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He's Just Not That Into You

(2009, Rated PG-13, Comedy, Starring Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Scarlett Johansson)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 14.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Appealing but unsurprising romcom dispenses familiar wisdom.

Themes in this movie include:   dating/crushes, gender issues

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 14–16

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Ultimately the movie reinforces the idea that being in a relationship is the key to happiness -- an iffy message at best. Many different types of relationships are portrayed, with different levels of happiness.
  • Role models :

    Both male and female characters are somewhat stereotypical -- many of the men are portrayed as especially callow -- and both genders are shown having problems reading the other's signals and sending mixed messages. One male character is brutally honest in evaluating a woman's love life, but she ultimately appreciates and learns from his candor. Some characters seem to believe that getting married and/or being in a relationship is the only way to be happy. One character has an affair.
  • Violence:

    Couples yell in a few scenes; in a fit of rage, a woman throws a mirror on the floor and breaks it.
  • Sex:

    Couples kiss, make out, and discuss sex. A woman disrobes off-camera and jumps into the water to skinny dip after she propositions a married man, though viewers don't actually see any sensitive body parts. A couple kisses and fondles each other in an office; later, a woman straddles a man in the same office and they presumably make love (but it's not shown).
  • Language:

    Language includes several "s--t"s, a couple of uses of "f--k," "suck," "ass," "bullsh--t," "a--holes," "boobs," "dick," and "oh my God."
  • Consumerism:

    Brands/logos for cigarettes (American Spirit is particularly prominent), beer, and a few other products (Crest WhiteStrips) are shown. The movie is based on a popular self-help book by the same name.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    One character lies about smoking in secret; some casual/social drinking and smoking at parties, restaurants, and bars.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About He's Just Not That Into You

Parents need to know that this romantic comedy, while often charming, reinforces the idea that being in a relationship is the surest way to be happy. Both male and female characters conform to fairly standard romcom "types," and while the movie attempts to shed fresh light on the ups and downs of dating, it all boils down to how men and women long for someone to love. Expect some mild nudity (nothing sensitive shown), swearing, and social drinking. The question of whether or not one character is smoking in secret plays a significant role in the movie. One storyline deals with infidelity, and there are a few heated exchanges between couples.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the film portrays dating and romance. Ask your teens if this is what they think adult relationships are really like.
  • Do the characters in the movie seem realistic, or are they exaggerated "types"? Are men really that unable to communicate? Are they really that insensitive? And is it really true that women can't -- or won't -- read their signs?
  • Do you think the women in the movie are more or less stereotyped than the men? Is that typical in Hollywood romantic comedies?
  • What do you think of the role that cigarettes and smoking play in the film? What's the impact of seeing smoking in movies?

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Our Members Say

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See all 21 member reviews

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative role models

    NOT! DONT WASTE YOUR TIME

    this was a very confusing movie. all the characters and really there wasnt much of a plot. i hated how everyone talked about sex as if it was something you have to have to be in a serious relationship. they said lines like "she's not having sex with me, i dont know what it means, i think i should break up with him". there was a few good role models, and a few bad. there was a lot of counterism ex. american spirit, crest whitestrips, kroger, ect. they used VERY BAD LANGUAGE! this should not be seen! f--k, s--t, bi--h, a-shole, bulls--t

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Washington
    I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language

    Don't waste your time

    While watching this movie, we threatened to turn it off numerous times. It is one of those shows is very confusing, and only gets better in the last 20 minutes. There are some extreme fast-forwarding moments, and strong language. Don't waste 2 hours of your good time watching it!

  3. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title iffy for age 11 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    i think its for its for teens really but it a alright movie

    i thought it was fine but it talked much bout sexual things there some drinking but nothing where peple get drunk i think it would be okay for 13 year olds

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 16
    Lives in Nebraska
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Negative message

    Good Movie.

    I thought it was a great movie. The role models aren't very good but otherwise, good movie.

  5. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Idaho
    I rate this title iffy for age 15 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Negative message

  6. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Virginia
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Excessive consumerism

    Very Funny, Sometimes Serious, Great Cast

    This movie was funny and entertaining. The cast was brilliant, especially the performances by Jennifer Connelly, Ginnifer Goodwin, and Drew Barrymore. There are a couple of kisses, some scenes of drinking, and some relationship themes involving divorce and cheating. Not a good message, but not a destructive one, either.

  7. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 5.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use
    • Negative message

    Really awesome movie :)

    This movie is one of the best I've seen in awhile. It has some mature content though, and it probably should be viewed by age 13+, maybe 12 depending on the child. It's a funny romantic comedy/chick flick. It's a fun movie to pop some popcorn and watch with the girls. The story is pretty cool too, that all of them relate to eachother. It doesn't exactly send an amazing message, but it's a funny movie.

  8. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Arkansas
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    Mature, take a twelve year old with parent

    We thought it was good movie. It had a lot of making out but it wasnt too inapropriate. We thought it was touching but not a good family film. GREAT for laugh!:D

  9. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Utah
    I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it 2.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content

    I hear date night for the ladies.

    For a PG-13 movie the movie has some heavy sexual seens including references but the movie is a familiar romantic comedy that offers nothing new but is quite good at times.

  10. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 5.0

    mostly about sex. but i lovvee it!

  11. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 3.0
    My concerns are:
    • Inappropriate sexual content
    • Inappropriate language
    • Drinking, smoking, or drug use

    This movie is good. there is brief language, mention of smoking multiple times, and some sexual content. if i were rating it i would deffinatly rate it pg13. its more of a movie for girls between the ages of 13 and 14 my brother hated it. and i bet most guys would. i loved it though i think you should deffinatly see it.

  12. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Ohio
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 4.0

    I laughed and thought it was a great movie

    Saw this movie with my 6 friends at my birthday and thought it was great.Though gigi could get on your nerves very easily. It made you laugh out loud alot :)

  13. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 3.0

    Pretty Good---See if Just for Bradley Cooper!

    All of us have been poor Gigi at one time or another. Great film to see with your girlfriends or best gay male friend. Probably not for under a mature 12 year old---14 year old. Will have to drag your bf/husband---definitely chick flick. Overall very good---thought it might be better. Favorite line was from Scarlett Johannson who said about Bradley Cooper---you a$$ makes me want to dry hump. That is about as "language" as it gets---and she was right. :)

  14. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Alabama
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 4.0

    Funny, but for an older crowd

    Come on, as parents we all worry about what our kids watch now a days. This movie has some sexual themes, but its not too serious that its 14 plus. Kids learn sex education at fifth grade, and they already know what all this stuff is. (now they know even more then us). If you believe your kid is mature at 12, then its fine for them, every kid is different.

  15. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Alabama
    I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it 4.0

    Funny, but for an older crowd

    Come on, as parents we all worry about what our kids watch now a days. This movie has some sexual themes, but its not too serious that its 14 plus. Kids learn sex education at fifth grade, and they already know what all this stuff is. (now they know even more then us). If you believe your kid is mature at 12, then its fine for them, every kid is different.

  16. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in Massachusetts
    I rate this title iffy for age 14 and give it 4.0

    Not as good as I expected

    I thought that this movie looked good at first but it wasn't as good as it looked. There was some funny parts and language. Sweet movie that mostly older teens will enjoy. not for young kids.

  17. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in New York
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0

    INCORRECT RATING---AGAIN!

    This movie was boring, predictable, and lacking in humor. Even the actors looked bored! And once again, Hollywood is pushing an R rated movie as PG-13. There is one seen where a married man is ripping off the clothes of his mistress, grabbing her breasts that are falling out of her slip, and about to have sex with her on his desk when his wife knocks on his office door. Outrageous...and why doesn't Commonsense Media mention any of this in their review...I'm going to stop going to Commonsense Media if they don't start writing accurate reviews!

  18. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in California
    I rate this title on for age 10 and give it 5.0

    A very cute movie!

    I saw this over the weekend and I thought it was really good. It had a cute ending, and most of the things they said were 100% true. It was funny, and I'm definitely going to see it again.

  19. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Kentucky
    I rate this title off for age 17 and give it 1.0

    This movie has NO morals!!!!

    I thought this movie might be cute, but we ended up leaving half way through the movie. This movie has no morals what so ever. It is full of gay couples talking about having sex. Men talking about how "bad" it is to "get married". Married men talking about how they shouldn't have gotten married and having affairs on his wife. I realize the world is full of this kind of thing, but this movie should have been rated R!! The scene we decided to leave was the married man having an affair on his wife in the office. I thought for a minute that I was in a porn movie.

  20. Parent Reviewer
    Lives in Connecticut
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

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