DVD Reviews, New Movie Releases, Rating

Get guidance on Bible study from C.S. Lewis - Free Course!

Inappropriate “Super Ex-Girlfriend” Stoops to New Level

  • Annabelle Robertson Entertainment Critic
  • Published Dec 20, 2006
Inappropriate “Super Ex-Girlfriend” Stoops to New Level

DVD Release Date:  December 19, 2006
Theatrical Release Date:  July 21, 2006
Rating:  PG-13 (for sexual content, crude humor, language and brief nudity)
Genre:  Comedy
Run Time:  95 min.
Director:  Ivan Reitman
Actors:  Uma Thurman, Luke Wilson, Rainn Wilson, Anna Faris, Eddie Izzard

For years, I’ve been telling parents that PG-13 movies are, for the most part, extremely inappropriate for teens – even older ones. 

I’m surprised at how many shrug off the warning, however, usually with a comment about how television is “much worse.”  Of course, I’m not an advocate of kids watching everything on TV, either.  Regardless of your views, however, “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” takes things to a new level – and it’s not the heavens where superheroes fly.

Matt Saunders (Luke Wilson) is just an average guy, looking for a girlfriend.  When he meets the librarian-like Jenny Johnson (Uma Thurman), his sex-obsessed friend (Rainn Wilson) insists he ask for a date, because the woman looks “ready to rumble.”  Jenny turns Matt down, but after he catches the thief who stole her purse, she demurs, saying “No one has ever helped me before.”

Unfortunately, while Jenny is very interested in Matt, she’s also G-Girl, the superhero who flies around New York, saving the world from disasters.  With her laser vision, bionic hearing, flying ability and super strength, she has the superpowers of all the superheroes, rolled into one.  But these come with a great price, because poor Jenny can’t ever enjoy a night out without being interrupted by a wayward meteor.

This has made Jenny rather neurotic, and her resulting lack of a social life means that she’s not very good with people, either.  So, even though she and Matt spend their second date in bed, Matt has his doubts.  But, as his charming friend says, a girl who will break your bed is worth hanging onto – at least for a few more dates.

Matt certainly tries, but eventually, Jenny’s temper and unchecked jealousy – not to mention Matt’s interest in a certain coworker (Anna Faris) – get the better of him.  He breaks up with Jenny.  That’s when she transforms into Glenn Close from “Fatal Attraction,” complete with all of G-Girl’s superpowers.  She sends Matt’s car into outer space, destroys his apartment and stalks him at work, causing him to lose his job.  So, when G-Girl’s arch-villain (Eddie Izzard) makes him a deal to rob G-Girl of her powers, Matt is all ears.

It’s a shame that the same man who directed “Meatballs,” “Ghostbusters” and “Kindergarten Cop” (Ivan Reitman) has stooped to this.  Of course, Reitman’s films are often full of sexual innuendo, but he usually manages to keep his audiences distinct.  “Meatballs” for kids; “Ghostbusters” for adults – fair enough.  With “My Super Ex-Girlfriend,” however, Reitman takes the superhero genre – which is always aimed at teenage boys – and produces a truly trashy movie that no teenager should ever see.  Frankly, I’m appalled I did.

Sex-talk and sex abounds.  It’s a rare scene, in fact, where someone isn’t either in bed or talking about it – usually in a very lewd way.  We’re subjected to several scenes which mock the act as well as brief nudity and continuous comments about (and shots of) women’s bodies.  Even the name of our superhero is an allusion to the alleged “G-spot.”  The message from screenwriter Don Payne (“The Simpsons”), loud and clear, is that women exist to pleasure men, but that they’re also fire-breathing maniacs – so look out.

Particularly revolting is Rainn Wilson’s character, who can’t stop talking about sex, and who advises Matt on all aspects of dating.  “Don't tell me," he says, in one of his least profane comments. "You have invaded the female nation and spread your democracy!" Later, he adds, "She's like a cheerleader from Spank-Me nation."  At one point, Matt says, “I can’t believe I’m listening to you.”  However, he does listen.  So, while Rain may be the film’s jester, his “wisdom” all proves true.

The jokes in this parody simply do not work. They come across like a poorly-written, oversexed sitcom.  Worse still, while aimed at adults, content-wise, the movie nevertheless focuses on superheroes – which means that it will attract teens.  My neighbors took their 12-year-old to the theatrical release – only to walk out, dragging him by the arm.  So, in addition to a film that insults our intelligence, it also insults our ethics.

I’m not too impressed with the Wilson brothers, who have a flair for comedy, but who continually choose to invest their talent in misogynistic films that ridicule and demean women.  Though credible, Thurman is actually a little scary in her role.  Izzard’s English accent bleeds through, and despite Rainn Wilson’s obsession with women, his character actually seems gay.  The one bright spot is Faris, who offers a sweet performance – until the end, when her mouth gets the better of her. 

The best actor, though, was the animatronic shark.  Bizarre scene – cartoonish, in fact.  But, then again, this is a kid’s film, right?

AUDIENCE:  Adults

DVD EXTRAS:

  • Deleted scenes
  • Extended Shark Sequence Scene
  • "No Sleep 2 Nite” Music Video by Molly McQueen

CAUTIONS:

  • Drugs/Alcohol:  Drinking in several scenes – including repeated bar scenes and a bartender pouring drinks and shots.
  • Language/Profanity:  Strong.  At least a dozen obscenities/profanities.
  • Sexual Content/Nudity:  Excessive sexual references, many of which are lewd and/or demeaning toward women.  Multiple instances of casual sex.
  • Violence:  Strong – but all in “superhero” style, so no one is ever injured.