Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Jaunty romcom mines adult themes of marriage and career.
Parents Need to Know
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Midnight in Paris
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 15 kid reviews
Kids say the movie offers a mixture of perspectives, with some viewers enjoying its exploration of Paris and its artistic themes, while others criticize it for predictable characters and a lack of depth. While its unique concept and stunning visuals are praised, many feel the execution and character development leave much to be desired, making it more appealing to specific audiences rather than a broad one.
- character depth
- visual appeal
- artistic themes
- mixed reviews
- audience suitability
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
On a trip to Paris with his jaded, pampered fiancée, Inez (Rachel McAdams), Hollywood screenwriter Gil (Owen Wilson) grows enamored once more of what he dreams is a true writer's life: to live in Paris and finish his novel, preferably in a charming little flat overlooking the City of Lights. But Inez (and her conservative businessman dad and decorator's discount-wielding mom) wants none of that. Instead, she wants Gil to disabuse himself of the romance of suffering and embrace Hollywood and the generous cash flow it offers. She also wants them to spend more time with the pedantic professor (Michael Sheen) she once had a crush on and his wife, who happen to be in Paris, too. When one of Gil's nighttime strolls turns into a fantastical trip back in time, where he's hobnobbing with the likes of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald (Tom Hiddleston and Alison Pill), Ernest Hemingway (Corey Stoll), and Gertrude Stein (Kathy Bates), Gil's longing for escape blossoms. Especially one that involves the alluring artists' muse Adriana (Marion Cotillard).
Is It Any Good?
Owen Wilson as the perfect Woody Allen leading man -- who knew? But that he is, at least in this fine and deeply satisfying film. As a romantic who's longing to finish his novel about nostalgia, Wilson at last finds a character that captures, without dumbing down, his flake-with-a-poetic-soul essence. It's about time. But enough about him -- and the perfectly cast supporting players. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS is a gift to Allen fans who may have begun to doubt their guru after years of uneven, sometimes-great, often-disappointing, creations. This film is such a delight. Intelligent, insightful, and inspired in ways that recall Allen's best movies (cue, yes, nostalgia), it's playful and absurd, evoking Annie Hall and The Purple Rose of Cairo, but it also firmly reminds us that Allen is as vital as ever, with so much still to say about art and love and quietly desperate moments, even if it comes wrapped in his ever-familiar box. (There's still the signature black background with white credits and the best jazz soundtrack.) Now, can he come back to New York?
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why so many movies, especially romantic ones, take place in Paris. What's the allure? Do films like this set up an unrealistic expectation of both Paris and love?
Many of Allen's movies examine a certain type of boredom that besets relationships. What do they say about relationships in general and, specifically, about the lulls and doubts that inevitably set in?
Are you familiar with any of Allen's early work? Which filmmakers have stood the test of time?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 20, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : December 20, 2011
- Cast : Marion Cotillard , Owen Wilson , Rachel McAdams
- Director : Woody Allen
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures Classics
- Genre : Romance
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some sexual references and smoking
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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