Common Sense Media Review
By Renee Schonfeld
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
So-so time-travel romcom has swearing, drinking.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
When We First Met
What's the Story?
Noah Ashby (Adam Devine) just can't get it right in WHEN WE FIRST MET. He met Avery Martin (Alexandra Daddario), the girl of his dreams, on Halloween three years before the movie opens, but after one spectacular night together, the relationship has evolved into a friendship -- at least, from Avery's point of view. So when Noah discovers that the magic of an old photo booth can transport him back three years in time -- to the night they first met -- he thinks he's got it made. He gets a do-over. Two do-overs. Even three. But turning into a suave playboy doesn't help; neither does his attempt at "assertive hyper-male." When being even a rich, powerful businessman doesn't work, Noah's forced to accept that maybe he's simply not right for Avery. Complicating his efforts, of course, are Ethan (Robbie Amell), whose movie-star good looks and gentle nature appeal to the young woman, and Avery's best friend, Carrie (Shelley Hennig), who has no patience for Noah's antics. It isn't until Noah begins to take a hard look at what he values most and who he really is that things seem to turn around. Even then, it requires a little more help from the photo booth and a little more insight than he ever knew he possessed to make his dreams come true.
Is It Any Good?
This by-the-numbers time-travel comedy is predictable and short on originality, but some lively performances -- particularly Shelley Hennig as Carrie -- make it passable for young adult audiences. Ari Sandel and his filmmaking team use some familiar concepts (i.e., "Zoltar Speaks" from Big is now an antique photo booth), and Adam Devine tries hard to turn his goofball persona into a lovable charmer, but romantic comedies (even lowbrow ones) fare best when the characters have at least a dash of depth. And when the stories are fresh. Neither happens in When We First Met. The personalities Noah adopts are never authentic or likable. And, sharing a penchant for jazz and homilies ("some things are meant to be") do not a relationship make. Still, viewers can expect some laughs, sweet moments, and a happy ending for all involved.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how movies like When We First Met so often show young adults drinking and getting drunk as an integral part of their social lives. Do you think this "normalizes" the abuse of alcohol? Why or why not? At what age is it most important to speak to kids about the dangers of alcohol abuse? How does/did your family handle the matter?
Why is it so appealing to think about having a do-over? Since it's not possible in most circumstances, in what other ways might you be able to fix a mistake that you have made? Can an apology ever serve as a do-over?
Why do you think movies and stories about time travel are so appealing? Write a short time travel story about a moment in time you'd like to return to. How would you behave differently to have a better outcome?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 9, 2018
- Cast : Adam Devine , Alexandra Daddario , Shelley Hennig
- Director : Ari Sandel
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Friendship
- Run time : 96 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate