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Kate and Leopold (PG-13, 2001)

common sense media says

Some nice moments but overall not a total success.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this movie has brief strong language and a joke about modern-day pooper-scooper laws. Characters drink and smoke. A supervisor's behavior could be considered predatory, even sexual harassment.

Positive messages: Not applicable.
Violence: Mild peril.
Sex: Mild (one reference to "getting laid").
Language: Brief mild language including one "f--k."
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Characters drink, sometimes too much.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Kate and Leopold

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how bad experiences can make some people cynical. Why is Kate's job important in telling us something about her and about the themes of the movie? If you could go back in time, where would you go and who would you like to meet? Which customs of olden days would you like to bring back?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In KATE AND LEOPOLD, New York executive Kate McKay (Meg Ryan) is in for a big surprise when she encounters Leopold (Hugh Jackman), a down-and-out nineteenth century duke who has been transported to the present day. Despite their differences – Leo's chivalrous chap who has never seen modern technology but who stands up when Kate leaves the dinner table, while Kate is independent and liberated – the two begin to fall for each other. There's just one problem – Leopold can't remain in the future forever.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
This is a perfectly pleasant date movie with a cute premise and attractive stars, but it never quite works because (1) it is very predictable and (2) it is not very believable. Ryan's character, Kate, is just so brittle and charmless that it takes every smidgen of Ryan's considerable adorableness quotient and every smidgen of Hugh Jackman's considerable acting ability to help us believe that Leopold is swept away by her. They make it work, but just barely.

The movie has some nice moments by a first-rate group of sidekicks and supporting actors, including Breckin Meyer as Kate's actor brother (the lessons he gets from Leopold on women on are delightful), Natasha Lyonne as Kate's assistant, Bradley Whitford as Kate's boss, and Liev Schrieber as Kate's ex-boyfriend.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Miramax
Director: James Mangold
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Liev Schreiber, Meg Ryan
Genre: Romance
Run time: 121 minutes
Theatrical release: December 21, 2001
DVD release: June 11, 2002
MPAA Rating: PG-13
MPAA explanation: brief language
This review was written by Nell Minow
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

Sapphire Fire
teen, 17 years old
12
 
Chilvary Returns!
This movie is excellent! A subtle, polite 18th century duke falls in love with a business woman. It binds together fate and chance, a fulfilling, rewarding film... but be wary of language, it helps to have a clear play DVD player…
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