Something Borrowed
for sexual content including dialogue, and some drug material.
Reviewed by: Pamela Karpelenia
CONTRIBUTOR
| Moral Rating: | Extremely Offensive |
| Moviemaking Quality: |
|
| Primary Audience: | Adults |
| Genre: | Romance Comedy Drama Adaptation |
| Length: | 1 hr. 43 min. |
| Year of Release: | 2011 |
| USA Release: |
May 6, 2011 (wide—2,900+ theaters) DVD: August 16, 2011 |
life as a single
TRUE LOVE—What is true love and how do you know when you have found it? Answer
drunkenness in the Bible
lying in the Bible
How do I know what is right from wrong? Answer
How can I decide whether a particular activity—such as smoking, gambling, etc.—is wrong? Answer
Are we living in a moral Stone Age? Answer
30th birthday
fornication
PURITY—Should I save sex for marriage? Answer
How can I deal with temptations? Answer
How far is too far? What are the guidelines for dating relationships? Answer
What are the consequences of sexual immorality? Answer
| Featuring |
Ginnifer Goodwin … Rachel Kate Hudson … Darcy Colin Egglesfield … Dex John Krasinski … Ethan Steve Howey … Marcus Ashley Williams … Claire Geoff Pierson … Dexter Thaler Sr. Jill Eikenberry … Bridget Thaler See all » |
| Director | Luke Greenfield—“The Girl Next Door,” “The Animal” |
| Producer |
2S Films Alcon Entertainment Wild Ocean Films Ellen H. Schwartz … executive producer Hilary Swank … producer See all » |
| Distributor |
 Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company |
“It’s a thin line between love and friendship.”
“Something Borrowed”, tells the story of two friends. One a wild, obnoxious, loud and slightly superficial party girl Darcy (Kate Hudson). The other, Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin), a lawyer is quiet, modest, nice and a bit of a pushover. The movie opens to a “surprise” 30th birthday party for Rachel, put on by her BFF Darcy. There we learn the Darcy is getting married to a lawyer Dex (Colin Egglesfield).
After getting drunk and leaving the party Darcy sends her fiancé Dex back to find her purse, there he finds Rachel with her friend Ethan (John Krasinski). Rachel volunteers to help Dex find the purse. From there, sensing that Rachel is feeling down about her 30th birthday, Dex suggests they go for a drink, where they reminisce about their college days together, before he met Darcy. After Rachel admits to Dex she had a crush on him in college, Dex kisses Rachel, and they have sex. All of this happens in the first 10 minutes.
The film has a very modern feel, with hip clothes and upbeat music seem to be an attempt to distract the viewer from the sinful behaviors occurring throughout. The acting by Hudson, Goodwin and Krasinski is satisfactory, not superb, but Egglesfield I felt is unappealing and frankly uninspiring. The plot is depraved, and one character sums it up with one line, “You’re going to hell anyway… so be happy!”
Content for concern
Where to begin, there are more blasphemies then swear words—over 25 uses of “Oh my God,” 6 of “God,” 3 of “Jesus” and 1 use each of “G-damn” and “Good God.” There is 1 use of the “f” word, 8 “s” words, and 8 a**/a**h…
As for sexuality, there is a lot of sexual talk, revealing clothing, and cheating Rachel and Dex are in bed nude, but nothing is actually shown.
Lie, cheat, drink and sex is the name of the game; from the obvious lie that Rachel and Dex keep from Darcy to the other lies where Ethan claims to be gay in order to deter an overly persistent woman. Every main and lead supporting character in the film drinks or gets drunk.
There is almost no redeeming value to this film. With that said, there is one line stated by Dex’s dad that rang true, until the end of the film, “The problem with what we want is it’s usually at odds with what’s right.” Those wise words lead me to Romans 7:14-25,
For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” Even though we are saved by the blood of Christ we will continue to fight our sin nature until Christ returns, and what a glorious day that will be.
I cannot recommend “Something Borrowed”, not only does the film justify lying and cheating. It shows the relative morality that leads to such debauchery as simple mistakes and consequences are a non sequitur. While attempts at regret and shame are present, they come off empty and cosmetic.
Violence: Minor / Profanity: Heavy / Sex/Nudity: Heavy
See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.
The performances were decent for the most part. Ginnifer Goodwin does a great job as Rachel. John Krasinski is fantastic, as always. They are so great on-screen together! It’s a shame they wasted it on this cheesy film. :/ Kate Hudson, once again, plays her classic ditzy blonde/party animal role that we all have come to despise. She needs to get herself out of being type-cast.
I was upset with the ending. ***SPOILER ALERT*** You are really hoping Rachel ends up with Ethan in the end because you end up loving their characters so much. I found, at the end of the film, that all the other characters are either ignorant or a jerk—or both. ***END SPOILER ALERT***
I would recommend avoiding this movie. Not because it’s terribly objectionable or anything, but simply because it’s a waste of time. If you are a Goodwin and/or Krasinski fan, like I am, wait for the cheap theater, at least. It’s definitely not worth full price for a ticket.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3½
In a secular sense, I think that the film worked out to what might be seen as a “happy ending”—because, basically, everyone ends up being at serious fault, and so no one can be seen as wronged. It is rather like cheating a thief. But that does not morally justify the conduct, unless the cheating causes the return of YOUR OWN property, and that is not the case here.
But what goes on in the film is an utter denial of sexual chastity and a sordid and perverted view of the significance of betrothal and marital commitment. I am frankly surprised that Ginnifer Goodwin’s character was not made sluttier.
I think what Christians can learn from this film is the importance of speaking up in a timely way. As we get older, we realize that we are generally sad for what we did not do, rather for what we did—always subject to compliance with the elementary rules of right and wrong.
Ginnifer Goodwin is the best thing about this film. She exudes style and a certain je ne sais quoi. Kate Hudson plays her normal slutty party girl role to perfection.
On the positive side, this is not a counterculture film. It is about middle class people who sin. It is not about people who want to overthrow Christianity and the dictates of conventional morality.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 4
The two that ended up sleeping with each other actually liked each other before Kate rudely came in and “stole” away this man from her. It was an okay movie for some ways, but, overall, too much worldly content.
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3½
The theme of this movie seemed to be: “Do what you want. Even if you end up losing all of your friends in the process, at least you’ll have prince charming by your side!”
Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3½
Rachel, the female protagonist, is slightly sympathetic, but the way she goes about confronting her love for Dex is misguided, at best. (On a side note, it was difficult for me, as a viewer, to see any sort of affection or chemistry between Dex and Rachel, excepting a scene of them studying together in a flashback.) I never felt any empathy for Dex at all; he was “just there,” and allowed others to make decisions for him throughout the film.
Darcy, Rachel’s best friend, is undoubtedly the worst, most hedonistic character of all! She is almost like an embodiment of selfishness and lustful behavior. The character of Ethan is a small ray of sunshine in this otherwise dreary film. As Rachel’s childhood friend, he serves alternately as a comic relief, a confidante, and a shoulder to cry on. He is not blameless by any means, but in the film he acknowledges his poor behavior and apologizes for it. He loves unconditionally, without regard for his own happiness. He is the one who best exemplifies true love as described in the Bible:
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
In sum, based on its moral content, I cannot in good conscience recommend this film for Christian moviegoers. Although the concept of real and unconditional love is presented, it is almost drowned in the overwhelming decadence.
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 2½
Also, I kept wanting Rachel’s (and Dex’s character) to finally stand up to her friend and draw some healthy boundaries, but she never did. I thought this movie was going to leave you with at least that satisfaction.
The people in this film are very confused, lost, mixed up people, that don’t have a clue about real love, honesty and healthy boundaries. That wouldn’t have been so bad, if they somehow corrected these issues by the end of the movie, to a greater satisfaction… but they didn’t. There were some good moments, but not enough to be worth your time. ***SPOILER*** By the way, Rachel should have chosen Ethan-the closest to a real man in the movie.
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 1½
BTW-For the kids who walked out wondering if it was real (as “claimed” in the beginning), the real (unused) Apollo 18 capsule and Saturn V rocket are on display on the grounds of the Johnson Space Center (Mission Control) in Houston, TX.
Moral rating: Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 1½
I would suggest not seeing this movie, or at least not wasting money on it in a theater. I am not usually offended by PG-13 movies, but I think that this one crossed the line.
Moral rating: Very Offensive / Moviemaking quality: 3½
So, going into the review, I was a little nervous of the language, as most of the time it will follow the book. That being said, I was pleasantly pleased. Don’t get me wrong, there were several words that were offensive, but I expected worse. For me, GD is the worst, it was used two times. God’s name in vain was used roughly 5 times. A**hole was used 3 and shi* at least 5. The f-word was used once. Their was a “raw” moment that used the term “Jerk off,” and it was meant in the literal sense… not something you hear often!
There was a reference made to someone hurting their vagina, but not in the sexual sense, more in the pulled muscle by it while dancing. They did show a clip of someone wanting to smoke a joint.
I am the sort that takes even the small things into appreciation. This movie used “gosh” a good bit. I think that is note worthy, as it is so common for someone to use OMG.
All the words aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie! I enjoyed the way the story was told and how it played out. Kate Hudson, in my opinion, seems to be “overacting”. This is not a typical role for her.
I feel as this movie isn’t something I would let my child watch, but I think, given the times, the language was fairly mild. (Basing that on the fact I have seen several PG-13 movies that I shut off or walked out of, due to the language).
I think that most girls can relate to knowing someone like Kate’s character… If your interested in a love story with a twist and the above mentioned words would not keep you from watching, I do not think you would be disappointed.
My Ratings: Moral rating: Average / Moviemaking quality: 3½