The Holiday (PG-13, 2006)

common sense media says

Holiday-themed chick flick is OK for teens.


parents & educators say

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.

Positive messages: Romantic comedy features silly and sad situations (cheating partners, recollections of missing parents) in order to motivate the eventual appropriate coupling.
Violence: Amanda's movie trailer features explosions and stunts (very brief); Amanda punches Ethan, knocking him to the ground; Amanda hits her head on the cottage stair.
Sex: Several instances of kissing and embracing (twice in bed, though no nudity); two drunken sexual encounters -- characters drink together and discuss what happened later; two men admit cheating on their partners; discussions of "foreplay."
Language: Language includes one "f--k" and one near "f--k" (it's obvious what she's saying, though the word ends before the "k"); sexual slang ("shagging," "boob"); at least one of each of these: "s--t," "piss," "ass," "bitch," "hell," "codger," "schmuck."
Consumerism: Sony Vaio laptop, Audi , Lexus, Pepcid, Google.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Drunkenness used as means to sexual liaisons; drinking in social situations (parties) as well as to assuage heartache; liquor, wine, saki, and beer; cigarette smoking; reference to valium.

More on The Holiday

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

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?

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.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Columbia Tristar
Director: Nancy Meyers
Cast: Cameron Diaz, Jude Law, Kate Winslet
Genre: Comedy
Run time: 138 minutes
Theatrical release: December 7, 2006
DVD release: March 13, 2007
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: for sexual content and some strong language.
Watch our review

This review was written by Cynthia Fuchs
 
 

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What parents & educators say

13

Most useful reviews by all members

dancingwithmyself
teen, 18 years old
 
This MOVIE ROCKS!!!!
THIS WAS AN AWESOME FILM!!!! VERY SWEET....ALMOST ANY Female would like it. Can't wait to get the DVD.

 
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.

Alis20
adult
 
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

 
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!

Designer456
kid, 12 years old
 
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.

 
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.

MikaylaaMadisonn
teen, 16 years old
 
e.g. Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens
This movie is really really good. It really is a great romance movie. (:

tessiegirl
teen, 17 years old
 
sweet..
such a sweet movie!...

blonde_reb
teen, 16 years old
 
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.

directerdude123
teen, 18 years old
 
Good life lesson!
This movie has lots of good messages about life and moving on. There is some adualt material and language. I think its ok for any kids that are 12+

swtpeaami
parent of 15 and 17 year old
 
All about love and hope.... the struggle to find it, and how on earth are the two of them going to make it work. Great chick flick, my daughter and I watched it together with my mom, and we all laughed. I wasn't happy with the "F--k" that i heard a couple of times, but overall we enjoyed every bit of it.

xoxo_love
teen, 13 years old
 
LOVE IT!!!
i agree with desginer456

luvpink
teen, 13 years old
 
Good
I liked it although there was some sexy stuff and language. It's interesting.

AJluvsDogs
kid, 10 years old
 
Fine for tweens and up!
This movie Is really not bad! There are some things you may want to watch out for with younger children but overall it is really not that bad.

donotmail
teen, 13 years old
 
Great movie for Teenagers and Young Adults as well as you softies out there
I adore this movie- one of my favorites, however there are a few sex scenes as well as descriptions of sex, lots of binge drinking and passionate kissing as well as at least five different curse words used- a-s, f--k, h--l, d--m, s--t, p--s. Overall wonderful morals- it made my softie daddy cry!!!!

 
Interesting Plot...
The Holiday is not what you would call a kid movie. It's probably considerd harmless for an 11 year old to watch but I wouldn't risk it. Although there are some funny moments throughout it does get quite boring at times. However there is a happy ending. So if your 13 you'll probably like it but because of the sexual scenes this is not a movie for young kids. Best for adults only.

 
Leave out the sex!
Good movie, leave out the sex and would have been a GREAT movie! The story between Jack Black and Kate Winslet was A+ great! Very cute and clean. But it seems they always have to put sex into movies now a days. Cameron Diaz and Jude Law had a good story but adding the sex blurred out the rest of their story. Overall was a very good movie. There were a few cuss words that really didn’t need to be added. Definitely a great date night movie.

I<3God
kid, 12 years old
 
Don't. Just don't.
This movie is clearly for adults. Not good for kids. Maybe older teens. 'Nuff said.

cookiecream
teen, 13 years old
 
i am new
i am new and i have not seen it.

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ON: Content is 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