Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Brazilian romcom about a short man has language, innuendo.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Just Short of Perfect
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In JUST SHORT OF PERFECT, Ivana (Juliana Paes) is a vibrant attorney in the middle of divorcing her unpleasant husband and law partner Danilo (Marcelo Laham) when her lost phone is returned to her by Lion (Leandro Hassum), a charming, accomplished, and amusing cardiologist. The attraction is immediate and strong, and though Ivana really likes him, she hesitates to commit after her highly critical mother looks down, literally and figuratively, on the charismatic Lion just because he's short. The mother claims she's without prejudice given that she accepts her gay son and the man he's marrying, a claim that rings hollow. Events suggest that it's best not to care what others think and to follow your heart.
Is It Any Good?
Given that Just Short of Perfect is a remake of two earlier movies, the story of prejudice against good people is clearly a winning one that people respond to. With charming lead performers, the movie overcomes a sit-com style of formulaic set-ups, but not by much. Hassum's charm and talent recalls a young Dudley Moore, whose stature didn't keep him from leading man status in many romantic movies of the 1980s.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how difficult it can be to not care about what others think. How does this movie suggest people move on from such concerns?
A short man calls a heavy man "fatty," and the heavy man calls the short man "shorty." What do you think the movie is trying to tell us about human nature?
Why do you think it feels feel uncomfortable to be "different"? What are some ways we can make ourselves and others feel less uncomfortable?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : November 18, 2021
- Cast : Juliana Paes , Leandro Hassum , Marcelo Laham
- Director : Ale McHaddo
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Transgender Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : November 29, 2021
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