Common Sense Media Review
Women swap homes in festive romcom; language, sex.
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Why Age 13+?
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The Holiday
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 10 parent reviews
Based on 27 kid reviews
Kids say this film is a charming romantic comedy that features two women who swap homes during the holidays, leading to heartwarming relationships and comedic moments. However, many reviewers caution that its mature themes, including frequent references to sex and strong language, make it more suitable for a teen audience rather than younger children.
- charming romance
- mature themes
- strong language
- not for kids
- great for teens
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
Trying to forget a romance gone wrong, London-based journalist Iris (Kate Winslet) trades her cottage for the Beverly Hills mansion of movie trailer editor Amanda (Cameron Diaz), who's angry at an ex-boyfriend and wants to get out of town. After Amanda gets to England, book editor Graham (Jude Law) shows up drunk on the cottage porch, expecting to be put up by his sister, Iris. He winds up having sex with lonely, angry, and perfectly witty Amanda instead. Meanwhile, in Los Angeles, Iris finds her interest piqued by composer Miles (Jack Black), who's grappling with his own relationship troubles but seems instantly attracted to Iris as well.
Is It Any Good?
Seasonal and sweet, this film offers precious few surprises. Like almost every romantic comedy, The Holiday introduces the to-be-coupled characters and sets a few emotional obstacles in their paths, until at last—138 minutes later—they realize what you've known all along.
While Black's self-denigrating humor doesn't quite fit into the sillier antics of Nancy Meyers' direction, he does bring a welcome energy to his role. Meyers has developed a kind of shtick in which wealthy, well-dressed characters have abstract "issues" as substitutes for more compelling details or developments. (Amanda can't physically cry tears; until she does, of course.) The movie's one surprise may be that, by the end, even Winslet—so consistently lovely and frankly brilliant—looks as stifled as Iris.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the idea of swapping houses, lives, or situations, as seen in The Holiday. Who would you want to switch with? Where might you like to spend two weeks?
What's the appeal of romcoms? Does it bother you if the story is predictable? Why, or why not?
When Amanda and Iris decide to swap houses for two weeks, they do it very quickly, through a single chat exchange. How do you make sure you safely approach—and fulfill—an online agreement with a stranger?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 7, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : March 13, 2007
- Cast : Cameron Diaz , Jude Law , Kate Winslet , Jack Black
- Director : Nancy Meyers
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studio : Columbia Tristar
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Holidays ( Christmas )
- Run time : 138 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : for sexual content and some strong language.
- Last updated : December 4, 2025
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