Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Uneven, mean buddy comedy about family and identity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
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Tammy
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 21 kid reviews
Kids say this movie is a mix of laughs and disappointment, with some finding it hilarious and others critiquing its cliched plot and unlikable characters. While there are strong comedic moments largely thanks to the lead, viewers report pervasive crude humor, strong language, and various inappropriate content, indicating it is suitable for older teens and adults rather than younger audiences.
- funny moments
- crude humor
- inappropriate content
- mixed reviews
- adult themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
TAMMY is at the lowest of low points: She just lost her job at the fast food restaurant Topper Jack, only to come home to discover her husband having a romantic dinner with their neighbor. Enraged, Tammy (Melissa McCarthy) joins forces with her grandmother, Pearl (Susan Sarandon), an alcoholic who's sick of living with her own grown child, and leaves her small town to head for Niagara Falls, a place that Pearl has always wanted to see in person. But along the way, several snafus erupt, one involving a heist.
Is It Any Good?
Frankly, this movie's a mess. If Tammy reminds you of a certain film about two women who take to the open road on a search for their authentic selves, you aren't alone; this really should have been titled Tammy and Louise, a not-so-big leap considering that Sarandon plays a similar "agitator" part in both films. The big difference is that Thelma and Louise was complex and had depth. But with Tammy, you get the idea that the filmmakers just wanted to see how many jokes McCarthy and the rest of the cast could make, never mind that some of them were duds (and make cruel fun of the main character). The writing veers from earnest to downright mean, with little notice of where the mood could swing at any given time. You'll find yourself laughing, then suddenly cringing.
Buddy comedies work when there's chemistry and rapport between the two buddies. Tammy and Pearl are like oil and water, and their relationship and -- more important -- their subsequent bonding, doesn't feel rooted in anything relatable. Neither are the supposed romances they start up on the road.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about comedies with unpleasant/unsympathetic lead characters. What's the appeal/point? Does it work for this movie? If not, why?
Why can't Tammy get it together? Why doesn't she stand up for herself after someone puts her down? Is being forgiving a flaw?
Is anyone in this movie a role model? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : July 2, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : November 11, 2014
- Cast : Melissa McCarthy , Susan Sarandon , Dan Aykroyd
- Director : Ben Falcone
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : New Line
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language including sexual references
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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