Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, Bad Moms has a kernel of a good idea: modern mothers are drowning in impossible expectations, and it's okay to be imperfect. That message resonates, which is why it found an audience.

But the execution? It's a pretty standard R-rated comedy that swaps bro humor for mom humor without adding much depth. The solution to parenting stress is apparently getting wasted at the grocery store, partying like you're 22, and making a series of questionable decisions. It's cathartic for about 20 minutes, then repetitive.

The ratings tell the story: mixed critical reception (59% on RT), audiences were lukewarm (6.2 on IMDb, 2.9 on Letterboxd), and it's firmly in 'meh' territory on Metacritic (60). It's not terrible, but it's not particularly good either—just aggressively mediocre with enough crude jokes to keep you awake.

For exhausted parents looking for mindless entertainment and validation? Sure, it delivers that. But don't expect anything profound or memorable. And obviously, keep this far away from kids—it's adults-only for very good reasons.

Age Fit

This is strictly for adults 18+. Despite being about moms, it's an R-rated raunchy comedy with explicit content throughout. Not appropriate for teens despite what some might think—the sexual content, nudity, and glorification of excessive drinking make it adults-only territory.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

35

While the film celebrates friendship and self-care for overwhelmed mothers, it does so through excessive drinking, partying, and rebellion against responsibilities. The tone is raunchy rather than emotionally healthy, and while the message about not being perfect is valid, the execution involves behavior that's more chaotic than balanced. Models some cooperation among the moms but undercuts it with crude humor and poor decision-making.

Imaginative

25

This is a fairly formulaic R-rated comedy with predictable beats: stressed moms rebel, party hard, face consequences, find balance. There's minimal creative storytelling or original perspective. The comedy relies heavily on shock value and crude situations rather than clever writing or fresh insights. Doesn't invite any creative expression or exploration—it's purely consumable entertainment.

Safe

15

R-rated content throughout including explicit sexual references, nudity, heavy drinking glorified as liberation, drug use, and pervasive strong language. Common Sense Media rates it 17+. This is definitively NOT safe for children or teens—it contains exactly the kind of content that would be shocking and inappropriate for anyone under 17. The partying and drinking are presented as fun solutions to stress, which is problematic messaging.

Enriching

40

There is a legitimate core message about the impossible standards placed on mothers and the importance of self-care and imperfection. For adult viewers, particularly mothers, it can provide cathartic relief and validation. However, the execution is shallow—it doesn't deeply explore work-life balance, systemic issues, or meaningful solutions. The 'enrichment' is limited to 'it's okay to not be perfect' wrapped in 100 minutes of crude jokes. Modest entertainment value for the target demographic but limited lasting insight.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Validates the very real struggle of modern motherhood and impossible perfectionist standards
Genuinely funny moments for adults who relate to parenting exhaustion
Strong female friendship at its core—watching women support each other through chaos
Cathartic for parents who need permission to be imperfect (even if the execution is over-the-top)

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What to Watch For

This is hardcore R-rated: explicit sexual content, full nudity, pervasive strong language, and heavy drinking throughout
Glorifies excessive alcohol consumption as the solution to stress—not exactly healthy coping mechanisms
Crude humor dominates; if raunchy comedy isn't your thing, skip it
Despite the title, this is NOT a family movie—keep kids far away

Conversation Starters

"What pressures do you think parents face today that maybe weren't as intense a generation ago?"
"The movie shows drinking as stress relief—what are actually healthy ways to decompress?"
"Do you think social media has made parenting comparison worse?"
"How do you balance wanting to be a 'good parent' with taking care of yourself?"

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