I Feel Pretty Movie Review | Safe for Kids?

Released in 2018, I Feel Pretty stars Amy Schumer in a comedic take on self-esteem, body image, and female empowerment. While it blends humor with deeper themes of self-acceptance, parents may wonder: Is it safe for kids? With a PG-13 rating, the film offers a mix of light-hearted moments and mature topics, prompting questions about its suitability for younger viewers. Let’s dive into a comprehensive review of the movie, its content, and whether it’s a good fit for your children.

Is I Feel Pretty Safe for Kids? A Parent’s Guide

Before deciding whether I Feel Pretty is a family movie, it’s important to understand its core themes and how they are presented. The film explores the transformation of Renee Bennett, a woman who struggles with body image issues until she has an accident that causes her to see herself as the most beautiful woman in the world. This dramatic shift helps her gain confidence, but it’s not without challenges.

For parents, the key concern lies in how the film portrays beauty standards, confidence, and the way it handles adult themes. The movie’s PG-13 rating indicates that it might not be suitable for younger children, but there’s more to it than just a number. The film’s humor often revolves around body image, physical comedy, and self-deprecation—topics that may require careful consideration before introducing them to kids.

What Parents Should Know:

• Themes of Body Image: I Feel Pretty deals with body image and self-esteem in a way that can be both empowering and complex, which may be confusing for younger viewers.
• Mild Language & Sexual Content: Expect some mild language and adult content, including references to sexual situations, which might be inappropriate for younger kids.
• Humor Style: The humor is often self-deprecating and physical, with Amy Schumer’s character engaging in moments of awkwardness and exaggerated comedy.

Ultimately, whether I Feel Pretty is appropriate for your child depends on their age, maturity level, and ability to handle the themes explored in the film.

The Visuals

The visual elements of I Feel Pretty are carefully designed to reinforce the movie’s themes of beauty and transformation. At the start of the movie, Renee is portrayed as insecure, with the cinematography highlighting her awkwardness in a world that values outward appearances. When she experiences her accident, the visuals shift dramatically. The costume design and makeup reveal a more confident and “beautiful” version of Renee, even though her physical appearance hasn’t changed.

This transformation is a crucial part of the narrative, as it signifies the change in her self-perception. The movie’s visuals reflect these inner changes through exaggerated fashion choices, bright colors, and more flattering lighting. This emphasis on outward appearance may make some viewers, especially younger ones, question the importance of beauty and attractiveness, even though the film ultimately carries a positive message about self-acceptance.

Key Visual Elements:

• Fashion & Makeup: These play a significant role in depicting the characters’ transformation and how they perceive themselves.
• Bright and Bold Colors: As Renee gains confidence, the visual style of the movie becomes more vibrant and energetic.
• Physical Comedy: Much of the humor in the movie is visual, from awkward body movements to exaggerated facial expressions.

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The Story: Plot and Themes

I Feel Pretty centers on Renee Bennett, a woman who feels insecure about her appearance and struggles with low self-esteem. After an accident at a spin class, she believes that she has transformed into an extraordinarily beautiful woman. This newfound self-confidence allows her to pursue her dreams, but it also leads to challenges when her outward appearance doesn’t actually change. The movie follows Renee’s journey as she learns about the power of self-acceptance and the importance of inner beauty.

While the movie does a good job of addressing beauty standards, it doesn’t shy away from exploring the societal pressures placed on women. Through humor, the film tackles issues like body shaming and how beauty is often equated with success and happiness. The ultimate message is one of empowerment and self-love, which is important, but the execution can be heavy-handed at times.

Core Themes:

• Body Image: The movie explores how women perceive their bodies and how society’s definition of beauty affects self-esteem.
• Self-Confidence: Renee’s journey illustrates how confidence comes from within, not just from external validation.
• Beauty Stereotypes: The film critiques the stereotypical standards of beauty and encourages viewers to embrace who they are, no matter their appearance.

The PG-13 Rating: What Does It Mean for Kids?

The PG-13 rating for I Feel Pretty indicates it’s unsuitable for children under 13 due to mild language, sexual content, and mature themes. The movie addresses body shaming, self-doubt, and romantic relationships, which may be too complex for younger audiences.

Breakdown of PG-13 Content:

• Mild Language: Expect occasional mild swearing such as “damn” and “hell.”
• Sexual Content: There are references to romantic relationships, and one scene shows a partially clothed man and woman in a comedic situation.
• Body Image & Body Shaming: These topics are central to the film’s message, and while the tone is light, some of the discussions around physical appearance may be sensitive for younger audiences.

I Feel Pretty: Age Recommendation for Kids

The PG-13 rating reflects content better suited for older teens and adults than young children. Themes like body image and self-esteem resonate with teenage girls and young adults, while younger kids might miss the film’s deeper messages.

Recommended Age Group:

• Teens (13-17): The movie offers valuable lessons about self-acceptance and the importance of confidence, making it a great choice for teenage girls.
• Adults: Adults will likely appreciate the humor and themes of empowerment, particularly how it critiques societal standards of beauty.

For children under 13, parents should carefully consider whether the movie’s content aligns with their child’s maturity level. The film’s light-hearted comedy and positive messages could be valuable, but the adult themes may be confusing or inappropriate for younger audiences.

The Cast and Performances

Amy Schumer’s portrayal of Renee Bennett is the heart of the film. Known for her sharp humor and physical comedy, Schumer brings a unique charm to the role of a woman struggling with body image. Her performance is both funny and relatable, as she navigates her newfound confidence while still battling her insecurities.

Michelle Williams also delivers a memorable performance as the wealthy and seemingly perfect character, Mallory. Williams’ portrayal of a woman who is simultaneously supportive and somewhat clueless about the struggles of women like Renee adds a layer of complexity to the film.

Standout Performances:

• Amy Schumer: Her comedic timing and physical humor shine through, making Renee’s journey both funny and inspiring.
• Supporting Cast: Busy Phillips, Aidy Bryant, and other members of the ensemble cast contribute to the movie’s charm and humor.

The Overall Message: Empowerment or Stereotyping?

The core message of I Feel Pretty is one of empowerment. It encourages viewers to embrace their flaws and understand that beauty is more than just skin deep. The film also critiques the pressures women face to conform to certain beauty standards and the way society values appearance over inner qualities.

However, the movie also runs the risk of perpetuating stereotypes about beauty and self-worth. By focusing so heavily on Renee’s external appearance and the comedic element of her believing she is more attractive than she truly is, the film might not fully avoid trivializing the importance of inner beauty.

Empowerment or Stereotyping?

• Empowerment: The film delivers a positive message of self-acceptance, reminding viewers that confidence and self-worth should not be tied to how others perceive your appearance.
• Stereotyping: At times, the movie’s emphasis on physical beauty and the notion that transformation comes from changing your looks could reinforce problematic beauty standards.

Is I Feel Pretty Worth Watching?

Ultimately, I Feel Pretty is a fun, empowering film with plenty of laughs and a few important lessons on self-acceptance. While it’s not without its flaws, particularly in how it handles body image and beauty stereotypes, it delivers an important message about confidence and the importance of embracing who you are.

Pros:

• Positive Themes of Self-Confidence: The movie encourages viewers to embrace their true selves, flaws and all.
• Amy Schumer’s Humor: Schumer’s comedic performance brings lightness to heavy themes.
• Strong Female Leads: The ensemble cast, led by Schumer, showcases a range of characters who challenge beauty norms.

Cons:

• Inconsistent Message on Beauty: The film can be seen as reinforcing beauty standards while attempting to critique them.
• Adult Themes: The PG-13 rating may make it less suitable for younger children, particularly those under 13.

Conclusion

In the end, I Feel Pretty provides a blend of comedy and thought-provoking themes about self-esteem and body image. The movie’s appropriateness depends on a child’s age and maturity. It delivers meaningful lessons for older teens and adults, especially on body image. For younger viewers, parents should consider the PG-13 rating and assess if its humor and themes suit their child’s stage of development.