Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Comedy riffs on wealth gap and race; tons of stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Get Hard
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is hilarious and features strong comedic performances by its stars, despite criticism for its crude humor, heavy swearing, and reliance on racial stereotypes. While some find it entertaining and worthy of multiple viewings, others consider it a letdown due to its over-the-top inappropriateness and mediocre plot.
- crude humor
- strong language
- racial stereotypes
- entertaining performances
- inappropriate for children
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Hedge fund whiz James (Will Ferrell) is at the top of his game: In one workday, he'll make more than $20 million for his company's founder, Martin (Craig T. Nelson), who also happens to be the father of James' fiancée (Alison Brie). But when the FBI arrests James for supposed embezzlement and fraud—accusations he strongly denies—he has just 30 days to "get hard," i.e., toughen up before he's sent to San Quentin. Enter Darnell (Kevin Hart), the owner of the car wash in the parking structure where James leaves his car. Darnell needs $30,000 for a down payment on a house in a safer Los Angeles neighborhood so he can stop worrying about his daughter's safety, so he presents himself as the best "prison coach" for James ... but little does James know that his mentor has never been to prison before.
Is It Any Good?
Good satire has wit and heft and isn't afraid to poke fun not just at the establishment but also at unexpected targets—but the latter half is where this film comes up short. Get Hard deftly roasts mega-wealthy Wall Street types who don't deign to look at (or even remember the names of) the people who work for them, but it doesn't push the envelope far enough, or come up with fresh ways to do so.
When the movie makes its points, it confusingly relies on the very same racist, sexist, and homophobic stereotypes it's supposed to be satirizing. The relentless jokes about prison rape feel especially juvenile, relying on straight men's unfounded panic about gay men—a dynamic that's reinforced over and over again. Yes, there's a little enjoyment to be found in Ferrell and Hart's winning rapport and infectious glee; the two stars are the best parts of the movie. But it's just too bad they aren't supported by a better script.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the role that stereotypes play in Get Hard. The movie pokes fun at stereotypes, but it also relies on many of them for its humor. How does that work? Does it even out? When, if ever, are stereotypes OK?
What is the film trying to say about the wealth gap?
You could argue that a lot of the humor in movies like Get Hard seems intended for shock value. Does that make it more or less funny? Why do you think different groups of people find different things funny?
Is James and Darnell's friendship believable? What does each get out of their relationship?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 27, 2015
- On DVD or streaming : June 30, 2015
- Cast : Will Ferrell , Kevin Hart , Alison Brie
- Director : Etan Cohen
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive crude and sexual content and language, some graphic nudity, and drug material
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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