 | 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. |
The Switch
- Review Date: August 11, 2010
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2010
Common Sense Media says
OK romcom centers on sperm donation, single parenthood.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this romantic comedy, while not brimming with sexual content, does address the fairly complex, mature topic of becoming a single mother by choice ... and the methods necessary to accomplish that goal. Expect references to what a sperm donor does to collect his specimen behind closed doors, discussions about the insemination process, and visuals of the substance in question (in a cup, of course). There's also some swearing and a fair amount of drinking (one character, in fact, makes a critical decision while sloshed).
What's the story?
Kassie (Jennifer Aniston) and Wally (Jason Bateman) are the best of friends. But when Kassie announces that she’s having a baby on her own with the help of a sperm donor, Wally’s not sure he’s on board. At a party celebrating Kassie’s decision, he finally meets the married college professor (Patrick Wilson) who's agreed to share his “seed"; he seems like a nice enough (and attractive enough) guy who’s volunteering for altruistic reasons. But Wally gets drunk and ends up sabotaging Kassie’s best-laid plans ... then, seven years later, he meets the child whose existence he may or may not have anything to do with.
Is it any good?
If not for Bateman and supporting actors Jeff Goldblum and Juliette Lewis, THE SWITCH would have been The One to Skip. Not because it’s lousy, which it isn’t, or because it's boring, which it's not. In fact, the premise has loads of potential, given how many women these days are opting to go parenthood alone. The problem with The Switch is that it’s uninspired. Without Bateman to elevate many moments from corny to amusing, it would be formulaic at best and insufferable at worst.
Luckily for the audience, he’s there with his natural delivery and impeccable timing, making most of the set-ups -- even the absurd ones -- believable. And humorous. When he decides to make that pivotal switch, we buy it. As for Aniston -- who is, after all, the film’s star -- it has long been established that she's charming and funny. And she still is. But the charm is wearing thin, and the funny feels phoned in. We’ve seen her as this character many times now, ostensibly independent but needing rescuing, needing someone to love her to be once again complete.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the movie's message. What is it saying about families and how they form?
What are the consequences of both Kassie and Wally's decisions? Do they seem realistic?
How does this movie compare to other romantic comedies?
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Kid, 11 years old
June 13, 2011
AGE
Common sense=never gonna trust ur reviews cuz i got my own.
The reason why I said theis movie has positive messages is baecause the movie is about how if you take risks in your life to get what you want, you might get it.
The reason while I picked positive role-models is because, just like I said above, Kassie takes a risk and gets what she wants. Even without a man in the family. Eventhough Wally is a bit discouraging in the movie, it's for a reason. If I were him, I wouldn't want my friend going out trying to get what she wants and gets dissapointed cause she doesnt get it.
I picked too much drinking,drugs, or smoking because in the beginning, Wally gets drunk and messes around with the sperm in the bathroom and accedently knocks it over so he replaces it with his own. But it doesn't show it or anything bad.
All in all, me and my mom enjoyed this movie very much. I like commonsense and it keeps kids protected, but there review are abit ridiculous. I got my own reviews that i trust. I know this movie is okay for 8 yr. olds and its good for ME!!!!
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AGE
Excellent movie for adults only
Really liked this movie but definitely is for adults. Jason Bateman's performance was fantastic. The moral of the story was terrific.
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AGE
Great for adults
Good movie with a great story. The subject matter is certainly no appropriate for younger kids but most 15 year olds should be able to handle it. I really enjoyed the story and the characters. Definitely worth a rental if you didn't get a chance to see it at the theater
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AGE
a very teen movie like Juno
AMAZING! really shows people what love and family is really like.
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AGE
this was an alright movie. The actors were really great including the kid. I say that you rent it. 9+
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AGE
Not a "kids" movie.
Someone who can't legally get a driver's license shouldn't be watching a movie about getting inseminated.
Sadly, "the Backup Plan" was better.
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AGE
NOT a Comedy!
A waste of time for people expecting a comedy. This is a DRAMA with very little comedy. Even Common Sense called it a "RomCom" but there was almost nothing to laugh at here.
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AGE
The Switch is an ok comedy movie about single parenthood and accomplish that goal and parents you need to know that the switch has some strong language used and some drugs and some drinking used such as cigarettes but there is a good message in this movie it's about that families don't always start traditionally, when love is the foundation, they have a great start. It also says that relationships take work and courage if you take a chance, you might just get what you want there's some good role models one Kassie is a take charge, take chances kind of person, and both traits lead her to happiness second Wally has a great heart and is a loyal friend, but he can be neurotic, judgy, and discouraging.
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| Studio: | Miramax |
| Director: | Will Speck |
| Cast: | Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, Patrick Wilson |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 100 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | August 20, 2010 |
| DVD release date: | March 15, 2011 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | mature thematic content, sexual material including dialogue, some nudity, drug use and language |
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