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The Five-Year Engagement
- Review Date: April 26, 2012
- R
- Genre: Comedy
- 2012
Common Sense Media says
Apatow-produced comedy mixes romance, adult humor.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that The Five-Year Engagement is a Judd Apatow-produced romantic comedy that stars Jason Segel and Emily Blunt as a couple who finds that, the longer their engagement lasts, the more potential problems they discover, and the harder it becomes for them to follow through on matrimony. There's tons of innuendo and adult sexual references, an extended sex scene with multiple positions (though no graphic nudity), a few scenes showing men naked from behind, and plenty of risque language (including "f--k," "s--t," and more). Overall, though, the tone is more "heartwarming romcom" (with a dash of bawdiness) than outright "raunchy comedy," and the film has worthwhile things to say about grown-up relationships.
What's the story?
After a grand proposal that goes adorably awry, Tom (Jason Segel) and Violet (Emily Blunt), who clearly adore each other, become engaged. But when Violet lands a prestigious fellowship at the University of Michigan, wedding plans grind to a halt so they can relocate. Though Tom is less than thrilled about quitting his job at a fancy San Francisco restaurant and moving to the Midwest, he tries to be supportive. But while Violet thrives, he founders, begins to withdraw, and, well, gets obsessive about distracting himself from his less-than-fulfilling life -- including finding myriad ways to cook venison. The longer they stay, the greater the toll it takes on their relationship, and it's clear the problem will only get worse when Violet's position is extended. Will they ever get married?
Is it any good?
Like a delicate souffle that flops when the balance is off, a romcom fails when there's too much cheese, not enough romance, extra servings of cliches, an overdose of fluff, or zero chemistry between the two leads. Luckily for THE FIVE-YEAR ENGAGEMENT, it has the perfect amount of all the right ingredients -- heart, irreverent humor, snark, wit, and happily ever after -- for a winning film, one that might even hold a little wisdom in the end. Modern relationships are hard, and engagements in this age of doubt and disconnection can be harder still. So when viewers aren't laughing at sight gags involving awful sweaters and sociopathic psychological experiments, they'll find themselves wondering how Tom and Violet are supposed to make it work -- and cheering for them to do so.
The Five-Year Engagement isn't perfect; some bits, like the delightful Alison Brie's wedding toast, go on a beat too long. And jokes about lopped-off thumbs are overly lowbrow. But it's better than so many others in this genre, and that's reason enough to love it.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how The Five-Year Engagement compares to other romantic comedies. Is it more believable than other movies? Why or why not?
How does it compare to other "Apatow-ian" comedies, which are generally known for being raunchy (if heartfelt)? Does it push the envelope as far? Why do so many comedies seem determined to cross as many lines as possible?
How does the movie portray sex? Were the sex scenes risque or funny? Do they have a point, other than to elicit laughs? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
Talk about the sacrifices that people make for love. Is it unusual for a film to focus on a man who makes sacrifices for the benefit of his partner's career?
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AGE
enagagment
This is a good movie it makes you think about marriage and also makes you laugh when you want to marry.
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AGE
Not good for kids or some older teens
Not for children at all. I would not want my 16 year old to see it due to sex scenes.
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AGE
Great Movie!
IT IS RATED R! That's all you have to know! If your kid isn't 18 and you don't want them to see it, THEN DON'T TAKE THEM! It really is as simple as that. I wouldn't want anyone under the age of 16 to see it, but as of 16(+), it's not like it is too crude or anything. It's nothing compared to what is on television!
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| Studio: | Universal Pictures |
| Director: | Nicholas Stoller |
| Cast: | Chris Pratt, Emily Blunt, Jason Segel |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 124 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | April 27, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | R |
| MPAA explanation: | sexual content, and language throughout |
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