Common Sense Media Review
By Tracy Moore
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Family drama has positive messages but heavy themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Changing Hearts
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
James (Brad Johnson) has a successful PR career in Los Angeles when news of his father's stroke sends him back home to help his mom and siblings keep the struggling family bed-and-breakfast going. James expects to be in and out, quickly back to the good life, until his father's illness takes a turn, and a local competitor, Christina (Daphne Zuniga), begins making aggressive offers to buy the property.
Is It Any Good?
The plot gives viewers more to chew on than the acting or production, which sometimes feel deliberately cheap and green-screened. CHANGING HEARTS explores interesting themes about family, particularly how we balance who we are and want to become with our obligations to those we love. Older kids closer to leaving the nest may appreciate those conflicts between living your life and serving your family, but for younger kids, the illness, drinking problems, and deep wounds of sibling rivalry portrayed here are too intense.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the film portrays family. Do you think this is an accurate portrayal of an average family? Why, or why not?
Do you agree with James' decision at the end of the movie? Why, or why not? What would have happened if he'd taken the opposite path?
What is the film's position on family obligation? Do you agree with its message?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 6, 2012
- Cast : Daphne Zuniga , Brad Johnson
- Director : Brian Brough
- Studio : SunWorld Pictures
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 90 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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