 | 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. |
Something Borrowed
- Review Date: April 24, 2011
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2011
Common Sense Media says
Soap-operaish romcom is full of mature twists, betrayals.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this romantic comedy based on a popular novel has melodramatic twists that turn into a series of lies and betrayals that are portrayed as humorous. There's especially strong language for a romcom (one "f--k" and many uses of the words "s--t," "a--hole," and more) and a lot of scenes that take place while characters get sloshed at bars. Love scenes include kissing and loud sex noises, but nothing graphic is shown. Some of the movie's messages about love and friendship are pretty iffy, and the characters are sometimes unlikeable ... but in the end, as with all romcoms, everyone winds up with "the one."
What's the story?
At her 30th birthday party, successful Manhattan attorney Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) celebrates with her glamorous, attention-stealing best friend, Darcy (Kate Hudson), who's engaged to Dex (Colin Egglesfield). In flashbacks, we learn that Dex was Rachel's law-school study partner, whom she secretly loved but allowed Darcy to flirt with anyhow. When Rachel confesses to Dex that she used to have a crush on him, the two end up spending the night together and confessing their love for each other. Afraid of the consequences, Dex hesitates to call off the wedding, while Rachel must deal with Darcy's increasingly self-absorbed demands for the wedding. Meanwhile, the girls' best mate, Ethan (John Krasinski), attempts to force Rachel to tell the truth and not let Darcy "win" for once in their decades-long relationship.
Is it any good?
In his third feature film, director Luke Greenfield takes on the adaptation of Emily Giffin's best-selling chick-lit novel Something Borrowed, and while it will undoubtedly attract fans of both the book and romcom movies, it has little to offer viewers short of a few laughs and incredibly unlikeable characters. Hudson once again plays someone who's beautiful but awfully conceited, while Goodwin is typecast as the cute-but-insecure one. And as the story unfolds, it becomes increasingly clear that even Rachel isn't exactly a heroine to root for, because she's allowed her best friend to manipulate her and take her for granted for more than 20 years. What kind of best friend dates the object of her BFF's affection when she should obviously know better? And what kind of woman sleeps with her best friend's fiance, even if she is drunk and lonely?
Romantic comedies can be wonderfully enduring (When Harry Met Sally, Groundhog Day, and the classic The Philadelphia Story come to mind) but more often than not they're nothing more than an occasionally amusing excuse for a girls' night out. Perhaps in more than 300 pages, Giffin explores deeper themes about friendship and love, but in a 100-minute movie, the story is reduced to stereotypical characters (even the always-lovable Krasinski is stuck with either churlish one-liners or sugary-sweet declarations), and a dangerous message about what's acceptable and right in the name of love. Given all of its soap-opera plot twists, SOMETHING BORROWED isn't even all that lighthearted. Ultimately, it's forgettable fluff best left to the DVD queue.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's messages about friendship and love. Does the story justify/glamorize betrayal? Do the ends ever justify the means? What constitutes a healthy romantic relationship? A strong friendship?
Why do you think movies like these appeal more to girls and women than boys and men? Is it strange that girls are more likely to go to action movies than guys are to go to romantic comedies?
How does the movie portray drinking? Are there any realistic consequences for the characters' behavior?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
Kid, 12 years old
May 1, 2011
AGE
WAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYY ON THE FENCE!
Well im probably not gonna see it but i guess its good messages because of what happens between friends and i dont love, i guess?????
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Since when is it okay to cheat?
While this movie is decent as romantic comedies go, its characters are essentialy flawed. The filmakers are asking us to buy into a story and indentify with the main character who is having an affair with her best friend's fiancee. How is that ok? Teen girls will like the love story but it sends a mixed message of "It's ok to hurt a friend if you really really like the guy or if he is cute enough"
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Not great for kids under 13. Teenagers will enjoy it though.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Was really entertaining and funny but do not take it seriously. Its a movie/book and is meant for you enjoyment
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
super funny and sweet
Really good movie, extremely funny, and really sweet
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Something Dirty
This movie seems like it would be a generic feel-good romantic comedy, but it isn't. Characters cheat, lie, and betray each other throughout the entire film, and the film even promotes and glorifies their actions.
The content is also way too dirty for a PG-13 movie. The movie revolves around sex, and it is HEAVILY implied. Period. Characters are also seen using drugs, getting wasted at bars, cussing several times, and making dirty jokes.
I'm 17, and I didn't think this movie was appropriate. No kid should see this movie. And frankly, it's not classy enough for any adult to see it either.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Funny friendship goes wild
This is an entertaining movie about a bad friendship. This bad friendship disaster is over a guy. It is a bit sexual at some points, and a few swear words. But there is some theme stuff that's the most concerning. The friend disaster shows how crazy a friendship can get, but it wouldn't sell tickets if it wasn't over a guy. Because people are obsessed with love.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great Romantic Comedy!
When I went to see this movie with family I wasn't expecting to come out of the theater amazed at how good the film was. This truly is a charming romantic comedy that will make you laugh and have a good time. Goodwin will definitely win your heart and make you root for her, and Hudson does great playing the "always have to be the best " Darcy, and Hudson and Goodwin give an awesome dance number to Salt and Pepper's "Push It". But the real show stealer is Krasinski, playing the easy to like Ethan. But the overall theme of the film makes this movie for teens and up.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Something you want to borrowed
When i first saw the trailer i htought to myself that this is movie is going to be good of bad In fact this is a really good movie not a instant classice but there are funny moments and some weried ones and the ending i do not like so check out this movie if you can
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
fantastic movie!
i loved this movie! there was drinking and cheating, but its just a MOVIE! there is one f**k but besides that theres nothing wrong with it as long as you remember that it is just a movie :)
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | Luke Greenfield |
| Cast: | Colin Egglesfield, Ginnifer Goodwin, John Krasinski, Kate Hudson |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 103 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | May 6, 2011 |
| DVD release date: | August 16, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | sexual content including dialogue, and some drug material |
Review It
Video review
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
