Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Hilarious teen sex comedy has lots of raunch, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The To Do List
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a raunchy sex comedy that sparks conversations about female sexuality, although it contains graphic content which may not be suitable for younger audiences. Many enjoyed the humor and characters, especially praising the performances, while others felt it was crude and not particularly funny, suggesting that it appeals to a more mature audience.
- sex comedy
- female sexuality
- graphic content
- mixed humor
- mature audience
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
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?
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 : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s) , Middle Eastern/North African Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : CBS Films
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : pervasive strong crude and sexual content including graphic dialogue, drug and alcohol use, and language - all involving teens
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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