Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Illogical romcom has drinking, lots of product placement.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Plus One
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
THE PLUS ONE follows Lizzie (Ashanti) and her fiance, Luke (B.J. Britt), who are planning a destination wedding. Despite Lizzie's warnings not to, her best friend/best man, Marshall (Jonathan Bennett), brings his ex-girlfriend, Marie (Cassandra Scerbo), as his plus one -- which ends up leading to chaos. Lizzie must do her best to try to keep her wedding intact.
Is It Any Good?
This romcom isn't very funny -- or engaging. At best, it plays like a Hallmark movie; at worst, it's basically an ad for the Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater Beach, Florida. The most realistic character is Lizzie, who just wants to have a beautiful, drama-free wedding. But almost everyone else acts in unrealistic ways, especially maniacal plus-one Marie. Even the supporting characters are written to try to make Lizzie's reasonable requests seem somehow problematic -- but she's completely right to not want Marie and her ridiculous antics at her wedding. The lapse in logic the film asks of viewers makes it an even more laborious watch. And then there's the egregious product placement throughout (including a 15- to 20-second advertisement for Expedia and its supposed ease of use). Bottom line? The Plus One isn't that enjoyable, funny, or pleasant. Overall, it's just like Marie: annoying.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the different representations in The Plus One. How are female characters portrayed? What about LGBTQ+ representation? Why are diverse representations in the media important?
How do Lizzie and Marshall demonstrate their friendship? What actions negatively affect their friendship?
Did you notice the brand-name products on display in the movie? How do you think products end up in movies? Why would they want to be featured?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 29, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : October 3, 2023
- Cast : Ashanti , Jonathan Bennett , Michelle Hurd , Cedric the Entertainer
- Director : Erik White
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Gay Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Saban Films
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : suggestive material, some drug use and language
- Last updated : October 11, 2023
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