Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Romcom is charming but formulaic; some iffy stuff.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Made of Honor
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 11 kid reviews
Kids say that the movie is a mix of hilarious moments and crude humor, with many finding it entertaining despite its predictable plot and inappropriate content for younger audiences. While some appreciated its comedic elements and sweet storyline, others criticized its sexual themes and role modeling, making it generally unsuitable for kids under 13.
- funny moments
- inappropriate content
- predictable plot
- great for teens
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Tom (Patrick Dempsey) and Hannah (Michelle Monaghan) have been best pals since college, when caddish Tom mistakenly jumped into Hannah's bed instead of her roommate's during a raucous party. Hannah scolds him, and in no short order, they're fast friends. A decade later, Tom's still a bed-hopper who follows a stringent set of dating rules that includes no dates to weddings/family gatherings and no "I love you"s. His only commitment is spending Sundays with Hannah. Clearly, they're meant to be -- but Tom doesn't realize that until she goes on a long trip to Scotland. He misses her terribly and resolves to tell her how he feels when she gets back. But when she does, she's got an almost-too-good-to-be-true Scottish fiancé in tow -- and she wants Tom to be her maid of honor. He only has two weeks to convince her that he's really the best man.
Is It Any Good?
Dempsey channels McDreamy as Tom, but he also tackles the role with nuance and bite. He's not the prototypical noncommittal boor here; rules aside, he's actually likeable and endearing, as well as believably overcome by his romantic epiphany. He elevates MADE OF HONOR from standard romcom to something somewhat smarter -- though only just. The nuptial dramas are uninspired; the supporting players are paint-by-numbers. (The lone married guy in Tom's posse who roots for him to join him in marital bliss? Check. The overweight bridesmaid dieting to get into her dress? Check.) And even though Monaghan is charming, refreshingly un-saccharine, and has palpable chemistry with Dempsey, she's still forgettable here. Dempsey's Tom deserves a girl with grit -- one who'd struggle with the idea of making her best guy friend her mate and not be so willing to be swept off her feet.
Still, the laughs come fairly easily, and audiences are bound to gasp at the splendor that is Scotland (the cinematographer is brilliant). In the end, even curmudgeons will find themselves toasting the inevitable happy ending.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what, if anything, makes this movie different from other romantic comedies?
How does this movie define love? Is it a little too perfect? Is that perfection the very reason that romantic comedies are so popular?
Families can also discuss why Tom and Hannah never got together in the first place. Why did they just stay friends?
Is it a good idea for them to move their relationship to the next level?
Why should Hannah trust someone who's never really fallen in love?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 1, 2008
- On DVD or streaming : September 15, 2008
- Cast : Michelle Monaghan , Patrick Dempsey , Sydney Pollack
- Director : Paul Weiland
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content and language.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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