A Good Old Fashioned Orgy
Sex-themed comedy has some heart amid all the raunch.
Parents say
Based on 1 review
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this raunchy, hard-R comedy is decidedly not for kids. The title says it all: It's about an orgy planned by a group of life-long friends. Although it's surprisingly sentimental in parts (a la Judd Apatow's films) and explores the boundaries of friendships and their importance, it's definitely very sexual, from partial and full nudity to simulated intercourse to lots of frank talk about sex. There's also lots of swearing (including "f--k" and "s--t") and drinking.
Community Reviews
):-?
Report this review
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
- Studio: Samuel Goldwyn Company
- Genre: Comedy
- Run time: 95 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: pervasive strong sexual content, graphic nudity and language
- Last updated: February 9, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Knocked Up
Raunchy but tender comedy about sex and parenthood.
-
Role Models
Coarse adult comedy elicits some big laughs.
-
Superbad
Super bawdy, super profane -- and super funny.
For kids who love comedy
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate