 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Failure to Launch
- Review Date: June 25, 2006
- PG-13
- Genre: Romance
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Formulaic romcom isn't meant for kids.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this movie may not appeal to teens, who probably don't care much about an immature 35-year-old. The movie includes frequent comic sexual references. The film opens on a date that ends with a couple in bed, Tripp's parents appear in bed together (and Terry Bradshaw appears naked in one scene, with fish tank judiciously placed to hide his privates). Paula pretends to have her ailing dog put to sleep (and cries about it) in order to win Tripp's sympathy; they have sex one night in his bedroom (you see parents listening to moans and squeals). Several scenes of comic violence. Lots of drinking.
What's the story?
FAILURE TO LAUNCH centers around Tripp (Matthew McConaughey), who thinks he has it all -- a Porsche, a job selling yachts, infinitely patient parents, his childhood bedroom, and a decided lack of commitment. Whenever a girlfriend gets too serious, the 35-year-old pretty boy reveals that he still lives with his parents. But Tripp's folks (Terry Bradshaw and Kathy Bates) yearn for some quality retirement time, and so they hire "interventionist" Paula (Sarah Jessica Parker) to seduce him into adulthood. Tripp also has a couple of tediously forever-adolescent buddies (Adam Alexi-Malle and Justin Bartha), with whom he discusses his choices; while Paula comes equipped with a harried, slightly edgy roommate, Kit (Zooey Deschanel), who notices when her friend begins to fall for Tripp.
Is it any good?
Goofy and awkward, Failure to Launch is a predictable romantic comedy with a standard set-up that leads to the predictable turns: Paula and Tripp are opposites, Tripp reveals his sensitive side, and Paula shows she can loosen up when encouraged by his exuberance. As Tripp must learn to be an adult to be appreciated by Paula and she must learn to be open to appreciate him, the parents must also learn to live with one another.
Kit seems mostly to be in another movie, though her sudden and unlikely affection for one of the buddies pulls her back inside the main plot: too bad for her and the rest of us. The film, which begins as broad, even antic comedy, eventually turns serious, and you end up waiting 20 minutes too long for the machine to wind down.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the phenomenon of adult children living with their parents. How does Tripp's perpetual adolescence affect his parents? Why is Tripp so afraid to grow up? Does the movie glamorize "the bachelor lifestyle"? What stereotypes does this movie rely upon?
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AGE
Goofy
This movie was sopposed to be funny but it was jest plain goofy. It didn't really make me laugh but I would say that it is appropite for my age.
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AGE
I laughed trough the whole thing
Has some sex jokes but over all a very funny movie it will make you laugh through the whole thing.
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AGE
cute
I don't know why common sense only gave it 2 stars. I thought it was funny and reminded me of How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days. This movie was really good and I definately recommend this to any one 13 and up!
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AGE
Failiure to entertain
A complete waste of time, a disconnected story and a wannabe slapstick comedy that simply doesn't deliver.
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AGE
Kids should not watch this movie! it is so innapropriate! the humor is hillareous though
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AGE
Amazing
This is an amazing movie and it is a lesson in true love. Everyone in middle school or higher should see it. Even though some moments are a little inapproppriate for younger kids, a classic fairy- tale ending ensues. Since I am 13, I am at the perfect age to see this movie.
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| Studio: | Paramount Pictures |
| Director: | Tom Dey |
| Cast: | Matthew McConaughey, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zooey Deschanel |
| Genre: | Romance |
| Run time: | 97 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | March 10, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | June 27, 2006 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | for sexual content, partial nudity and language |
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