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I Hate Valentine's Day

(2009, Rated PG-13, Comedy, Starring Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Rachel Dratch)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 10, age appropriate for kids over 12; suggested age 12.

  • Is it any good?

    2.0

  • Common Sense says

    Uninspired romcom is no My Big Fat Greek Wedding.

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

Why We Rated This on for Ages 12 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The movie's friendships are quite enduring and very supportive; its ideas about romance are less refreshing (see Role Models section).
 

What to watch out for

  • Role models :

    Everyone behaves as nicely as can be, given their relationship insecurities and individual peccadilloes. That said, there's some stereotyping (the men working as florists are gay, etc.) and Genevieve’s ideas about love start out superficial, highlighting romance but not the hard work that goes into keeping relationships going. Ultimately, the film perpetuates romantic myths and assumptions (including some discussion about how women need to be wooed with flowers and presents and wined and dined to keep the romance heated), which makes for cutesy scenes that aren’t entirely realistic.

  • Violence:

    Some scenes of couples arguing.

  • Sex:

    A couple kisses passionately; they’re later shown in bed, ostensibly after having had sex, under the covers with bare shoulders and legs revealed.

  • Language:

    “Suck” is about as salty as it gets.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some social drinking; no drunkenness.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About I Hate Valentine's Day

Parents need to know that this tepid romantic comedy reuniting the stars of My Big Fat Greek Wedding is actually quite tame in terms of age-appropriate content. There’s no swearing or violence, only a little bit of social drinking, and not much sexy stuff aside from some kissing and one scene showing a couple in bed (only shoulders and legs uncovered). But while the movie's friendships are portrayed as sweet and supportive, it perpetuates corny, superficial ideas about romance and relationships.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the movie portrays relationships. What impact does parents' relationship have on their kids? How important is romance in long-term relationships? Do you think the movie takes a realistic view of love?
  • Families can also discuss the movie's gender expectations and stereotypes. Are guys really the only ones who should do the wooing in heterosexual relationships? Do women need to be pursued?
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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    greenactress
    Lives in Colorado
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 0.0

    NEVER HEARD OF IT

    wow, never heard of this movie 'till now, looks pretty good, i might see it, who knows i know nothin about it.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind (1)
    Flag as inappropriate

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