Parents' Guide to

Burying the Ex

By Jeffrey Anderson, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Disappointing but still likable "romzomcom"; some gore, sex.

Movie R 2015 89 minutes
Burying the Ex Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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What's the Story?

Max (Anton Yelchin) works in a shop selling horror supplies, while his girlfriend -- the controlling, neurotic Evelyn (Ashley Greene) -- is an environmental blogger. Max isn't sure the relationship is working, but he's afraid to tell Evelyn; then, in a moment of panic, while unknowingly in close proximity to a devilish artifact, he swears to be with her forever. Meanwhile, he meets adorable ice cream vendor Olivia (Alexandra Daddario), who shares Max's passion for monsters. But just as Max prepares to break up with Evelyn, she's killed in an accident ... only to return as a zombie who's more determined than ever to be with Max. Max calls on his half-brother, Travis (Oliver Cooper), for help, but will romance win out over horror?

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say Not yet rated
Kids say (1):

Coming from one of the great, unsung masters of satirical horror-comedy, Joe Dante, it's surprising that this otherwise likable movie is such a disappointment. It feels like BURYING THE EX was transported here from a bygone era, pre-Walking Dead (and even pre-Warm Bodies and Life After Beth). It's shot like a TV movie, and the rules of the universe are barely established: It's hard to imagine that these characters could possibly make a living at their cool jobs, let alone that the little devil figure doesn't seem to have any real bearing on the story.

Perhaps even more troubling is the fact that Evelyn is such a one-dimensional shrew -- and that Travis is such a womanizer. (Stereotypes, anyone?) But somehow, in spite of all this, Burying the Ex has such an easy, dopey, shaggy-dog flow that it's hard to get that upset. Max and Olivia are kind of adorable, and their classic horror movie/monster references are fun for fans of the genre.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Burying the Ex's violence. How did it affect you? Was it funny? Disgusting? Does it seem gratuitous? Was all of it necessary for the story? What's the impact of media violence on kids?

  • Does the movie rely on male or female stereotypes? How?

  • The movie depicts a love for horror movies in general. What's the appeal of this genre? Is the movie scary? Are all horror movies scary?

  • How is sex depicted in the movie? Do characters have committed partners, or are they more interested in brief flings? What's the difference? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.

  • What's the appeal of zombies in pop culture? What kinds of things do they symbolize?

Movie Details

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