals who enjoy drifting from one woman to another. Parents may want to discuss these stereotypes with their teens.

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Kate Pluta

THE BACHELOR opens with a comparison of men to "wild, untamed mustangs." Both enjoy basking in their freedom as they roam the plains in pursuit of "sweet grasses." The metaphor is silly, but thanks to the comedic talents of the movie's actors, it's humorous and entertaining. At least, at first.

Unfortunately, the jokes become cliché, and the plot becomes a bit unbelievable. Quite honestly, it's admirable that Jimmie decides not to tell his true love about the inheritance when he proposes to her. He even lets her leave the country, accepting the fact that he'll forgo the money if she won't marry him. But when he learns that marriage is necessary to save the family company (and therefore, people's jobs), it seems that he'd then focus his efforts on traveling to Greece to pursue his true love. Would he really consider marrying and having kids with someone he doesn't love when he could possibly marry the woman of his dreams?

Viewers willing to overlook the movie's far-fetched circumstances may still enjoy the acting of performers such as Chris O'Donnell, Renee Zellweger, Peter Ustinov, Edward Asner, Hal Holbrook, James Cromwell, Artie Lange, and Brooke Shields, who manage to entertain despite a weak script. The movie has its share of hilarious moments, and true romance eventually outweighs bachelor cynicism.

To see another outrageous comedy with a wedding theme, try Father of the Bride with Steve Martin, and for a look at cold feet from the bride's point of view, check out Runaway Bride, starring Julia Roberts and Richard Gere. My Best Friend's Wedding is another funny Julia Roberts wedding movie.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Jimmie's grandfather tells Jimmie to procreate quickly because marriages sour over time. One ex-girlfriend remembers how they "screwed a couple times." Female genitals are compared to flowers. Anne's parents are quite affectionate with one another. When she discovers she won't be marrying Jimmie, one bride candidate proclaims "Thank God I'm bisexual."
Violence
Language Occasional moderate to extreme profanity.
Message
	Social Behavior In general, women are portrayed as marriage-hungry robbers of men's freedom, and men are portrayed as commitment-fearing wild animals who enjoy drifting from one woman to another. Some sex-related humor.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Smoking and drinking.