Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Raunchy one-night-stand comedy relies on stereotypes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Walk of Shame
What's the Story?
Meghan (Elizabeth Banks) thought yesterday was terrible, what with getting dumped by her fiance and seemingly losing out on a huge job opportunity as a network news anchor. But after drowning her sorrows with countless tequila shots (and more) and going home with Gordon (James Marsden), the hunky bartender who comes to her aid, Meghan discovers that her troubles have only just started. It turns out she may just have a shot at that anchor gig after all, but when she leaves Gordon's apartment, she discovers that her car has been towed and she's lost in the middle of Los Angeles, without a cent to her name and no phone. Meghan has to get to the newsroom to meet the network execs, but how? Getting there means running into all sorts of situations, one worse than the next.
Is It Any Good?
While almost everything in Walk of Shame is tiresome, Banks is its one bright spot. Meghan also has a decent rapport with her friends and Gordon, who's as sweet and kind as can be. (He escapes the film's rampant stereotyping.) And at the very least, she isn't left to be a damsel in distress. But while she ultimately finds joy in being herself, the journey to that point is a big shame.
Meghan's misadventures follow a classic film formula, throwing her into situations that keep getting worse, upping the ante and daring her to react in ever more desperate (and, theoretically, funny) ways. But many of Meghan's escapades trade on overused, objectionable stereotypes, including black and Hispanic drug dealers, Asian women who work at a Korean massage parlor, cops who are just calling their jobs in, and orthodox Jews who view Meghan as a temptress.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why everyone makes assumptions about Meghan based on what she's wearing. What makes them think they know who/what she is? Has anything like that ever happened to you? What happened?
What message is the movie sending about sex and relationships? How about drinking? Do the consequences for Meghan's choices seem realistic?
The film stereotypes all sorts of people -- why do you think this brand of intented humor is still prevalent in Hollywood movies and TV shows? Does Meghan herself reveal any prejudices?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 2, 2014
- On DVD or streaming : June 17, 2014
- Cast : Elizabeth Banks , James Marsden
- Director : Steven Brill
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Focus Features
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and some sexual content
- Last updated : March 13, 2020
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