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How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer

(2008, Rated R, Drama, Starring America Ferrera, Elizabeth Pena, Lucy Gallardo)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 14, age appropriate for kids over 16; suggested age 16.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Tedious drama wastes its promise despite strong acting.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 16 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Plenty of misunderstandings between the women in this Mexican-American family, and some disrespect. But clearly they love each other, and want nothing more than for each of them to find happiness and peace. Some men are boorish when it comes to their attitude toward women; one character is downright lecherous.

  • Violence:

    Characters argue, sometimes loudly.

  • Sex:

    A teenager grabs a boy's hand and places it on her breasts; later, she's shown having sex for the first time (no nudity; girl is in a bra, boy has no shirt, they're under the covers, but there's movement). A woman is shown pleasuring herself -- we only see her face -- with a vibrator. A couple is caught in bed, and one has to get dressed quickly.

  • Language:

    Fair amount from "damn" to "s--t."

  • Consumerism:

    Store signage, mention of products at a butcher shop.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some social smoking and imbibing.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About How the Garcia Girls Spent Their Summer

Parents need to know that this film examines how three women in one family but of different generations explore their sexuality and, in doing so, learn more about themselves. There's swearing, sexual innuendoes, and allusions to sex toys.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the women: How are they similar and different? What are each of them seeking? How do they handle their dissatisfaction? Is Blanca simply rebelling, or truly interested in exploring her sexuality? Why is Lolita tempted by her customer's husband? And why is Dooa Genoveva so mad at her daughter when she herself seems to need companionship?
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