Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Predictable romcom has lots of drinking, some stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Competition
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE COMPETITION puts Lauren's (Thora Birch) scientific formula that predicts infidelity up against Calvin's (Chris Klein) faith that not everyone will cheat, even if they know they'll get away with it. So Lauren and Calvin set up a series of tests to put temptation in the path of five of Calvin's friends, without the friends knowing, of course. If Calvin wins, Lauren will have to shut down her blog and say good-bye to a lucrative book deal she's just about to sign. But if Lauren wins, Calvin will have to publicly acknowledge the accuracy of Lauren's formula, the blog stays up and running, and the book deal goes through. As they work on the competition and spend more time together, they start falling for each other, for real. Is there any hope of a win-win ending?
Is It Any Good?
This lackluster and predictable romcom falls short just about anywhere you look. The premise and plot of The Competition are paper thin. There's no spark of believable chemistry between the leads. Every character is a type, if not a stereotype. There are no surprises. There's no charm. There are plenty of clichés. The characters are all in their 30s, and although they grapple with things teens are interested in, like long-term relationships and being faithful, neither of these are dealt with in any meaningful way. Content-wise it's fine for teens and up, but with so many better choices out there for a romantic comedy with style, charm, and heart, give this one a pass.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the drinking in The Competition. Is it glamorized? Does it seem realistic? What consequences are shown and not shown?
Why are romantic comedies so popular? What do we love about them? What are some of your favorites, and how does this one compare?
Did you notice any stereotypes in the characters or their behavior? Is it OK to joke about stereotypes? Are any of them true, and does that matter?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : January 26, 2018
- Cast : Thora Birch , Chris Klein
- Director : Harvey Lowry
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Gravitas Ventures
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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