Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
So-so romcom with lots of sexual situations; not for tweens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Crazy on the Outside
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Tommy (Tim Allen) has just served three years in prison for video piracy. He moves in with his sister (Sigourney Weaver) and attempts to rebuild his life, starting by taking up his father's old painting business. Unfortunately, his sister has set up an elaborate system of lies that Tommy must attempt to live up to. His former partner in crime (Ray Liotta) wants him back. And his ex-girlfriend -- whom he thought was dead -- wants to have an illicit affair with him. Worse, his pretty parole officer (Jeanne Tripplehorn) wants him to work at a fast food restaurant; he starts to develop feelings for her, but her past baggage, as well as his history as a criminal, prevents her from opening up to him. Can Tommy juggle all these stumbling blocks, resist temptation, build his own business, and settle down with the right girl?
Is It Any Good?
Tim Allen's feature directorial debut -- he once directed an episode of "Home Improvement" -- is at once innocuous as well as inoffensive. He doesn't necessarily rely on childish slapstick, even if he includes strong language and sexual situations. But he also doesn't really take any chances; he conjures up a fairly standard romantic comedy in which a poor, lost, sad-sack must decide on the right girl, avoid temptation and trouble, listen to dunderheaded advice from his friends and relations, and still come out the other side.
As a result of this safety, there are few genuine laughs or surprises here, but there are some heartfelt performances, and some warm moments from a cast of talented character actors. Allen's movie has its heart in the right place, and it winds up as a fairly inspirational comedy, without being truly memorable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's sexual content. Was it appropriate? Was it funny? Was there too much?
Is it really possible for an ex-con to live a good, decent life? How would you feel about a person like this? Could you trust them?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 8, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : January 10, 2010
- Cast : Jeanne Tripplehorn , Sigourney Weaver , Tim Allen
- Director : Tim Allen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Freestyle Releasing
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content and language
- Last updated : September 21, 2019
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