 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Vow
- Review Date: February 10, 2012
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2012
Common Sense Media says
Predictable romantic drama lacks depth.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this true story-inspired emotional drama, which is cut from the same cloth as the very romantic The Notebook, also stars Rachel McAdams (here she plays a young artist who wakes up from a coma with absolutely no idea that she's happily married to Channing Tatum). It's a tearjerker that deals with some heavy material, including family estrangement, infidelity, divorce, loss, and identity. Expect sexual innuendo, kissing and making out, and partial nudity (a man's backside), as well as some swearing ("s--t," etc.) and social drinking. The sexual content is presented within the context of a couple's deep love for each other.
What's the story?
Paige (Rachel McAdams) and Leo (Channing Tatum) lead an enchanted life, falling in love beautifully and quickly. But in a literal and figurative "moment of impact," as Leo describes it, their world shifts. A truck rear-ends them, sending Paige through the front window, the glass breaking into bits, taking her memories of Leo with them. When she awakes from a coma, Paige no longer can remember being married. In fact, she has forgotten years before they even met, he's a total stranger to her, and she's not sure she can fall in love with him again. What happens to them now?
Is it any good?
THE VOW wants so badly for audiences to care, and that's one of its biggest flaws: It tries too hard. From the drama-heavy set-up to the ponderous dialogue -- which repeatedly reminds viewers that a) Tatum's character is such a good guy and b) Paige can't remember him, and how deeply tragic is that? -- it just won't quit. And you want to care -- how could you not? McAdams, just like her former beau/Notebook co-star, Ryan Gosling, is effortless at being authentic. When she cries, they seem like real tears. She's the best part of the movie.
But Channing Tatum is no Ryan Gosling. He's likable enough -- and clearly gifted with a handsome physique (which is displayed quite frequently). But there's no there. His acting doesn't have the depth that McAdams deserves. The plot feels like it could have been written decades ago (save for the obvious hipster references); it's anachronistic and dated. Would an adult like Paige really let her parents speak for her and make decisions for her? To, frankly, infantilize her? She's suffering from amnesia, not complete incapacitation. The Vow is a paint-by-numbers tearjerker, and that's as frustrating as a broken promise.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about The Vow's messages about relationships. What is it saying about marriage? The nature of love? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding relationships.
Do you consider Paige a role model? Why does she let others make decisions for her? How does she break out of this rut?
The movie was inspired by true events. How accurate do you think it is? Why might filmmakers change the details of a true story when making a movie?
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- Teens & kids
AGE
Naked Man
Not for any girl under 18. Shows a mans beind. They will be scarred for life. Guys, keep Christ in our movies. Terrible for our society.
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AGE
probably great
parents need to know that this is probably going to be the wining movie betwene adult and teen coupels but please keep in mind that this movie is rated pg13 and will most likley contain some sorte of content you would either find inapropreate or would rather not see
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AGE
Male nudity - Not for kids
There are scenes with man in tight clothing on his lower part of body. A scene shows him naked from behind. Very bad movie.
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AGE
Positive Male Role Model in this Movie :)
This is a sweet movie, allowing for the topic of marriage and relationships to be discussed between parent and teen in a positive light, which is refreshing. Leo is a faithful, patient husband, which also is refreshing in today's societal trends of stalkerish, obsessed boyfriend/vampire role models. Leo is also a great example for the young fathers and teen sons in the audience. Most of what boys see in the media and hear in the music these days of male role models is tasteless and sexist, using women and disrespecting them as girlfriends and wives. Thank goodness for Leo in this movie! Thank you Nicholas Sparks, for once again giving us a positive male role model!
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AGE
Very sweet
I got the chance to go to an early screening of this movie, and I loved it. All the girls I know are dying to see it. Sure it may be predictable and not the best movie in the world, but its very sweet and romantic. Its a very good movie to go see especially for girls. There is some language and sensual scenes, but nothing older kids shouldn't be able to watch. In regards to the scene showing a man's bare bottom, it is extremely brief, and the context of the scene when you see it is pretty funny. Its not sexual or anything like that at all.
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AGE
Was a great movie, some bad scenes
This movie was good but there are some bad scenes. - Sex: Leo and Page make out for a long time in a studio. They lean back and continue to kiss and her rubbs her back. Later they are seen in bed not kissing, but just sleeping. They are under the sheets but possibly nude. // Leo and Page kiss in a room and she tells him she will not have sex with him, but she continues to kiss him. // Leo and Page kiss in a car and almost have sex but are interupted. // In one scene you can see Leo's bare but, and in two scenes you see Page's bra nd under pants. // Some breif kissing other wise. ---- Violence: Page and Leo get in a car wreck where you can see her fly through the window and then she wines that her head hurts. // Loe hits a man. --- Language: S**t, c**k, ---- Drinking: some wine but nothing bad or used in an unfriendly mannor
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AGE
nice
it so sweet i watched it with my kids they said it totaly rocked mom !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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AGE
Read the book
This movie is inspired by real life events of Kim and Krickitt Carpenter in their book The Kim and Krickitt Carpenter Story.
While it is a beautiful story about how love can conquer in adversity. It fails to show the part of their lives that is the best part, the rekindled love they know and share once they are once again together despite their horrible accident. Read the book!
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AGE
Just, just...AWEFUL!! BAD!
Me and my group went to see the vow... We agree that "it's the worst movie ever!!!" don't see it... Especially if ur parents r 4 row in front of u
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AGE
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the vow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
the movie was o.k but kids these days are growing up alot faster so if you think your kid is mature enough then go ahead
theres a couple sex scenes but very very mild a guy backside is shown yes you see his but! a girl is shown in her bra and underwear thats really it the sex stuff but its not bad unless you care about your kid seeing a naked guys but so if your kids really mature i would let my 11 or 12 year old see it for most kids though 13 and up is perdect
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| Studio: | Screen Gems |
| Director: | Michael Sucsy |
| Cast: | Channing Tatum, Rachel McAdams, Sam Neill |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 104 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | February 10, 2012 |
| DVD release date: | May 7, 2012 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | an accident scene, sexual content, partial nudity, and some language |
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