What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this comedy -- which stars tabloid staple Paris Hilton -- models some pretty terrible behavior for teen girls. It takes delight in disparaging women who don't abide by a rigid definition of beauty (i.e. blond, scantily clad and unchallenging). And despite the main character's ultimate epiphany about what's truly attractive, women are, for the most part, objectified. Though there's no outright nudity, there are many scenes that pore over women's bodies, as well as some making out and discussion of losing virginity. Much is made of what a man will do to get sex, and there's plenty of drinking.
- Families can talk about the movie's ideas about beauty. Is beauty just what our society decides? How are other societies' notions of beauty similar and different? When the "nottie" becomes a "hottie," why does Nate fall for her? Is it just because she's now prettier, or does he have any other motivations? Why is Hollywood so enamored of ugly-duckling stories? And why did the movie not make much of a deal about how Nate himself looks? Are expected appearance standards different for men and women? Is that fair?