 | 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. |
How Do You Know
- Review Date: December 15, 2010
- PG-13
- Genre: Romance
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
Complex romcom is sweet, if not a home run.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this sweet (if not amazing) romantic comedy starring Reese Witherspoon, Paul Rudd, and Owen Wilson centers on characters in the grip of identity crises -- a topic that may be a little too thorny for young teens to enjoy or really identify with. Nevertheless, it has an appealing message about allowing yourself to be flawed and confused and being kind to yourself so that you can figure out a way out of your dilemmas. There’s a bit of swearing (including "s--t" and "f--k"), some characters drink to excess, and there are a few fairly sexy scenes (implied sex, some moans and groans, discussion of playing the field, cleavage, etc.). The movie was initially rated R but received a PG-13 on appeal.
What's the story?
Professional athlete Lisa (Reese Witherspoon) is about to turn 31, and though she’s still a fine softball player, her coach cuts her from the national team because he thinks she can’t keep up. The self-help notes filled with uplifting messages that she sticks to the mirror aren’t helping, and a fling with a professional baseball player, Matty (Owen Wilson), isn’t quite sitting well, either. Into the fray jumps George (Paul Rudd), whose own life is falling to pieces, too. His father (Jack Nicholson), whom he works for, has been less-than-law-abiding in his business affairs, and now George may wind up in jail. Can they all find the way to the answers they need?
Is it any good?
Writer-director James L. Brooks, who’s responsible for such unforgettable films as Terms of Endearment and Broadcast News, has a way of spinning a spider web of charm and complexity in his romantic comedies. The ensuing entanglements are always appealing, and though the endings may be somewhat foreseeable, the journey is most of the point. Here he trains his talents on questions of exactitude: How do you know if you’re making the right choice in a partner, job, and, well, life?
Classic Brooks dilemmas these may be, but HOW DO YOU KNOW unfortunately isn’t his finest film. It’s an entertaining, if a little remote, movie. As much as we care about the characters -- all perfectly cast, it has to be said, especially Wilson -- we just don’t care so much about how they come up with the answers they're looking for. A plotline that echoes the Bernie Madoff scandal feels like it's trying too hard, and though it’s typical of a Brooks production to have a large ensemble, this one feels too crowded. There are many wonderful moments, especially between Witherspoon and Wilson, but in the end, we’re not compelled to invest in Lisa’s decisions -- or in anyone else’s, for that matter.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's messages. What is it saying about figuring out who you are and what you want? Does it explore these ideas in an unusual way? Teens: Can you relate to what the characters are going through?
How do you think being cut from the team affected Lisa? Why? Teens: Have you ever gone through anything similar?
What is the appeal of romantic comedies? Although they tend to follow the same predictable formula, they remain popular. Why do you think that is?
What messages do romantic comedies send about love and relationships? Are these messages healthy or realistic for teens, who are just starting to navigate their own romantic relationships?
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AGE
Don't waste your time or rot your brain
Ugh -- how can you spend so much money, have so many talented stars, and still lay a big stinky on the silver screen? Where to begin -- the completely ridiculous story line of unexplained business dealings that result in a federal investigation? The complete lack of on-screen chemistry between Paul Rudd and Reese Witherspoon and meals during which they tell each other to shut up, yet they somehow figure out that they're in love with each other? Short of a few good scenes for Owen Wilson, this one barely makes my criteria for something to watch on a long flight. Ugh, ugh, ugh.
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AGE
good for mature 12 year olds and older
Lots of talking about sex and lots of computer advertising but the messages are positive.
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AGE
I thought this was a good romantic comedy. The whole cast was good and funny. It's good for 10+
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AGE
Less than satisfactory
Not much value in seeing this movie.
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AGE
I rate this ON for 11+
The movie was a very mild PG-13. Yes, there was language and there was some sexual content but if you have/are a mature 11+ year old, then it should be fine. If you are mature enough your would now that some of the things talked about or shown are not okay.
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AGE
Relatively clean, compared to most PG13's, but main character is MUCH too casual about sex
I like that there is very little mentioned about sex, compared to most PG13 movies. This movie is relatively "clean." I let my 10 year old watch it, and there was only once when I considered telling her to close her eyes. However, I despise the casual attitude with which the character played by Reese Witherspoon treats sex. I'm surprised that she was comfortable playing a character with that attitude, considering that she has 2 children at impressionable ages herself. I guess it's all about the money, right, Reese? I wish that movies (I know, I'm living in a dreamworld) were realistic in sending the message that, if you don't want a child with someone, you have no business having sex with them. Maybe I should have grown up in the 1950's.
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| Studio: | Columbia Pictures |
| Director: | James L. Brooks |
| Cast: | Jack Nicholson, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd, Reese Witherspoon |
| Genre: | Romance |
| Run time: | 113 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | December 17, 2010 |
| DVD release date: | March 22, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | sexual content and some strong language |
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