Catch and Release
Mostly forgettable romantic comedy for teens+.
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this isn't your typical romantic comedy. After the main character's fiancé dies on the eve of her wedding day, she discovers that her husband-to-be hid the facts that he was a millionaire and had fathered a child with another woman. Out of grief, the characters act recklessly and have casual sex, overeat to the point of gluttony, and frequently get drunk. Tweens might initially want to see this because of Jennifer Garner's popular comedy 13 Going on 30, but this "chick flick" features very mature themes like death, infidelity, and deceit.
Community Reviews
Not Pg-13!
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what an upset
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What's the Story?
Jennifer Garner stars as Gray, a woman whose fiancé, Grady, dies on his bachelor-party fishing trip, so she spends what would've been her wedding day attending his funeral. After the funeral, Gray moves in with her beloved's odd-couple roommates -- responsible business partner Dennis and slacker Celestial Seasonings employee Sam (Kevin Smith). Complicating the new "three's company" balance is Fritz (Timothy Olyphant), Grady's womanizing high-school friend.Gray can't figure out why Fritz, a Hollywood director, is still hanging around their Boulder, Colo., bungalow until she finds out that Grady had never revealed a couple of important details about his life: He was a millionaire, and he was sending monthly payments to a woman and her son -- his son. When Grady's New-Agey baby mama (Juliette Lewis) and son show up wondering where their check is, the story comes even further apart.
Is It Any Good?
Even Alias devotees who adore Jennifer Garner will be disappointed by this unimpressive dramedy. At least Juliette Lewis and Kevin Smith are amusing as, respectively, an airheadish massage therapist who studies Chinese medicine and a robe-wearing, fast-talking layabout who likes to quote sayings printed on herbal-tea boxes. But a few funny lines can't save this romantic comedy from being utterly forgettable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the many ways that people keep secrets. What would have happened if Grady hadn't died? In what ways are all the characters different than they first seem? After the funeral, how do Grady's best friends help support Gray? What are some examples of the characters acting selflessly? How is this movie similar to and different from other romantic comedies? What elements do most romantic comedies have in common?
Movie Details
- In theaters: January 25, 2007
- On DVD or streaming: May 8, 2007
- Cast: Jennifer Garner, Kevin Smith, Timothy Olyphant
- Director: Susannah Grant
- Studio: Columbia Tristar
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 111 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: sexual content, language and some drug use.
- Last updated: December 31, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
13 Going on 30
Touching, hilarious Jennifer Garner romcom.
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In Her Shoes
Drama about rival sisters. Best for teens and up.
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Jersey Girl
Formulaic script and uneven tone. Disappointing.
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