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FRIENDS WITH KIDSMovie Reviews
Drama comedy about two friends who decide to have a child together while continuing to date other people. Cast:Adam Scott, Jennifer Westfeldt, Jon Hamm, Kristen Wiig, Megan FoxDirector:Jennifer WestfeldtRelease Date:March 9, 2012DVD Release:July 17, 2012From:Roadside AttractionsRating:RLength:1 hr 40 min
Friends With Kids played in key cities to good reviews that at the same time were mixed. • Peter Travers wrote in Rolling Stone, "...an indelibly funny and touching comedy with a real sting in its tail. The laughs leave scars.... The cast could not be better." • And Tom Long wrote in the Detroit News, "...goes on a beat or two too long, and lands in the obvious place, but it's filled with smarts and laughs and passion." More Reviews Below...
Friends With Kids Positive Reviews (47 Reviews, reviews below)
Alynda Wheat, People: OUTSTANDING(cg) "...the script is so frank and Jennifer Westfeldt and Adam Scott so charming without being cringingly precious, it's worth the investment to watch them puzzle it all out."(See all of Alynda Wheat's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 162 words, 03/08/12
Mary Pols, Time: VERY GOOD "...bright, quick-witted.... looks like every other rom com... but it takes you through a wider range of responses to the relationships and characters than most."(See all of Mary Pols's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 885 words, 03/09/12
Christy Lemire, Associated Press: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...takes a topic full of complex emotional shadings and turns it into something that is, for the most part, reductive, cliched and even sitcommy."(See all of Christy Lemire's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 648 words, 03/08/12
Mara Reinstein, Us Weekly: VERY GOOD(cg) "...sharply conveys the intricacies of grown-up relationships -- and gets a boost from four 'Bridesmaids' stars (including Kristin Wiig...)"(See all of Mara Reinstein's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 102 words, 03/01/12
Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly: EXCELLENT(cg) "The observations about parenthood, pro and con, are quick and smart, and Adam Scott effortlessly steals the show, softening Jennifer Westfeldt's brittle cuteness."(See all of Lisa Schwarzbaum's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 257 words, 03/09/12
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone: OUTSTANDING(cg) "...an indelibly funny and touching comedy with a real sting in its tail. The laughs leave scars.... The cast could not be better."(See all of Peter Travers's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 476 words, 03/02/12
Claudia Puig, USA Today: VERY GOOD(cg) "...takes a fresh and funny look at a familiar subject, with enough buoyant romance to satisfy audiences drawn to starry-eyed love stories and hopeful endings."(See all of Claudia Puig's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 434 words, 03/09/12
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "It's almost painful to watch characters jump through the obligatory story hoops in the third act. Even presumably real people don't behave like this."(See all of Roger Ebert's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 685 words, 03/09/12
Glenn Kenny, MSN Movies: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...takes a tonal detour, veering from indie-inflected city comedy with Woody Allen undertones to something reminiscent of the work of Nicole Holofcener ('Please Give')."(See all of Glenn Kenny's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 739 words, 03/08/12
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NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES/CHICAGO/TORONTO (13 Reviews)
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times: MODERATE "Ms. Westfeldt, a smart writer and a charming actress, allows the comfy familiarity of her sitcom rhythms to sideline her most poignant insights."(See all of Jeannette Catsoulis's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 269 words, 03/09/12
Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...while Westfeldt empathizes with the difficulties faced by overextended parents, she also realizes that they could probably use some easygoing escapism."(See all of Elizabeth Weitzman's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 354 words, 03/09/12
Sheri Linden, Los Angeles Times: GOOD (NOT GREAT) "...mildly engaging... poses a few good questions and offers some well-observed moments.... it sits quite comfortably in a well-worn romantic-comedy groove."(See all of Sheri Linden's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 576 words, 03/09/12
Kyle Smith, New York Post: VERY GOOD(cg) "For all of the hilarious, raunchy talk and contemporary feel, in the second half the movie gets stuck in some well-worn 'When Harry and Sally Met Parenthood' grooves."(See all of Kyle Smith's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 474 words, 03/09/12
Rafer Guzman, New York Newsday: POOR(cg) "Shallow characters and crass language don't make for great comedy, especially one that's ostensibly about the joys of parenting."(See all of Rafer Guzman's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 278 words, 03/09/12
David Edelstein, New York Magazine: EXCELLENT "...has a nervous, high-strung rhythm and terrific tension, as if the characters' backs are against the wall and the clock is ticking down... a marvelous film."(See all of David Edelstein's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 860 words, 03/05/12
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "It's almost painful to watch characters jump through the obligatory story hoops in the third act. Even presumably real people don't behave like this."(See all of Roger Ebert's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 685 words, 03/09/12
Melissa Anderson, Village Voice/LA Weekly: FAIR "...a baggy assembly of generic talk... Intriguing ideas that expose ugly truths fade quickly, so as not to interfere with the film's overall vanilla tone."(See all of Melissa Anderson's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 727 words, 03/07/12
Liam Lacey, Toronto Globe & Mail: MODERATE(cg) "...strictly formulaic, although with a cast that includes four members of the hit 'Bridesmaids'... it's a case of high-profile talent playing in a small familiar sandbox."(See all of Liam Lacey's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 573 words, 03/09/12
Roger Moore, Minneapolis Star-Tribune: OUTSTANDING(cg) "The premise of this star-studded comedy - let's have kids together but remain 'just friends' - may be hackneyed, but the heartfelt laughs feel fresh.... The cast is terrific..."(See all of Roger Moore's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 482 words, 03/09/12
Wesley Morris, Boston Globe: MODERATE(cg) "Can a man and woman be friends without a baby getting in the way? The shallow manner in which that question is dramatized here sucks away the emotional energy..."(See all of Wesley Morris's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 961 words, 03/09/12
Stephen Whitty, New Jersey Star-Ledger: OUTSTANDING(cg) "...smart, funny... benefits include a sprightly cast, a smart script and characters who show some real emotion, and a connection to each other and to real life."(See all of Stephen Whitty's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 577 words, 03/09/12
Walter Addiego, San Francisco Chronicle: MODERATE(cg) "Good chemistry between the lead actors and nice supporting performances help 'Friends With Kids' survive a formulaic story and just-OK filmmaking."(See all of Walter Addiego's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 337 words, 03/09/12
Moira Macdonald, Seattle Times: OUTSTANDING(cg) "Watch 'Friends with Kids' and wonder why good romantic comedies don't come around very often; this one, both sweet and salty, feels just right."(See all of Moira Macdonald's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 568 words, 03/09/12
Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "Like an acquaintance couple's baby pictures, 'Friends With Kids' induces coos but isn't as cute as they think."(See all of Joe Williams's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 367 words, 03/09/12
Steve Persall, Tampa Bay Times: VERY GOOD(cg) "...a premise suited for sitcoms and a cast primed for improvisation, yet the movie never slips into either feel, keeping it bluntly real... sticking to a briskly written script."(See all of Steve Persall's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 478 words, 03/08/12
Tom Long, Detroit News: EXCELLENT(cg) "...goes on a beat or two too long, and lands in the obvious place, but it's filled with smarts and laughs and passion."(See all of Tom Long's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 281 words, 03/09/12
Connie Ogle, Miami Herald: VERY GOOD(cg) "...delightful... crafted by someone who understands the recipe and yet still can make it her own. It's funny without being ridiculous, sweet without turning sentimental..."(See all of Connie Ogle's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 522 words, 03/09/12
ALTERNATIVE/INDIE PRESS (11 Reviews)
Melissa Anderson, Village Voice/LA Weekly: FAIR "...a baggy assembly of generic talk... Intriguing ideas that expose ugly truths fade quickly, so as not to interfere with the film's overall vanilla tone."(See all of Melissa Anderson's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 727 words, 03/07/12
Eric Eisenberg, Cinema Blend: VERY GOOD(cg) "...an impressive first effort. It's impossible not to love or, at the least, feel for every character because they're so relatable."(See all of Eric Eisenberg's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 589 words, 03/09/12
Tasha Robinson, AV Club: FAIR(cg) "Westfeldt has a tendency to go over the top, and 'Friends With Kids' in particular has a shrill, smug edge that kills the comedy and the drama alike."(See all of Tasha Robinson's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 599 words, 03/08/12
R. Kurt Osenlund, Slant: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...odds are you'll find something to like here... a crude, thinly modernized version of a more-than-friends rom-com you've seen too many times to count."(See all of R. Kurt Osenlund's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 755 words, 03/06/12
Curt Holman, Atlanta Creative Loafing: WEAK(cg) "Westfeldt proves too interested in tidy endings... If the independent comedies don't try to transcend rom-com clichés, what will?"(See all of Curt Holman's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 559 words, 03/08/12
MaryAnn Johanson, Flick Filosopher: POOR(cg) "...turns out to be nothing beyond yet one more affirmation of a deeply conservative status quo... an unpleasant example of overprivileged navel-gazing..."(See all of MaryAnn Johanson's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 381 words, 11/12/12
HIGHBROW PRESS (6 Reviews)
Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal: POOR "...shrill in tone, awash in unexamined narcissism -- kids are just pretexts for laughs, rather than objects of love -- and afflicted by explosive verbal diarrhea."(See all of Joe Morgenstern's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 315 words, 03/09/12
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times: MODERATE "Ms. Westfeldt, a smart writer and a charming actress, allows the comfy familiarity of her sitcom rhythms to sideline her most poignant insights."(See all of Jeannette Catsoulis's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 269 words, 03/09/12
Sheri Linden, Los Angeles Times: GOOD (NOT GREAT) "...mildly engaging... poses a few good questions and offers some well-observed moments.... it sits quite comfortably in a well-worn romantic-comedy groove."(See all of Sheri Linden's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 576 words, 03/09/12
Dana Stevens, Slate: MODERATE "...pleasant but overfamiliar... isn't an awful movie by any means: It's a polished, palatable yuppie rom-com in the Woody Allen-lite tradition..."(See all of Dana Stevens's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 728 words, 03/09/12
Andrew O'Hehir, Salon: GOOD "...enjoyable... let's give Jennifer Westfeldt her due for making this completely hidebound, moralistic and sentimental yarn feel somewhat fresh and contemporary."(See all of Andrew O'Hehir's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 1,447 words, 03/06/12
David Rooney, Hollywood Reporter: GOOD (NOT GREAT) "The movie dawdles a little... but the relationships are drawn with integrity and the emotional conflicts grounded in honest character observation."(See all of David Rooney's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 653 words, 09/11/11
Sheri Linden, Los Angeles Times: GOOD (NOT GREAT) "...mildly engaging... poses a few good questions and offers some well-observed moments.... it sits quite comfortably in a well-worn romantic-comedy groove."(See all of Sheri Linden's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 576 words, 03/09/12
Emanuel Levy, Cinema 24/7: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "Cool and chic are words that figure prominently in 'Friends with Kids,' which is most suitable considering the affluent and privileged lives they all live."(See all of Emanuel Levy's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 513 words, 03/12/12
Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times: MODERATE "Ms. Westfeldt, a smart writer and a charming actress, allows the comfy familiarity of her sitcom rhythms to sideline her most poignant insights."(See all of Jeannette Catsoulis's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 269 words, 03/09/12
Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal: POOR "...shrill in tone, awash in unexamined narcissism -- kids are just pretexts for laughs, rather than objects of love -- and afflicted by explosive verbal diarrhea."(See all of Joe Morgenstern's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 315 words, 03/09/12
20.4 Percentage Points Average Difference Between Reviews (Norm is 18.4pp; <18.4pp = More Consistent; >18.4pp = More Mixed)
Friends With Kids's reviews are separated by an average 20.4 percentage points. The norm for this measure is 18.4 percentage points. Less than 18.4 indicates more consistent reviews; greater than 18.4 indicates more mixed reviews. In the chart below, each dot represents a review, with the dots at the top more positive than the dots at the bottom. From left to right, the dots represent reviews in big, bigger and biggest publications. Roll over each dot for more detail.
Friends With Kids (47 reviews) Roll over dots for each review
Coverage:Friends With Kids's reviews cover 95.2% of potential readers (average is 67.9%). Volume:The film's reviews total 25,873 words involume (average is 20,194 words). Length:The film's reviews average 550 words in length (the norm is 517 words).
Reviews Broke 63.3 Hours Before Release (Norm is 1.2 Release)
Friends With Kids's reviews on average broke 63.3 hours before opening. Norm for this measure is 1.2 hours before. The chart below shows reviews on opening day and the days before and after opening; the left side is earlier and the right side is later. The red bars extending above the horizontal mid-line represent more positive reviews, and the red bars extending below represent more negative reviews. The white space/red bar in the middle is Friends With Kids's opening day. Click on any bar for a list of the reviews for that day.
Friends With Kids (47 reviews, click on bars for reviews)
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