Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby , based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 15+
Duff hunts for a mate in a bit sexed up, but sweet TV movie.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
some
Drinking -- beer, champagne, and mixed beverages -- is central to any social gathering, but no one suffers ill effects from it.
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Sex, Romance & Nudity
some
Lots of passionate kissing, and an implied sexual encounter (the guy leaves the woman's apartment the next morning), but nothing is shown. Characters make frequent references to sex, including talking about where they've had sex, whom they'd like to have sex with, and the desire to "get laid." Men and women comment on each other's appeal, calling individuals "sexy," and "hot," and checking out butts.
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Language
a little
Marginal language like "ass," "butt," "freakin'," "bastard," and "hell" are used intermittently. "Oh my God" is a common phrase.
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Positive Messages
very little
While Lane nearly loses everything she's worked for -- both personally and professionally -- when her many lies catch up with her, she learns her lesson about toying with others' trust and emotions and finds that it's impossible to go wrong when you follow your heart. Some iffy messages about a woman's need for a man are part of the story.
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Positive Role Models
very little
Lane is smart, professional, and driven to succeed, often at the expense of those around her. She sets aside others' feelings in her efforts to date as many guys as possible in a short time. Her actions prove she's willing to do anything to follow her dream, though she does learn -- in the end -- that being realistic and flexible about those dreams is the key to true happiness.
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this TV movie is littered with sexual references in all forms, from passionate kissing to chats about previous sexual encounters, and in one case, the implication of a short-term partner's overnight stay (though nothing beyond making out is shown). The main character's mission to date as many guys as possible has iffy messages for teens about responsible relationships. Sporadic language ("hell" and "ass," mostly) is another concern, but none of this is probably new to the teen viewers the movie is geared toward. The main character lies and deceives her coworkers for the sake of her article, but the eventual exposure of her actions forces her to take responsibility for what she's done. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Beauty and the Briefcase
Parent and Kid Reviews
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- Parents say (3)
- Kids say (10)
age 11+
Based on 3 parent reviews
ell57 Adult
May 14, 2020
age 13+
cute movie
I really liked this movie, Hillary Duff has many funny scenes. Kinda cheesy but in a good way.
Yvetted Adult
March 6, 2015
age 10+
Basically, the bad outweighs the good
I was disappointed with the portrayal of women as shallow, incompetent and deceptive. The film features an impressive cast, yet suffers from slipshod writing and almost-bad acting--especially from lead Hilary Duff, who delivers a performance more suited to her early work on the Disney Channel (juvenile, shrill and insipid, yet somehow still endearing). Characters are very two-dimensional, themes and plot are predictable and childish, which honestly can be confusing given the film's mildly sexual undertones and cautious attempts at profanity.
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See all 3 parent reviews
What's the Story?
Aspiring fashion journalist Lane Daniels (Hilary Duff) is so discouraged with the dating scene that she's toyed with the idea of switching careers to expand the pool of potential mates. When she pitches the idea as a story to an editor at Cosmopolitan magazine, she's hopeful this could be not only the big break her career needs, but also the fast track to true love. Lane lands a job at an investment firm and starts her quest to find the perfect guy, but her interest in the project wanes when an exotic stranger named Liam (Chris Carmack) sweeps her off her feet... and away from the office. Continuing to see him threatens her prospects at Cosmo, and keeping up the charade for her new boss, Tom (Michael McMillian), proves increasingly challenging as time passes, leaving Lane at a crossroads between her personal and professional lives.
Is It Any Good?
Our review:
Parents say (3):
Kids say (10):
Mature teens shouldn't have a problem putting the movie's frequent sexual references, language, and adult drinking into context, but this same content makes it inappropriate for tweens. Similarly, teens can reconcile Lane's self-motivated behavior (embellishing her qualifications to get a job, and dating coworkers without regard to their feelings, for example) and recognize the personal journey she makes toward happiness.
Based on the book Diary of a Working Girl by Daniella Brodsky, BEAUTY AND THE BRIEFCASE stars a very grown-up Duff, who really delights in her role as an ambitious writer and hopeless romantic who often finds these two sides of herself at odds with each other. Lane's evolution from a career-driven diva to someone who's willing to compromise for love is a good reminder that happiness falls in the balance between two people's ideas of perfection.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can discuss the movie's messages about dating and relationships. Can you relate to Lane's desire to speed-date lots of guys to find Mr. Right? Do you think this method would be successful for you? Do you think this movie portrays healthy romantic relationships? Why or why not?
Teens: What qualities do you look for in a boyfriend or girlfriend? How do you go about meeting people you'd like to date? Is finding a partner a priority for you right now? How do your career aspirations compare to your hope for love?
Lane changes jobs to meet more men, which implies that certain careers are male-dominated. Do you agree? If so, which ones? What challenges do women face in breaking into these careers? Is gender equality in the workplace still a concern today? What can be done to level the playing field?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: February 8, 2011
- Cast: Hilary Duff, Matt Dallas, Michael McMillian
- Director: Gil Junger
- Inclusion Information: Female actors
- Studio: Image Entertainment
- Genre: Romance
- Run time: 86 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: September 28, 2024
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Beauty and the Briefcase
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