Leap Year

Movie review by S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
Leap Year Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 11+

Tame but unimaginative romcom doesn't offer anything new.

PG 2010 100 minutes
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Parents say

age 12+

Based on 15 reviews

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 23 reviews

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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 this upbeat but shallow romcom hews closely to traditional Hollywood formulas. While there isn't much in the way of age-inappropriate content for older tweens and teens -- who may find the banter between stars Amy Adams and Matthew Goode somewhat amusing -- the movie does tap into tired stereotypes about men, women, and romance. Adams' character is supposed to be seen as self-sufficient, but she ultimately comes off as yet another Hollywood female character who's just waiting for "the right one" to make everything right in her life. On the up side, language, sex, and violence are quite tame.

Community Reviews

Beckstar
Beckstar Adult
October 29, 2011
age 13+

Fine, but not for kids. Some kids could possibly watch it

Great film. It's a nice romance and one of my favourites. But slightly not appropriate for children because of the two sleeping together, nude silhouette and the very passionate kissing scene between the two main characters

This title has:

Too much sex
2 people found this helpful.
leejohn12378
leejohn12378 Adult
November 21, 2020
age 18+

Good movie but...

WARNING! Leap year was a good and fun moive up until the point where the man picked up a chicken and killed the chicken with his bare hands absolutely traumatizing my kids! even my oldest crying!

This title has:

Too much violence
1 person found this helpful.
See all 15 parent 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

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