Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Romcom about small-town charm with language, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
How Hard Can It Be?
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
When an ambitious New York magazine reporter (Anna Schafer) travels to Alabama to cover a story on the best small town in America in HOW HARD CAN IT BE?, sparks fly with a former Marine and B&B owner (Jack Kesy), challenging her to rethink what she truly wants in life.
Is It Any Good?
Heavy on small-town charm and romcom conventions, this sweet but predictable film delivers a somewhat wholesome escape. The Hallmark-esque vibes of sappy jokes and cheesy but lovable characters are somewhat lessened by the drop of an unnatural F-bomb into the otherwise cozy tale. Strong language in a low-stakes lovers' conflict throws the lighthearted tone off path a bit as well, but the film still manages to stumble its way to the expected happily ever after.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what this romcom wants the audience to believe about love. Does this film make falling in love seem easier and/or more predictable than it is in real life?
What does this film suggest about romantic relationships? What behaviors in the film would be considered healthy in real life? Which behaviors could possibly be seen as problematic?
How does this story portray small-towns compared to big cities? What assumptions does this film make about living in a small town? Does this movie romanticize small-town living? What might the movie have left out? How do you think a person living in an actual small town community might react to seeing this film?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : September 25, 2026
- Cast : Jack Kesy , Anna Anissimova Schafer , Matt Barr
- Director : Michael Day
- Studio : Quiver Distribution
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Adventures , Animals ( Farm Animals ) , Family Stories , Friendship
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Empathy
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 7, 2026
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