My Fake Fiance

Movie review by Emily Ashby, Common Sense Media
My Fake Fiance Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 13+

Romcom is cute, but story is based on deception.

NR 2010 95 minutes
Rate movie

Parents say

age 12+

Based on 1 review

Kids say

age 10+

Based on 11 reviews

Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Rate movie

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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 romantic comedy centers on acquaintances who hatch a scheme to get married just for the gifts and cash. Despite the movie's lighthearted spin on the scenario -- and the inevitable happy ending -- the premise sends some iffy messages about love, marriage, and the real-life repercussions of serious issues like gambling. Factor in some intermittent sexual allusions (phrases like "bang hot chicks," for example) and light-duty violence (thugs punch Vince and threaten him with a gun), and it's clear that this movie isn't meant for young kids.

Community Reviews

wonder dove
wonder dove Adult
February 8, 2013
age 12+

Good comedy for older kids!

My Fake Fiance is an okay movie for tweens, I don't think older teens and adults will have much interest as it's a little cheesy and childish. But, that's why it's an excellent comedy for older kids, it's fairly safe and quite clean! Usually a movie starring Melissa Joan Hart (Jennifer) will be something kids will like, she is one of a very few great role models! The story is funny but deals a lot with lying to get what you want. There is also a loan shark involved who are after Jennifer's fake fiance Vince but in a comedic way. They meet at someone's wedding and right off the bat they don't get along too great. But they both have one thing in common, they need money and come up with the perfect plan to fake their wedding and cash in on all the expensive gifts. After hating each other for too long and a lot of time spent together, they eventually develop feelings for each other and happily end up together. Cute but predictable, tweens will like this one! Violence is innocent and made to be funny. Sexual stuff has a make-out session, a few "naughty" words to represent a sexual meaning (not graphic). Language is very mild (no swear words). Some light drinking. Okay for 12 and up.

This title has:

Too much violence
See all 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Cupid's arrow misses its mark when Jennifer (Melissa Joan Hart) and Vince (Joey Lawrence) meet at a mutual friend's wedding and quickly develop a distaste for each other. Sassy, sharp-tongued Jennifer finds nothing appealing in rough-edged Vince, and the two happily go their separate ways at evening's end. But when all of Jennifer's possessions are stolen and she has no means to furnish her new home, she proposes to Vince -- who's got money troubles of his own -- that they fake a wedding to haul in the gifts and cash. Their plan runs smoothly until Jennifer gets cold feet from the realization that she's put their families' feelings at risk. It's up to Vince to convince her that there might just be a fairy-tale ending in their future after all.

Is It Any Good?

It's tough to make a romantic comedy without some level of predictability, but MY FAKE FIANCE has enough surprises to keep the plot fairly fresh. Hart and Lawrence are believable as a romantic odd couple who can't look past their frustration with each other to see that their true feelings might be something else entirely. The Sopranos' Steve Schirippa adds to the fun as a good-hearted loan shark who's not bashful about rooting for a happy ending for the unlikely couple.

As movies go, this one is relatively light on iffy content (kissing, some mild sex talk, and a few instances of violence tempered by humor), but it still sends some iffy messages about mature relationships and the meaning of marriage. It's not for little kids, but teens and adults will get a kick out of the characters' skewed view of relationships, as well as the story's suggestion that love can be found in the most unlikely of places.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about relationships. Teens: What personality traits are important to you in a boyfriend or girlfriend? How do you think you'll know when you find the "right" person? Do you hope to get married someday? What do you expect from marriage? How do you think the media portrays love and marriage in TV series and movies? Do you think this portrayal reflects society's views, or does society respond to what the media tells us is right?

Movie Details

Our Editors Recommend

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

See how we rate