Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sex-themed comedy has some heart amid all the raunch.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 18+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
A Good Old Fashioned Orgy
What's the Story?
Thirtysomething Eric (Jason Sudeikis) is in many ways stuck in party mode. That's especially true during summer, when he and his longtime friends -- analytical shrink Alison (Lake Bell), newly slim Laura (Lindsay Sloane), confident-but-still-nursing-a-crush Sue (Michelle Borth), neurotic Adam (Nick Kroll), ever-waffling musician Doug (Martin Starr) -- can spend their weekends in the Hamptons, throwing fiestas filled with debauchery and drink. But then Eric's dad (Don Johnson) announces that he's finally selling the family property, making what first appears to be a regular summer suddenly feel like the end of an era. Eric decides he has to go out with a bang, so he and his sidekick, Mike (Tyler Labine), concoct a plan to host a true orgy, with only their circle as the participants.
Is It Any Good?
If you think that a movie with the word "orgy" in the title would be raunchy and wanton, well then, you're right. Yes, there's an actual orgy, plus lots of off-color jokes leading up to it. There's plenty of nudity, too -- though, interestingly, it's not all that sexy, perhaps because so much of it is just about getting the laughs.
The movie is hilarious in parts, and it's also a surprisingly earnest story about how friendships evolve -- how they have to in order to grow. Well, it aims to be that, but unfortunately, the filmmakers give us a little too much of what's expected -- the lasciviousness, the lewd chatter -- and not enough of the heart or the wit to make A GOOD OLD FASHIONED ORGY much more than it is: a passably funny, though not entirely groundbreaking comedy.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the movie depicts sex. Does it take a realistic attitude toward the topic? A responsible one? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
How can you negotiate friendships as you age? Do they have to change?
What's the appeal of the "hard-R" comedy? Do movies have to be raunchy to be funny?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 2, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : December 27, 2011
- Cast : Jason Sudeikis , Lake Bell , Leslie Bibb
- Directors : Alex Gregory , Peter Huyck
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Samuel Goldwyn Company
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 95 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive strong sexual content, graphic nudity and language
- Last updated : November 11, 2020
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