Who Invited Charlie?

Movie review by Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media
Who Invited Charlie? Movie Poster: A happy-looking Charlie (on the right) and the loving Rosie (on the left) both hug an angry-looking Phil (in the center)

Common Sense says

age 15+

Predictable yet sweet COVID-set comedy has cursing, pot use.

NR 2023 101 minutes
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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Who Invited Charlie? is a formulaic but sweet comedy set during the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown. It follows a free spirit (Adam Pally) who moves in with his uptight, arrogant friend (Reid Scott) and his family and proceeds to change their lives. There's strong sex-related dialogue, a character has an affair, and viewers see graphic cartoon drawings of a sexual position. A character is chased and gets into a fight, with punching and a bloody lip. Frequent language includes uses of "f--k," "s--t," "a--hole," "goddamn," "idiot," and more. A main character smokes pot frequently and throughout, with no consequences, and also gives pot to a 16-year-old (with consequences). Characters drink casually.

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What's the Story?

In WHO INVITED CHARLIE?, it's late 2019, and arrogant, narcissistic hedge fund manager Phil (Reid Scott) accidentally insults a pack of drunken Santas in the street. He's rescued by the messy, carefree Charlie (Adam Pally), Phil's estranged friend and former business partner. In March of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic hits, Phil gathers up his wife, Rosie (Jordana Brewster), and troubled teen son, Max (Peter Dager), and heads for their second home in the Hamptons to wait out lockdown. A few days later, who should arrive but Charlie, inviting himself to stay as well. While Phil stresses about his failing business, Charlie brings a new calm to the house -- but also a little chaos.

Is It Any Good?

Following a well-worn formula from start to finish, this comedy nonetheless gains traction not only from embracing COVID-era craziness, but also with its harmonious, lovable performances. Evoking more warm smiles than actual chuckles or giggles, Who Invited Charlie? is cut right from the What About Bob? cloth, wherein an initially obnoxious free spirit changes the life of an arrogant jerk and possibly helps a young person out of their shell. Every beat is familiar, from dopey montages to the shoehorned happy ending, and yet because Pally is so committed to his performance (his wardrobe consists of a ratty bathrobe, shaggy beard, sunglasses, beanies, and wildly mismatched accessories), he keeps the material alive. His byplay with Brewster, Scott, and newcomer Dager feels natural and never abrasive. The best scenes are his adorable interactions with an over-the-fence neighbor, Emma (Xosha Roquemore), who's spending her time attempting to bake sourdough. By the time Who Invited Charlie? slides easily into its comfy ending, you'll likely have forgiven and accepted the film's familiarity.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Who Invited Charlie? depicts sex. What's shown or not shown? What values are imparted?

  • How is drug use portrayed? Is it glamorized? Are there consequences? Why is that important?

  • Why do you think Charlie has forgiven Phil over their past "Braintree" project? Why is forgiveness so powerful?

  • What is redemption? In what ways is Phil redeemed in this story? In what way are the other characters redeemed?

  • How well does the movie capture the early days of the COVID-19 lockdown? Are you ready to watch movies about this time? How does it strike you? Upsetting? Nostalgic?

Movie Details

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