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Parents' Guide to

Mack & Rita

By Tara McNamara, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Fun age-swap comedy has comic drug use, drinking.

Movie PG-13 2022 95 minutes
Mack and Rita Movie Poster

A Lot or a Little?

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

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 1 parent review

Dayna B.
Dayna B. Parent of 11, 12, 14 and 16-year-old
August 19, 2022
age 12+

HILARIOUS Movie! Recommended to 12-14

If your child (12-13 ) is emotionally mature, this movie should be fine. This movie is hilarious HILARIOUS and a happy coming of age I recommend it the ages 12-14 because usually they can handle the cursing and know not to just throw the words around. They also are old enough to understand the plot. Also they are usually emotionally mature which isn’t much of a problem if they aren’t for this movie. It has occasional kissing and small bits of cussing which is also not a horrible thing. No violence whatsoever and it’s a recommended family special Parental guidance is suggested but not exactly mandatory or anything that needs to be monitored
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

In MACK & RITA, an overwhelmed 30-year-old author named Mack (Elizabeth Lail) dreams about the easy life of a retiree. During a bachelorette weekend in Palm Springs, her fantasy becomes reality when a guru magically transforms her into her 70-year-old self, "Aunt Rita" (Diane Keaton).

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

As a comedy, it's OK, but as a ground-breaker, Mack & Rita is exceptional. Keaton (who also executive-produced) and company use their fun film to help defy the labels and prejudices associated with ageism. The movie argues that those over 65 are living their best lives and, if given the chance, are even pretty cool. Sure, some folks' aging bodies may not work as well as they once did, but retiree life has the potential to be a lot easier (if you're lucky) -- especially if, after decades of trying to keep up with who you think you should be, you accept and enjoy who you are.

Writers Madeline Walter and Paul Welsh, both from Brooklyn Nine-Nine, acknowledge -- winkingly -- that Mack & Rita reimagines Big for the modern day, with a modern outlook (Simon Rex's amusing turn as a Zen guru is just a turban away from being Zoltar in human form). And, thankfully, it corrects a cringey aspect of Big by flipping the script on that film's "age-inappropriate" relationship. While Rita does miss her youthful breasts and wrinkle-free skin, she learns that self-love is about appreciating what you have while you have it -- and that doesn't have to have anything to do with being attractive to a romantic partner. Positive messages like that -- plus Mack's own cool grandma in the movie -- make this an especially great watch-together pick for grandmothers and granddaughters.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about how Mack & Rita addresses the idea of ageism. Which characters offer diverse representations? Why is representation important in the media?

  • What do you think is the ideal age? Why? What are the challenges and joys of being your own age?

  • Does the film glamorize drug use and/or drinking? Are there realistic consequences for substance use? Why does that matter?

  • How does Carla demonstrate what it means to be a good friend? How does she express her disappointment in Mack/Rita? Why are empathy and communication essential qualities and skills in maintaining a friendship?

  • What are your thoughts about big age gaps in romantic relationships? What was your reaction to seeing a younger man falling in love with an "old" woman in this movie? Would you feel the same if the characters' genders were reversed?

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