The Switch

Movie review by S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media
The Switch Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 15+

OK romcom centers on sperm donation, single parenthood.

PG-13 2010 100 minutes
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Parents say

age 15+

Based on 6 reviews

Kids say

age 13+

Based on 8 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this movie.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that this romantic comedy, while not brimming with sexual content, does address the fairly complex, mature topic of becoming a single mother by choice ... and the methods necessary to accomplish that goal. Expect references to what a sperm donor does to collect his specimen behind closed doors, discussions about the insemination process, and visuals of the substance in question (in a cup, of course). There's also some swearing and a fair amount of drinking (one character, in fact, makes a critical decision while sloshed).

Community Reviews

Tsion
Tsion Adult
March 11, 2013
age 13+

Predictable but Sweet, Funny, and Wholesome

The Switch is a romantic dramedy that could benefit from some better marketing: the previews label it as a semi-raunchy comedy, whereas in truth, it's a very tender movie about relationships. It has its crass moments, but they are all comfortably within PG-13 territory and don't keep the movie from being a good one for parents to watch with their older kids. The main plot revolves around a man named Wally whose best friend Kassie is tired of waiting for marriage to have a baby. She decides to pursue a sperm donor. Wally, who was once in a romantic relationship with Kassie, is a little offended that she won't consider him as a donor. Kassie eventually finds somebody and throws an "insemination" party. Wally drinks too much and, while intoxicated in the bathroom, accidentally spills the "donation" in the sink. The next morning, he can't remember anything. Kassie gets pregnant and moves away. Six years later she returns with a son, Sebastian, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Wally. The movie's positive elements are numerous. It praises family, positive parental/child relationships, and healthy, dedicated romantic relationships. Wally and Kassie continually support each other, and neither one takes advantage of their friendship at any point in the movie. Wally also opens himself up to becoming a father figure for Sebastian, who needs a dad. The ending to the movie is uplifting and will leave a smile on your face. There's hardly any profanity. Adult characters drink alcohol and appear drunk in several scenes. In one scene, two characters briefly pop an "herbal" medication to get high. Sex talk revolves around artificial insemination and sperm donation (including comical, non-graphic hints at the act of "donating"), but there's no actual sex or graphic sexual conversations in the movie. The bare butt of an actor in a nudist production of Hamlet is briefly shown for comedic effect. Other than that, there's nothing inappropriate in the movie. It's nice to see Hollywood produce a healthy look at relationships minus the pervasive crudity and graphic content.

This title has:

Great messages
Great role models
Too much sex
Too much drinking/drugs/smoking
Tom Paine
Tom Paine Adult
March 21, 2011
age 14+

NOT a Comedy!

A waste of time for people expecting a comedy. This is a DRAMA with very little comedy. Even Common Sense called it a "RomCom" but there was almost nothing to laugh at here.
See all 6 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Kassie (Jennifer Aniston) and Wally (Jason Bateman) are the best of friends. But when Kassie announces that she's having a baby on her own with the help of a sperm donor, Wally's not sure he's on board. At a party celebrating Kassie's decision, he finally meets the married college professor (Patrick Wilson) who's agreed to share his "seed"; he seems like a nice enough (and attractive enough) guy who's volunteering for altruistic reasons. But Wally gets drunk and ends up sabotaging Kassie's best-laid plans ... then, seven years later, he meets the child whose existence he may or may not have anything to do with.

Is It Any Good?

If not for Bateman and supporting actors Jeff Goldblum and Juliette Lewis, THE SWITCH would have been The One to Skip. Not because it's lousy, which it isn't, or because it's boring, which it's not. In fact, the premise has loads of potential, given how many women these days are opting to go parenthood alone. The problem with The Switch is that it's uninspired. Without Bateman to elevate many moments from corny to amusing, it would be formulaic at best and insufferable at worst.

Luckily for the audience, he's there with his natural delivery and impeccable timing, making most of the set-ups -- even the absurd ones -- believable. And humorous. When he decides to make that pivotal switch, we buy it. As for Aniston -- who is, after all, the film's star -- it has long been established that she's charming and funny. And she still is. But the charm is wearing thin, and the funny feels phoned in. We've seen her as this character many times now, ostensibly independent but needing rescuing, needing someone to love her to be once again complete.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the movie's message. What is it saying about families and how they form?

  • What are the consequences of both Kassie and Wally's decisions? Do they seem realistic?

  • How does this movie compare to other romantic comedies?

Movie Details

  • In theaters: August 20, 2010
  • On DVD or streaming: March 15, 2011
  • Cast: Jason Bateman, Jennifer Aniston, Patrick Wilson
  • Director: Will Speck
  • Studio: Miramax
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Run time: 100 minutes
  • MPAA rating: PG-13
  • MPAA explanation: mature thematic content, sexual material including dialogue, some nudity, drug use and language
  • Last updated: February 25, 2023

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