Lovely and Amazing - R

A small story about relationships, family, and finding yourself. Not for kids.

Rating: R for language and nudity Studio: Lions Gate Entertainment Directed By: Nicole Holofcener Cast: Jake Gyllenhaal, Catherine Keener, Brenda Blethyn Running Time: 92 minutes Release Date: 06/28/2002 Genre: Comedy

Common Sense Note

Parents should know that this film features majorly mature material, including teen-adult sex and full-frontal nudity. There is drinking and swearing, and the characters are often abusive to one another. This film also deals with mature subjects, from liposuction to a loveless marriage.

Families who watch this film may want to talk about the title. Do you think any of these characters are lovely or amazing? Do you think the title was a good choice? How do you think movies get their titles in general? How important is the title to you? Families may also want to talk about the body image issues presented here. How do you think Jane's decision to have liposuction impacts her young overweight daughter -- or her grown underweight one?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Kelly Kessler

The ironically titled LOVELY AND AMAZING chronicles the mid-life crises of three self-loathing sisters and their equally despondent mother. Jane (Brenda Blethyn), who lives in her suburban home with her adopted overweight African-American daughter Annie (Raven Goodwin), prepares to enter the hospital for liposuction. Meanwhile, her two grown daughters, Elizabeth (Emily Mortimer), an actor, and Michelle (Catherine Keener), a struggling artist, have hit major difficulties in both their careers and relationships.

As their problems crash headlong into each other, mother and daughters must figure out how to care for each other and themselves.

Though the characters are a bit wearing and self-indulgent, LOVELY AND AMAZING is an overall engaging film, which examines the personal struggles of women caught between self-esteem, social pressures, and a drive to succeed. The film gained praise on the independent circuit, garnering Emily Mortimer a Best Supporting Actress Independent Spirit Award. Keener and Goodwin received nominations, along with the film's director/screenwriter Nicole Holofcener. LOVELY AND AMAZING serves as a fabulous vehicle for four strong actors.

Viewers that enjoy LOVELY AND AMAZING may want to check Real Women Have Curves, which also deals with body issues and emotional abuse, and The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants, which deals with families, love, and female friendships.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Discussions of threesomes, heavy petting, extended foreplay, extended full-female nudity, teenage sex with a middle-aged woman.
Violence Off-screen dog attack.
Language A homophobic slur, sexually vulgar language, swearing from and at children, and a racist/anti-Semitic joke.
Message
	Social Behavior The film does not include a single character who is not in some way disturbed. The main women (and child) all appear to be struggling with emotional issues. That struggle manifests itself in alternating hateful/selfish and caring behavior. The film also includes a slew of bad relationships.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Casual drinking by adults, underage drinking (at the behest of an adult).