Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Rock's so-so temptation comedy earns its R rating.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
I Think I Love My Wife
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Woe is Richard Cooper (Chris Rock). He's got a gorgeous wife (Gina Torres), two cute tots, a killer house in the 'burbs, and an amazing job as a Manhattan investment banker. But he isn't "getting any" at home, so he spends most of his free time fantasizing about any lovely lady who crosses his path. Sexually frustrated, Richard is primed for the biggest temptation of all: Nikki Tru (Kerry Washington), a former object of his desire. Who can blame him? She looks like a lingerie model, curses like a sailor, and oozes sexuality with every look. Soon, Nikki is stopping by Richard's office in the afternoons -- until Richard is no longer a reliable worker-bee executive or responsible husband. Will he ultimately give in to his urges or try to save his predictable marriage?
Is It Any Good?
In a few scenes, Rock is every bit as funny as his (often racy) stand-up material. But despite the occasional laugh-out-loud moments, I THINK I LOVE MY WIFE is never as consistently edgy or witty as the comedian's tightly written routines. There are a few controversial comments (apparently if you have too much Motown and R&B on your iPod, you have "n----r ears") and original songs (like the rap "F--k the Cracker") -- but not the smart observational humor viewers might expect.
While Rock is definitely an A-list comedian, there's not much here that's on a par with the movie's original source, cerebral French New Wave classic Chloe in the Afternoon.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about gender and objectification. Is it OK to think of women purely as sex objects? Does the movie offer any alternative perspectives on women? What messages do movies and TV shows send about adultery? Families can also talk about the movie's racial overtones. Was it odd that Richard was the only black executive at his firm? List some role models of successful (not just rich) African Americans in movies and on TV.
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 15, 2007
- On DVD or streaming : August 7, 2007
- Cast : Chris Rock , Gina Torres , Kerry Washington
- Director : Chris Rock
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Director(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Fox Searchlight
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive language and some sexual content.
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
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