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Watch:
What You Need To Know:
Content:
(RoRo, B, L, SS, A, M) Romantic “fate and destiny” worldview with some notable, positive biblical references sprinkled throughout; some foul language with four obscenities and four profanities; no violence; slightly veiled, half-silhouetted, campy sex scene portrayed with no overt nudity shown and protagonists sleep together; some alcohol use; no smoking; and, deception.
GENRE: Romantic Comedy
RoRo
B
L
SS
A
M
More Detail:
In ALEX & EMMA, Alex Sheldon, played by Luke Wilson, is a novelist with serious writer’s block. To make matters worse, he has borrowed $100,000 from the Cuban mafia to tide himself over until his publisher pays him $125,000 upon the completion of his second novel. The mafia is not amused that he’s only written three words, and if he doesn’t come up with the money in 30 days, they will kill him, they vow.
Alex orders a professional stenographer to come to his aid, and the polished Emma Dinsmore (Kate Hudson) arrives at his messy apartment just in time to see him fall at her feet with a thud. She drags him inside and waits until he revives, and then she scolds him for lying about being a big-time lawyer and demands to know the truth about his situation. He explains his predicament and promises to pay her handsomely as soon as he gets paid. At first she resists, but his sweet, smooth ways eventually win her heart, and she agrees to the 30-day assignment.
For the next month, Emma comes over to Alex’s apartment with her stenograph machine every morning, and he deftly narrates a love story about a male teacher in the 1920s who is wrestling with a love triangle. The teacher must decide whether he wants the exotic, but spoiled French mistress, Polina Delacroix, or the sweet, deep-hearted maid, Ylva.
Throughout the writing process, Emma interrupts with her dry wit and challenges the believability of certain aspects of Alex’s novel, and on many points, he concedes. More importantly, writer and stenographer begin to have feelings for each other, and soon the fictional characters begin taking on the personalities of Alex and Emma. Emma’s continued unsolicited, yet intriguing, input begins to inadvertently influence Alex and his story. Soon, real life begins to imitate art.
Real life looks like a storybook ending until Emma discovers a major deception from Alex regarding a third player in their real-life drama. The non-committal Alex must decide whether or not to come completely clean and make a wise decision, and Emma must decide how vulnerable to make her bruised heart. Love and lives depend upon their answers.
ALEX & EMMA is reminiscent of KATE AND LEOPOLD. It has the same post-modern feel, with much discussion about fate and destiny, and with the mixing of genres and time periods. The writing is clever, though vaguely familiar feeling, and the pithy sparring between the actors is truly fun. Director Rob Reiner has a delightful, if not small role in the film, and the mafia guys engage the Luke Wilson character in a hilarious tango routine.
The Luke Wilson character does cry out, “Help me, Lord!” Also, he references the book of Genesis (“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth”) as he speaks about great beginnings to wonderful books. He says things like, “My angst forced me into a time of great prayer and reflection.” Overall, however, the movie has a Romantic, “fate and destiny” feel to it.
Regrettably, the characters sleep together in the movie, and a silhouetted, campy sex scene makes the movie unacceptable for older children. There are about four obscenities and four profanities in the movie, and there are a few portrayals of alcohol. MOVIEGUIDE® recommends caution for those under 16.
Please address your comments to:
Barry A. Meyer, Chairman/CEO
Warner Bros., Inc.
4000 Warner Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91522-0001
Phone: (818) 954-6000
Website: www.movies.warnerbros.com
SUMMARY: In ALEX & EMMA, a writer must convince a sassy stenographer to help him turn out a novel in thirty days or face the wrath of loan sharks. Reminiscent of KATE AND LEOPOLD, this post-modern film is marred by some veiled sexual depictions.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
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Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
