 | 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. |
Music and Lyrics
- Review Date: May 7, 2007
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Sweet, predictable date movie. Teens OK.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that teen girls will be interested in seeing this cute Drew Barrymore vehicle. The good news is that you can probably let them: Overall, it offers very little to be concerned about. Alex and Sophie sleep together, but nothing salacious is shown on screen (they kiss a few times, but nothing graphic), and Alex gets into a fight with Sophie's ex. The language is mild, and there's not much drinking. The movie revolves around the question of whether it's better to do what others want or to stand up for what you believe in, which is a good one for teens to think about.
What's the story?
Aging former pop star Alex Fletcher (Hugh Grant) is content to recycle his '80s hits at state fairs, high school reunions, and amusement parks. But after even those venues start losing interest, he has only one last chance: Create a love song for singing sensation Cora Corman (Haley Bennett playing a Britney Spears-Christina Aguilera hybrid). The problem? Alex only writes music, not lyrics. So after an ill-begotten pairing with a doom-and-gloom lyricist, Alex sets his sights on his temporary houseplant minder, Sophie Fisher (Drew Barrymore), who spouts sweetly romantic lyrics with little urging. After briefly hesitating, Sophie agrees to help. But can they get the song done in time to get it to Cora? And will she like it?
Is it any good?
Good date movies are like good first dates: They're charming, reasonably interesting, inoffensive, and smart, and you get a little smooching at the end. Music and Lyrics is all of those things at different points -- but unlike a lot of dates, there are no surprises.
While there's a moment during a dinner with Sophie's sister, Rhonda (Kristen Johnston, who steals every scene), when Sophie and Alex banter flirtatiously and share what seems like a genuine kiss, for the most part, the two actors don't click. Blame the writers: Barrymore has little to do than play the ditzy free spirit and utter dreadful lines like, "That song was dinner!" But overall, Music and Lyrics is pleasant and is sure to please diehard romantic comedy fans. Everyone else should stay away -- unless your date is making you go.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about how people respond when they face obstacles to achieving their dreams. How can you get support and be true to yourself while still respecting your limits? Do you think Sophie and Alex handle their obstacles well? Families can also talk about the sexual images portrayed by a lot of young girls' favorite singers (as exemplified by Cora in the movie). Is Cora sexy? Is sexiness something that teen girls should be worried about? What messages do singers like Cora send to their fans?
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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
really great
amazing
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Parent of 13 year old
April 9, 2008
AGE
A sweet, funny film
My husband and I took our 12 year old daughter to see this film on Valentine's Day. My daughter and I had a great time, but I think my husband was a little bored. The film has some wonderfully funny scenes, and some delightful, winningly romantic songs (and one or two quite amusing ones). Hugh Grant is funny in a whole new way in this film - the opening credits are worth the price of admission. I would recommend this film for families with older tweens and teenagers. My daughter rates the film as "awesome".
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Teen, 14 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Sweet, Funny, Charming!
Drew Barrymore and Hugh Grant have great chemistry......
I love the songs in this movie.....
One of my favorite romantic comedies..
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Kid, 12 years old
March 16, 2010
AGE
definetly off for tweens and under
um, it was pretty good,but i learned something i didn't know before that i probably shouldn't have.
What other families should know:
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Teen, 13 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING
this is what my family would consider a good bad movie. it was totally cheesy and yet one of the most fantastic movies EVER!!!!!!!
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Kid, 12 years old
March 1, 2011
AGE
Tweens and Up
Awesome Movie!
What other families should know:
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Teen, 14 years old
June 23, 2009
AGE
Funny, but bad
I love this movie and it is one of my favorites. However, there is a ton of sex. Cora, (think Hannah montana x-rated) "dirty" dances while scantily clad. The two main characters sleep together, too.
What other families should know:
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Adult
February 8, 2010
AGE
Awesome Movie Is Great For Teens and Adults!
This is an excellent movies for teenagers and adults. Younger children might not understand the movie, or might influence them in a "bad" way.
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Kid, 10 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
A HUGE HIT!
This movie is brilliant! With a hit cast, I do not think that there is anything to be worried about this movie, except for a couple of sexual reeferences which are funny. Overall, it's a great movie, a must go, and a great way to spend kissing for 100 minutes.
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| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | Marc Lawrence |
| Cast: | Brad Garrett, Drew Barrymore, Hugh Grant |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 100 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | February 14, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | May 8, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | some sexual content. |
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