Parents' Guide to

The To Do List

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 17+

Hilarious teen sex comedy has lots of raunch, drinking.

Movie R 2013 104 minutes
The To Do List Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

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age 16+

Based on 6 parent reviews

Jaz79
Jaz79 Adult
December 11, 2019
age 18+

Not for kids at all. 18+

Full of sexual content and the message is not one parents might want for their kids! As an adult it was funny and amusing.
Keegs M.
Keegs M. Parent of 6 and 10-year-old
July 22, 2016
age 16+

Hilarious Comedy Full Of Sex!

I Absolutely Enjoyed The Film, But No Question Its For Older Teens. The To Do List is chock-full of sex, drinking, and drama which was much expected. The film is a great one and can make you cringe at times, but that's the fun of it. Being a huge Aubrey Plaza fan I loved the story all the way through. Would Recommend!

This title has:

Too much sex
See all 6 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Straight-A student and general straight arrow Brandy (Aubrey Plaza) is determined to learn about sex during the summer before starting college. She's got a lot of ground to cover, since she's a virgin who's barely even kissed anyone. Always methodical, she creates THE TO DO LIST, an extensive compendium of various sexual activities, and then sets out to check off each item. While she learns quite a lot about physical contact, she's much slower to grasp the emotional nuances of relationships. Brandy is surprised to discover that her experimentation is affecting the people around her, including her best friends (Alia Shawkat and Sarah Steele) and high school study pal Cameron (Johnny Simmons), who's nursing a crush and is disappointed to realize that, despite a few fumbling encounters, Brandy doesn't seem to share his feelings.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (6):
Kids say (15):

The To Do List is crude, vulgar, silly ... and very, very funny. It's the epitome of taking something -- in this case, a plot that's so basic but so authentic that it's genius -- and truly running with it. On the surface, it might seem like any other coming-of-age sexfest, but in truth, it's actually fairly revolutionary in some respects. Women aren't villainized for having desires; men are equally invested in emotions and relationships. There are few stereotypes -- and the ones that are present are quickly upended. (Even the hunk isn't as prototypical as characters like him usually are.) The soundtrack and early '90s wardrobe and details are spot-on, too.

And the movie is gifted with a strong cast, spearheaded by Plaza, who's excellent in her portrayal of a perfect student who focuses her prodigious intelligence on the goal of starting college as a sexually experienced young woman. Sure, we have to suspend our disbelief somewhat -- is a girl as smart as Brandy really not aware that feelings complicate sex? -- and some plotlines go nowhere (why bring up someone's inability to swim if it never compromises him?), but that's a pittance to pay for enjoying this refreshingly straightforward and seriously hilarious (if undeniably raunchy) movie.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about Brandy's approach to learning about sex. Do you think she's too clinical? What influences her perspective on the topic? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.

  • How does the movie depict teen drinking and drug use? Are there realistic consequences for either/both?

  • How do Brandy's activities affect the people around her, including her friends, her sister, and her study pal, Cameron?

Movie Details

  • In theaters: July 26, 2013
  • On DVD or streaming: November 19, 2013
  • Cast: Alia Shawkat, Aubrey Plaza, Bill Hader, Johnny Simmons
  • Director: Maggie Carey
  • Inclusion Information: Bisexual actors, Middle Eastern/North African actors, Latinx actors
  • Studio: CBS Films
  • Genre: Comedy
  • Run time: 104 minutes
  • MPAA rating: R
  • MPAA explanation: pervasive strong crude and sexual content including graphic dialogue, drug and alcohol use, and language - all involving teens
  • Last updated: February 9, 2023

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