Jeff, Who Lives at Home

Jeff (Jason Segel) is just your average guy, who happens to still live with his mother, Susan. When Susan advises Jeff’s brother, Patrick (Ed Helms), that the two of them should spend more time together, the brothers are about to realize that they are going to bond on a whole different level

I rented “Jeff, Who Lives at Home,” because I wanted a comedy. I like to laugh. I sat with my clipboard and my Blu-Ray player, popped in the movie, and, yes I did laugh at some parts of the film. However, the majority of this movie was not that funny. It’s a shame, really. Jason Segel and Ed Helms are some of the funniest actors in Hollywood, and, yes, their performances were good, but somehow I was expecting more. This film was marketed as a comedy, and so I was expecting, well, a comedy. What I got, however, was a story about two brothers who learned to see past their differences and understand the true meaning of brotherhood. Yeah, it makes for a nice story, but it isn’t what I was looking for.

There is just way too much offensive content in this film, some of it very vulgar and inappropriate to recommend to anyone, let alone Christians. However, if you still really want to see this film, here are some things to be aware of…

Profanity: Extreme (this is where most of the offensive content comes into play). After reviewing my clipboard, I noticed that there were thirty-five instances of the f-word, one instance of mother-f***er, three of the word d**n, ten instances of sh*t, two a**, a**-h*le (7), h*ll (1), our Lord’s name is taken in vain once, God’s name is also taken in vain once. Other vulgarity includes the words d**k (2), p*ssy (3), pissed (1), banging (1), someone mentioning a “hand job,” and “getting in your pants”. Some of the vulgar talk is so inappropriate that I cannot for any reason list the rest of it.

Sex/Nudity: Heavy. Jeff mentions, in a conversation with his mother, Susan, that she didn’t “like hearing what he was doing in the basement last time.” Patrick’s wife is seen cheating on Patrick. Patrick’s wife is also heard having a conversation about her sex life between her and Patrick. Someone mentions that it’s time to “get your pipes cleaned.” One of Susan’s coworkers admits to Susan that she is bi-sexual. There is a very inappropriate, passionate kiss between Susan and this coworker.

Other: Jeff smokes some marijuana at the beginning of the film. One kid, Kevin, mentions to Jeff that they should go “smoke some weed.” Patrick, in one scene, is seen drinking at a bar. Jeff mentions to Patrick that “Yoda (from ‘Star Wars’) would be so cool smoking acid.” Throughout the entire film, you can see the negative effects of the marijuana on Jeff, so parents please take caution. Lastly, Jeff is seen vomiting on someone.

Violence: Moderate. There is a scene of wreck-less driving and a car crash. Jeff and his brother Patrick are both seen “beating each other up” in one scene.

Spiritual issues

Throughout the entire film, Jeff questions his destiny and what his purpose is in this world. He keeps looking for signs that will point him towards his destiny. As Christians, we know that it is pointless, trying to search for our destinies. God is in control, and your purpose can only be found in Him.

Do I recommend the film? No! Absolutely not. I strongly urge you to avoid it. Yes, there are some funny moments, apart from the vulgar language and profanity, and, yes, Jason Segel and Ed Helms give some good performances. However, there is so much offensive content in this film that I cannot recommend it, to children, to teens, or even to adults. There are much better things to do with your time, like reading a book, or going to see “Ice Age: Continental Drift.” Please do not see this movie

Violence: Moderate / Vulgarity/Profanity: Extreme / Sex/Nudity: Heavy

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.