Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Predictable romcom has some iffy stuff, but OK for teens.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ghosts of Girlfriends Past
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 12 parent reviews
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say that while the movie has a comedic take on a classic story with popular actors, it is riddled with inappropriate content, including strong sexual themes, alcohol use, and profanity, making it unsuitable for younger audiences. Many reviews express disappointment over the lack of positive role models and argue that the humor does not compensate for its overall inappropriate nature.
- inappropriate content
- mixed humor
- adult themes
- not for children
- disappointing messages
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Celebrity photographer Connor Mead (Matthew McConaughey) is so slick that he might as well be an oil tanker. He beds women as often as he photographs them, and he never lets himself get involved. Not exactly the kind of guy you'd want to have as your best man, but that's his role at his brother's (Breckin Meyer) upcoming wedding. Connor starts the evening off by sparring with ex-girlfriend Jenny (Jennifer Garner), fondling the mother of the bride (Anne Archer), telling his brother he can still back out, and even divulging a huge secret that hurts the bride (Lacey Chabert). No wonder he starts seeing a steady stream of ghosts (a la A Christmas Carol), led by his dead uncle (Michael Douglas), who, when he was alive, taught Connor everything he knew about avoiding commitment.
Is It Any Good?
GHOSTS OF GIRLFRIENDS PAST hews close to the romantic comedy "rules" -- you know where it's going to end within the first half hour. Which isn't to say the film's a fright. The premise may be tired, the jokes stale, and the script trite ("Pain beats regret every day of the week, and twice on Sunday," for example), but it's actually more amusing than expected thanks to two critical casting choices. First, there's Garner: Quick with verbal volleys and arch reaction shots, she grounds the movie in girl-next-door goodness. The fact that someone like her would like someone like McConaughey's Connor makes us want to believe in what romcoms sell -- love that makes no sense but works anyway. Then there's Douglas, who appears to be channeling both Hugh Hefner and Jack Nicholson. This is the Douglas we adored in Wonder Boys -- no spit-shine, no polish, just rough edges with a hint of sleaze. (Who knew playing sordid could be so fun?)
McConaughey is also relatively solid, but Garner and the supporting characters outshine him, especially Chabert, as a well-meaning woman on the verge of becoming Bridezilla, and Meyer, who adds heart to a frothy script. It's a little off putting to see A Christmas Carol "reimagined" in this manner, but we won't be a Scrooge and say it's all for naught. Truth is, there are enough laughs to entertain, if not enthrall.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the movie's messages about relationships and sex. Why is Connor's behavior so bad? Why do you think he turned out the way he did? And why does Jenny still have feelings for him, considering how he treated her?
How is this movie similar to and different from other romantic comedies?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 1, 2009
- On DVD or streaming : September 22, 2009
- Cast : Breckin Meyer , Jennifer Garner , Matthew McConaughey
- Director : Mark Waters
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : New Line
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content throughout, some language and a drug reference
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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