Common Sense Media Review
By Common Sense Media
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Battle-of-the-sexes romcom has language, sexual references.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
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How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 27 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie is enjoyable and funny, making it suitable for family viewing with teens, though many reviews caution about its inappropriate content and heavy use of sexual humor. While some find it charming and sweet, others note that the messages and jokes may not be ideal for younger audiences, suggesting it is better for mature teens and adults.
- funny and cute
- inappropriate content
- sexual humor
- suitable for teens
- good for family
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In HOW TO LOSE A GUY IN 10 DAYS, journalist Andie (Kate Hudson) meets ad salesman Ben (Matthew McConaughey), and the two embark on a romantic relationship. But behind the scenes, Andie is on an assignment for a women's magazine -- and she must do everything in her power to make Ben dump her in 10 days. Ben, on the other hand, has made a bet that he can make any woman fall in love with him in the same amount of time in order to win a high-flying account. Will either of them emerge victorious?
Is It Any Good?
Hudson and McConaughey go for a Doris Day/Rock Hudson-style battle of the sexes in this romantic comedy, but their deceptive behavior irritates more than charms most of the time. But How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days does have some clever jabs, and there are likable moments for the characters, too.
A lot of the things Andie does feel like binary, stereotypical examples of "female behavior." But we also see how well-suited Andie and Ben are for each other when they're being themselves, which helps viewers root for the couple on some level. The film is far from groundbreaking and feels behind the times, even for its 2003 release, but solid performances and familiar territory make it an easy watch.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how gender is portrayed in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. What stereotypes does it use? What do you think is the effect of portraying such stereotypes on-screen?
Andie and Ben begin their relationship in a lie and gradually grow to care for each other. Why do you think truth is important in a relationship? Why is honesty a positive character trait?
What romcom cliches do you notice in the film? Can you spot any similarities with other films in this genre?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 7, 2003
- On DVD or streaming : July 1, 2003
- Cast : Adam Goldberg , Kate Hudson , Matthew McConaughey
- Director : Donald Petrie
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 115 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sex-related material
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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