Parents' Guide to Eternity

With its charming cast, clever concept, and hilarious dialogue, writer-director David Freyne's delightful film is the kind of romcom that viewers may feel like they've been waiting for forever. People tend to pronounce the romantic comedy genre dead every few years, but rest assured: With Eternity, it's officially alive and well. From Heaven Can Wait to Beetlejuice to Defending Your Life to City of Angels and beyond, movie lovers have always enjoyed exploring the idea of what happens after we die—almost as much as we love a good love story. Eternity offers a creative way to think about both; specifically, it asks, what if "'til death do us part" was an underestimation of marital vows? What if, as Titanic suggests, your heart will go on ... and on ... and on? And, by the way, what is love, anyway?

The situation that Joan finds herself in is the realization that there are at least two kinds of romantic love: the passionate "first love" and the consistent, committed, here-for-you-every-day love that sticks through arguments and annoyances. Certainly, both kinds of love can exist within one relationship, and the hope is that we can all find that, but, for Joan, it's clearly separated into two choices. What it might help teens understand is that, yes, there's something magical and intense about first love, and it can feel all-encompassing. But if it doesn't work out (and, as adults know, it often doesn't), give it time: There's likely another great love out there for you, one that will hopefully last a lifetime ... and perhaps then some.