Land Ho!
Common Sense says
- R
- 2014
- 94 minutes
Parents say
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A lot or a little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Land Ho! features some frank conversations between two 60-something men facing the twilight of their years. They discuss everything from retirement to sex to a bitter divorce and the death of a spouse. It's fairly weighty stuff that might not resonate with -- or, frankly, be of interest to -- younger teens. There's a fair amount of swearing, including "f--k," "s--t," and more. One character is sexist and doesn't hesitate to comment on women's clothing, body parts, etc. There's also a fair bit of drinking (once to the point of passing out) and some drug use (marijuana).
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What's the story?
After years of estrangement, Colin (Paul Eenhoorn), an Australian businessman, and Mitch (Earl Lynn Nelson), a Texas surgeon, are finally hanging out once more in LAND HO!, an unusual buddy comedy. They used to be brothers-in-law, until Mitch and his wife divorced and Colin became a widower. Eager for excitement, Mitch surprises Colin with tickets to Iceland, a once-in-a-lifetime trip that could change the course of their friendship -- and their outlook on life.
Is it any good?
Land Ho! is no ordinary road trip buddy comedy. For starters, it's quieter than most, with a subtlety that envelopes it in a kind of beauty, casting the male friendship in an empathic and refreshingly heartfelt light. Though Mitch and Colin are drawn to be temperamental opposites, they share a history and warmth -- plus a healthy skepticism of what lies ahead -- that makes the movie oh-so-relatable.
And then there's Iceland itself, as much a character in the movie as the two leads. It's untamed, like Mitch; spare, like Colin; and stark, like aging. A side plot involving Mitch's niece and her friend feels like an interesting yet unnecessary interlude, but it's not enough to turn viewers off of a movie that's soulful, honest, and quietly moving.
Talk to your kids about ...
Families can talk about what kind of movie Land Ho! is. Though it has the feel of a road trip film, it's atypical of the genre. How is it similar, and different, to other road films?
How does the movie portray drinking and drug use? Are there realistic consequences?
What is the film's take on growing old? How does it adhere to, or debunk, any of the cliches on the subject?
What binds Colin and Mitch together, given their present family situations?
Movie details
- In theaters: July 11, 2014
- On DVD or streaming: November 4, 2014
- Cast: Earl Lynn Nelson, Paul Eenhoorn
- Director: Martha Stephens
- Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship
- Run time: 94 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: some language, sexual references and drug use
- Last updated: March 13, 2020
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