Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tame but unimaginative romcom doesn't offer anything new.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Leap Year
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 15 parent reviews
Parents say the movie offers a mix of cute romantic comedy and lighthearted entertainment, though some moments, such as a violent chicken scene, detract from its family-friendly appeal. While many reviews highlight its refreshing take on love and the gorgeous Irish scenery, others criticize its predictability and formulaic plot, suggesting that while it may be fun, it doesn't break new ground in storytelling.
- cute romantic comedy
- beautiful scenery
- lighthearted entertainment
- predictable plot
- family-friendly appeal
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 22 kid reviews
What's the Story?
When her longtime boyfriend, Jeremy (Adam Scott), fails to propose before flying off to a medical conference in Dublin, Anna (Amy Adams) decides to take matters into her own hands. Leap Day (the 29th of February) is imminent, and the Irish apparently have a custom in which women can ask their boyfriends for their hand in marriage on that particular day. But a storm undoes her best-laid plans, and a detour lands her in beautiful but far-off Dingle. She hopes to get to the city in time by enlisting a broody local named Declan (Matthew Goode) as her guide ... but he may just prove too intriguing for her to resist.
Is It Any Good?
Armchair tourists will find some good in this bland romantic comedy thanks to breathtaking shots of the Emerald Isle that will surely have them fantasizing about a visit. But there's not much else going for LEAP YEAR. How a stew featuring the appealing Adams, the magnetic Goode, and lyrical director Anand Tucker (who also helmed Hilary and Jackie and Shopgirl) fails to generate any sparks is beyond comprehension. (John Lithgow even makes a cameo.) What we get instead is an uninspired romcom that steps into the genre's every well-worn tread.
Polar-opposite personalities, meet-cute setup, overwrought situations created expressly to showcase how both characters change as they get to know each other -- that's all here. And must the other guy always seem like such a stooge? What's missing is chemistry -- Adams and Goode seem more like siblings -- and inventive storytelling to keep us glued to our seats, even though we know that, yes, indeed, there will be a happily ever after.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what the film is saying about love and committment. Why does Anna want to marry Jeremy? Is she actually in love, or is she just ready to make a commitment and he happens to be the one she's with? What does that say about relationships?
Is Anna a positive role model for women? Is she dependent on relationships for happiness, or is she truly self sufficient?
How does this movie compare to other Hollywood romantic comedies? Is it a genre that's difficult to reinvent? If so, why?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 8, 2010
- On DVD or streaming : May 4, 2010
- Cast : Amy Adams , John Lithgow , Matthew Goode
- Director : Anand Tucker
- Inclusion Information : Asian Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 100 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sensuality and language
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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