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Parents' Guide to

Jumping the Broom

By Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Sweet, funny wedding comedy is a good parent-and-teen pick.

Movie PG-13 2011 109 minutes
Jumping the Broom Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

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age 12+

Based on 7 parent reviews

Lisa Gobey
Lisa Gobey Adult
May 11, 2020
age 17+

Kind of awkward

There's quite some scenes that I believe are way too much for 12 year olds in fact if you look at what the kids say it's higher than the parents. It's awkward nobody want to watch that with their parents.

This title has:

Too much sex
spacermom
spacermom Adult
February 3, 2013
age 10+

Cute movie, could have been better

This movie was cute, predictable, and sweet. The only problem I really had with it was the character "Amy" played by Julie Bowen from 'Modern Family'. She was the only Caucasian speaking role (that wasn't a big deal); my problem was how rude she was. At one point she was commenting on the different shades of skin color, and at another point she asked an elderly maid if she needs to use sunscreen. I think they could have used the opportunity to encourage positive inter race relations instead of succumbing to lowering another race to stupidity and rudeness.
See all 7 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Sabrina Watson (Paula Patton) is a wealthy New York City attorney from a socially prominent family. After vowing to abstain from sex if God will show her the man she's supposed to be with, she literally crashes into attractive investment banker Jason Taylor (Laz Alonzo), who's successful but from a modest, working-class family. The two have a whirlwind five-month courtship and decide to get married with only a month's notice in order to accommodate Sabrina's upcoming job transfer to China. The wedding weekend, held at Sabrina's family's Martha's Vineyard estate, is the first time that Jason's devout-but-overbearing mother (Loretta Devine) meets both Sabrina and her elegant, haughty mother (Angela Bassett). As the clans clash over everything from food and clothes to wedding traditions like JUMPING THE BROOM, family secrets come to light that may threaten the nuptials.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (7 ):
Kids say (6 ):

Although some of the family drama borders on melodrama, this is one romantic comedy actually worth seeing. For his theatrical debut, director Salim Akil has assembled an impressive cast to outperform Tyler Perry at his own formula: combining faith and humor in an inspiring tale about African-American families. Strong performances and a surprisingly witty script make this wedding comedy charming, even when characters are obviously pleading to God or quoting the Bible because the movie was produced by popular evangelical pastor TD Jakes (who makes a cameo as Sabrina's family minister). That said, the story isn't overburdened with preachiness. Sabrina and Jason's abstinence is lightheartedly mocked -- in one refreshingly humorous scene, her aunt even sings "Sexual Healing" at the rehearsal dinner.

Because they're played by Bassett and Devine, it's no surprise that the mothers steal the show. But the attractive leads share a believable chemistry, and the supporting characters are all up to par as well. Meagan Good is beautifully snobby as the WASPily named bridesmaid Blythe; Mike Epps manages to tone down his over-the-top persona as Jason's uncle; old-school CSI fans will delight in the hunky Gary Dourdan popping up as the handsome catering chef; and Julie Bowen gamely plays the wedding planner who's not sure what is or isn't racist to ask and observe.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the movie's message about romantic and family relationships. Does a couple need to share a similar background to have a successful relationship?

  • How does this movie compare to other wedding comedies? Does it send any positive or negative messages about weddings and/or marriage? Why do so many wedding movies focus on the big day rather than what comes after?

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