#Roxy
"Cyrano" in high school; romcom has fighting, swearing.
#Roxy
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.
Suggest an 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 #Roxy is an amiable romantic comedy in a high school setting with some surprising violence near the story's conclusion. It draws upon the classic Cyrano De Bergerac, a play written at the end of the 19th century about a brilliant man with a very large nose who feels he isn't worthy of the beautiful girl of his dreams. In the play, Cyrano assumes the persona of Christian, a handsome man who also loves Roxanne. Cyrano woos her with words in Christian's name without revealing himself. In #Roxy, it's Cyrus, a high school prankster and computer hacker with the soul of a poet, who has the very big nose. Christian is a handsome athlete. Roxy is the damsel who has their attention. Viewers can expect some salty language (e.g., "crap," "ass," "p--y," "s--t") some name-calling ("d--k nose," "troll"), as well as kissing and the possibility of sex between teens as a plot element ("Should I bring a condom?"). Cyrus is the victim of a vicious assault -- kicked, beaten, bloodied, hit over the head with a skateboard. He sustains serious injuries that then impact the story. Meaningful messages about honesty, self-acceptance, and what sustains a good relationship play throughout the movie.OK for teens.
Community Reviews
Great movie! (Sort of)
Report this review
What's the Story?
Tech whiz Cyrus Nollen (the very likable Jake Short) has a magnificently large nose in #ROXY, and he's very sensitive about it. In fact, his nose impacts all of his feelings about himself and about how others see him. Because of that, he's content to stay best friends with the beautiful and smart Roxy Rostand (Sarah Fisher), even though he's been in love with her for years. It isn't surprising that when he finds out that Roxy has a crush on Christian (Booboo Stewart), the new guy in town and a good-looking football player, Cyrus wants to help move the budding relationship forward. Laptops, cell phones, and Skype make for great methods of communication, and it isn't long before Cyrus and Christian are working hand-in-hand to fool the girl of both their dreams. Cyrus as "Christian" can text and write all the things he would say to Roxy if only he wasn't afraid to admit his feelings. It works. Roxy becomes smitten with "Christian," who is a very nice guy but thinks "Chekhov" is a Star Trek character, while Roxy worships the great Russian writer. Soon, Roxy is confused; Christian is frustrated; Cyrus is terrified of being revealed. The fact that Cyrus, who is a master hack, gets in trouble when he outs another football player for bad behavior puts Cyrus not just in danger of discovery, but in fear for his life.
Is It Any Good?
The film, with its very engaging young hero, some clever dialogue, and lighthearted, relevant messages, should appeal to teens in spite of its often silly story and high school caricatures. Throughout, the players and filmmakers seem to be having fun, enjoying the update of and references to the timeless classic from which it's derived. There's strong rooting interest for Cyrus and Roxy, but viewers won't lose sympathy for the clueless but chivalrous Christian either. The usually menacing Danny Trejo has a genial role as an unconventional high school principal. #Roxy never takes itself too seriously, so it's doubly surprising when the movie turns dark with a particularly vicious fight scene to help resolve the plot. Still, the movie is a good-natured entry in the rapidly-expanding genre of teen romantic comedies.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in #Roxy. Were you surprised by the brutality in the scenes that show Cyrus being attacked? Do you think those scenes were compatible with the tone of the rest of the movie? Why or why not?
What is a stereotype? In what way(s) were the football players at Bergerac High School stereotypes? Do you believe such portrayals perpetuate stereotyping? If yes, how?
#Roxy is another adaptation of the classic Cyrano de Bergerac tale. Several other movies have used Cyrano as the spine of their stories. Were you familiar with the characters and situations? Why do you think the theme is so popular? What makes it relatable for all ages?
Did you notice the number of references there are in #Roxy to the original story? Roxy's last name was "Rostand." How does that relate to the original? What about "Bergerac High"? "Cyrus"? "Roxy"?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: November 20, 2018
- Cast: Jake Short, Sarah Fisher, Booboo Stewart
- Director: Michael Kennedy
- Studio: Myriad Pictures
- Genre: Romance
- Topics: Friendship, High School
- Run time: 105 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: November 24, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
Roxanne
Charming '80s romantic comedy has innuendo, swearing.
-
Sierra Burgess Is a Loser
Engaging teen romcom has underage drinking, language.
-
Clueless
Charming take on Jane Austen's Emma has sex, drugs.
-
Easy A
Teen Scarlet Letter update is smart but risque.
-
Say Anything
Smart, edgy coming-of-age story.
For kids who love romcoms
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