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Gray Matters

(2007, Rated PG-13, Comedy, Starring Heather Graham, Tom Cavanagh, Bridget Moynahan)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 15, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 15.
  • Is it any good?

    2.0
  • Common Sense says

    Forgettable coming-out comedy for older teens.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 15–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Protagonist discovers it's better for her to admit that she's gay than live a lonely, unhappy life pretending to be straight. Her friends and family accept her after she comes out. Some jealousy and competitiveness between adult siblings.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Several on-screen kisses, including a prolonged scene of two drunk women kissing on a bed. Two women take a bath (no direct nudity, though it's obvious that Charlie isn't wearing anything). A woman clearly invites another woman to her place for sex. Charlie spends many of her scenes in a bra and thong. A woman's sexual identity and history are frequently discussed.
  • Language:

    Occasional language like "screw," "ass," "s--t," and one "f--k."
  • Consumerism:

    Unless you consider obvious New York City and Las Vegas landmarks a "brand," no overt product placements.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    People drink socially at home, a dinner party, and a bar. Two characters drink so much that one can't remember anything about a significant night.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Gray Matters

Parents need to know that while this might seem like a run-of-the-mill romantic comedy, it's more about Gray's serious realization that she's gay. Bridget Moynahan, who plays the object of Gray's affection, spends most of the film clad in a lace bra and thong panties. The two women share a long, passionate, tequila-fueled kiss, but only Gray remembers it. Despite the film's lighthearted feel, there are plenty of adult themes -- pretending to be straight, coming to terms with homosexuality, making impulsive decisions to marry, etc. The movie is best for older teens who have some perspective on these subjects.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how Gray decided to come out. Ask your kids how they feel about her fears that she'll never get married, have kids, or be able to publicly display affection because she's gay. Parents and kids can also discuss Gray and Sam's sibling relationship. Why did someone assume they were a couple? What were the pros and cons of their constant togetherness? If your kids have siblings, ask them how they think their relationships will change as they get older.

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 3.0

    Okay

    I admit that I went into this movie without expecting it to be at all good. Nevertheless, despite being quite unrealistic and at times cloying, it has in its defense a lot of charm. Heather Graham and Tom Cavanagh are winning; Alan Cumming's character doesn't seem to have much of a place in this film, but he manages to be a whimsical addition just the same. However, parents should be warned that there's heavy drinking, some swearing, and sexual content, making this a picture better suited- as CSM suggests- for elder teens.

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