 | 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. |
The Holiday
- Review Date: March 11, 2007
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2006
Common Sense Media says
Holiday-themed chick flick is OK for teens.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this holiday-themed chick flick will probably appeal to older tween and teen girls, who could get mixed messages from some of the characters' behavior. Several scenes focus on drinking and drunkenness; two of them lead to sexual encounters. This unsafe behavior is presented as cute comedy. Plus, a single father suggests that he sometimes gets drunk to "compartmentalize" his life and deal with his sadness over his lost wife and the pressures of being a fulltime dad. Characters frequently get emotional. A woman punches her cheating boyfriend so hard that he falls to the ground. A couple of "f--k"s and other minor language.
What's the story?
Trying to forget a romance gone wrong, London-based journalist Iris (Kate Winslet) trades her cottage for movie-trailer-editor Amanda's (Cameron Diaz) Beverly Hills mansion. Amanda is also angry at an ex-boyfriend. Book editor Graham (Jude Law) shows up drunk on the English cottage porch, expecting to be put up by his sister (Iris). He winds up having sex with lonely, angry, and perfectly witty Amanda instead. In L.A., Iris is charmed by her retired screenwriter neighbor (Eli Wallach), but soon finds her age-appropriate mate in composer Miles (Jack Black), who's grappling with his own relationship troubles, but seems instantly attracted to Iris as well.
Is it any good?
Seasonal and sweet, THE HOLIDAY offers precious few surprises. Like almost every romantic comedy, it introduces the to-be-coupled characters, sets a couple of emotional obstacles in their paths, until at last -- 138 minutes later -- they realize what you've known all along.
While Black is plainly still too much in love with himself, he does bring a welcome energy to his role. Writer-director Nancy Meyers has developed a kind of shtick in which beautiful, wealthy, well-dressed characters articulate recognizable but abstract clichéd "issues" as substitutes for more compelling details or developments. Since such issues are easily fixed (or deflected) by the proper partner in movies, the plots tend to just go through the motions. The movie's one surprise may be that by the end, even Winslet, so consistently lovely and frankly brilliant, looks as stifled as Iris.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the idea of swapping houses, lives, or situations, which is increasingly popular in the age of reality TV and the Internet. Who would you want to switch with? Where might you like to spend two weeks? Do you think it would turn out at all like the movie? What are the risks of swaps like this?
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AGE
This MOVIE ROCKS!!!!
THIS WAS AN AWESOME FILM!!!! VERY SWEET....ALMOST ANY Female would like it.
Can't wait to get the DVD.
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AGE
I wasted my life. . . . .
This movie pushed the limit with PG 13 with sooooooo much sex. So unless you want to have to explain some things to your children, don't take them to see this. That was all it focused on with Cameron Diaz and Jude Law. They really could have had an excellent story line with them, but ruined it with that being the only thing that preoccupied them. The Kate Winslet story was excellent, yet the film barely showed her. I was just really disappointed that they had to ruin a good story with sex. Believe it or not, relationships exist where that is not the main focus.
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AGE
Feeling Good!
I could tell the director was the same as on "Something's Gotta Give". This was even better. A true feel good movie all the characters were perfect for their parts. Lots of little tearful sweet tears at the end for us movie weepers. Can't wait to see it again and buy it when it comes out on DVD!
A chick flick to the MAX!
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AGE
Good if you are with a parent
A very good movie for me but if you are not used to hearing language, sexual content or alcohol this is not a movie for you. I said no to people my age because most people who are 8 or 9 are probably not allowed to see this type of film. But I personally loved it.
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AGE
I Loved It
It was a Great and Awesome movie. Very funny,cute,sweet and everything.It wouldnt be a good movie for young teens though. I would say atleast like 16 who already knows about sex. I cant wait til I can buy it on dvd
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AGE
OK Content Wise, but Iffy Messages
The Holiday is a funny Christmas/rainy day/breakup romcom for older teens and adults. Apart from some swearing and a little underwear clad bedromping, there is nothing super worrying content-wise. It's when we get to the messages that the worrisome stuff comes in. Characters in the film drink to the point of drunkenness to engage in sexual activity, they physically and mentally assault partners and ex-partners, they struggle with deeply dysfunctional relationships, they swap homes with complete strangers without any regard to safety, and they learn lots of adult lessons along the way. As is usual with romcoms, the fairy tale ending carries no trace of the ramifications that characters' actions would have in real life. Be careful before exposing your kids to a film that shows drunk sex turning into a happy, stable relationship, assaulting an ex as gratifying, and blithely lending your home to a stranger as safe.
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AGE
Great movie
I was about ten when I saw this movie in theatres and it wasn't too dirty. Yes, the sex seemed frequent but it never showed anything. The only problem I had was the language in the movie with a "f" word here and there. But it's honestly one of my favorite movies. Definitely top five. Growing up, I have seen a ton of romcom's so I enjoyed this movie but if your a little kid and don't usually take a liking for these types of movies, I wouldn't suggest it. They might get bored.
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AGE
e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens
This movie is really really good. It really is a great romance movie. (:
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| Studio: | Columbia Tristar |
| Director: | Nancy Meyers |
| Cast: | Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 138 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 7, 2006 |
| DVD release date: | March 13, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | for sexual content and some strong language. |
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