Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Underwhelming sex-themed comedy; lots of strong language.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
That Awkward Moment
What's the Story?
In THAT AWKWARD MOMENT, best friends since college—twenty-something New Yorkers Jason (Zac Efron), Mikey (Michael B. Jordan), and Daniel (Miles Teller)—are dealing with a relationship crisis. Mikey's wife Vera (Jessica Lucas) has announced she's been unfaithful and wants a divorce, so the other guys promise him that the way to get over his failed marriage is to have casual hook-ups and remain loyal only to one another. But just as the guys are beginning to enjoy the single life, Jason meets the quirky and sweet Ellie (Imogen Poots) and Daniel realizes his best female friend Chelsea (Mackenzie Davis) might be more than his designated "wing man."
Is It Any Good?
Despite efforts by the charming young cast to elevate the thin and shallow material, it just doesn't work; they deserve so much more. That Awkward Moment's comic gags are raunchy and unoriginal—like when Mikey walks in on Jason having casual sex, or after Mikey accidentally rubs self-tanner on his penis, leading to witless jokes about what his member looks like—and the relationship arcs are predictable and obvious.
It's always a shame when the only women worthy of love are various shades of Mary from There's Something About Mary—gorgeous but "just one of the guys," a woman who's as comfortable drinking Scotch and playing video games as she is performing sexual acts in her parents' bathroom during Thanksgiving. The ensemble is full of actors, particularly Teller and Jordan, who will no doubt make their mark in far superior films. They're charismatic and emotive. It's just too bad That Awkward Moment is just that—awkward and full of only the flimsiest of easy laughs.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about That Awkward Moment's messages about sex and relationships. Who do you think has the healthiest view of romantic love?
Are women and men treated equally in the film? Does the writing create a double standard for women who lead active sex lives?
Jason, Daniel, and Mikey are played by actors who've been in teen-targeted movies or TV shows. Do you think the actors' past work makes it hard to consider this movie for mature audiences?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 31, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : May 13, 2014
- Cast : Zac Efron , Miles Teller , Michael B. Jordan
- Director : Tom Gormican
- Inclusion Information : Black Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : sexual content and language throughout
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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