Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Lazy, insulting, gender-swapped remake just isn't funny.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Overboard
What's the Story?
In OVERBOARD, Kate (Anna Faris) is a struggling single mom with three daughters and two jobs: delivering pizza and cleaning carpets. She's also studying for a nurse's exam and needs a break. Hired to clean the carpets on a huge yacht that belongs to selfish, unpleasant billionaire Leonardo (Eugenio Derbez), Kate refuses to bring him a snack and is fired without pay. He also throws her equipment in the ocean. Later, drunk, Leonardo falls overboard and loses his memory. Kate decides to get her revenge by pretending that he's her husband, taking him home, and making him get a manual labor job and do chores around the house. Eventually, "Leo" settles into his position and learns to like his new life, even growing to love the girls and Kate. But what will happen when his memory returns and he realizes it's all a ruse?
Is It Any Good?
This gender-swapped remake of the 1980s screwball comedy misses the mark, letting down both the characters and the audience. Garry Marshall's 1987 movie at least gave Goldie Hawn a funny role to play as mean-spirited socialite Joanna; this Overboard gains nothing from switching the roles. Usually hilarious, Faris becomes a put-upon working-class character and saps any potential for fun.
Derbez -- a huge star in Mexico -- struggles to cohere the frantic energy of his comedy with Faris', and his "transformation" into a nice guy is extremely difficult to buy. The supposed chemistry between him and Faris feels forced. No one comes out looking good here.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Overboard portrays sex. What values does the movie impart around sex and relationships? What do Leonardo and Kate learn about being together?
How does the movie depict drinking? Is it glamorized? Are there consequences? Why does that matter?
How does this remake compare to the original? How does reversing the genders change things?
Lying is a huge part of the plot. What do the characters learn about lying?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 4, 2018
- On DVD or streaming : July 31, 2018
- Cast : Anna Faris , Eugenio Derbez , Swoosie Kurtz
- Directors : Bob Fisher , Rob Greenberg
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Lionsgate , Pantelion Films
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 112 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : suggestive material, partial nudity and some language
- Last updated : February 15, 2023
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