Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

Life As We Know It wants to be a heartwarming story about two people learning to be parents, but it can't decide if it's a family film or an adult rom-com. The result is a middling movie that's too mature for kids and too formulaic for discerning adults.

The pot brownie scene is the dealbreaker for family viewing—it's not a quick reference, it's a whole sequence where they bake and eat edibles, then stumble around high while supposedly caring for a toddler. Played for laughs, sure, but wildly irresponsible and not something you want your 13-year-old thinking is cute or funny.

Strip away the controversy and you're left with a paint-by-numbers rom-com. Critics panned it (29% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences were lukewarm (61%), and it's aged into forgettable territory. Heigl and Duhamel have charm, but the script is lazy and the emotional beats feel manufactured.

If you've got a high schooler who wants to watch it, fine—use it as a teaching moment about substance use and responsibility. But there are dozens of better rom-coms and family dramas that don't require a disclaimer. This one's skippable.

Age Fit

Best for older teens (14+) and adults. The PG-13 rating is earned—drug use, sexual content, and language make this inappropriate for middle schoolers and younger. Parents of high schoolers can use it as a springboard for conversations about responsibility and substance use, but it's really designed as date-night fare for grown-ups.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

52

The film models genuine growth in responsibility and co-parenting partnership, but undercuts its wholesome premise with pot brownies shown in detail, sexual innuendo, and a tone that leans adult rom-com rather than family-friendly. The leads learn to cooperate and care for Sophie, which is positive, but the path there includes substance use played for laughs and relationship drama that feels more cynical than heartwarming.

Imaginative

38

Standard rom-com formula with predictable beats: enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity, cute kid as catalyst. The premise of sudden guardianship has potential, but the execution is by-the-numbers. No visual flair, no creative storytelling risks, no moments that spark curiosity or wonder. It's paint-by-numbers Hollywood romance with a baby.

Safe

45

PG-13 rating is accurate but pushes boundaries for younger teens. The car crash death of the parents is the inciting incident (emotionally heavy), and the film includes a detailed pot brownie preparation and consumption scene, sexual references, coarse language, and alcohol use throughout. Not graphic or traumatic, but definitely adult-oriented content that would be inappropriate for kids under 13-14 to stumble into. Common Sense Media's age 14+ recommendation is spot-on.

Enriching

48

The film tackles real themes—unexpected loss, responsibility, sacrifice, learning to put a child's needs first—but doesn't dig deep enough to be truly enriching. It's more interested in will-they-won't-they romance than in meaningful exploration of grief or guardianship. Could spark conversations about family structure and coping with change, but the substance use and shallow character development limit its educational value. Entertaining enough for what it is, but forgettable.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Strong chemistry between Heigl and Duhamel makes the central relationship believable and entertaining
Tackles real-world themes of unexpected responsibility, grief, and learning to sacrifice for a child
Sophie the toddler is genuinely adorable and the parenting mishaps are relatable
Could open discussions about non-traditional family structures and what it means to step up when life gets hard

⚠

What to Watch For

Detailed pot brownie scene where the leads get high—played for laughs but inappropriate for younger teens
Sexual innuendo, references to promiscuity, and kissing throughout
Car crash death of parents (off-screen but emotionally heavy) sets the story in motion
Frequent alcohol use (wine, beer) and coarse language sprinkled in
It's a PG-13 rom-com aimed at adults, not a family movie despite the baby on the poster

Conversation Starters

"What would you do if you suddenly had to take care of a baby? How do you think Holly and Messer handled it?"
"The movie shows them using drugs to cope with stress. Why do you think that's a bad choice, even when life gets overwhelming?"
"How did Holly and Messer change from the beginning to the end? What helped them grow up?"
"What makes someone ready to be a parent or guardian? Is it just about wanting to, or is there more to it?"

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