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Our take
A widowed father and his son talk openly about missing their wife and mother, which is the part younger children may feel most. The romance itself is gentle, with mild language and little more than flirting and kissing. A boy travelling alone may also worry them. We would watch together from about 8.
Uplifting themes
The film is about hope, second chances, and making room for love after loss. Honesty and kindness win out over pretending Sam is a loving father who listens to his son, and Jonah is loyal and caring toward his dad. Annie is thoughtful, though she is engaged and drawn to someone else A glimpse of 1990s radio call-in culture and city sights in Seattle and New York. Mostly a feel-good story with little to teach
Story (may spoil tone)
After the death of his mother, a young boy calls a radio station in an attempt to set his father up on a date. Across the country, an engaged woman becomes convinced that they belong together, despite their never having met. Will their paths collide despite the odds?
Details
Language Language is very mild, with only the odd word like hell or damn at most…
Language is very mild, with only the odd word like hell or damn at most. Nothing stronger comes up, and the swearing is easy for most families to brush past
Sex / nudity Kissing, flirting, and a few jokes about dating and sex pass through th…
Kissing, flirting, and a few jokes about dating and sex pass through the story, mostly as talk. A friend mentions testing and condoms, and a boy asks his father blunt questions about love
Drugs / alcohol Adults have wine, beer, and spritzers at dinners, bars, and parties, an…
Adults have wine, beer, and spritzers at dinners, bars, and parties, and someone jokes about sharing a beer. Drinking is casual and stays in the background of the story
Frightening A boy has lost his mother and fears his father will never be happy agai…
A boy has lost his mother and fears his father will never be happy again, which makes some early scenes sad and tense for young children. A kid alone in a big city also has a few worrying moments
Child peril / abuse A young boy goes to New York alone and spends time on his own in a big…
A young boy goes to New York alone and spends time on his own in a big city. He ends up fine, though it may worry younger viewers
Dangerous behaviour A boy sneaks off on a trip and calls a radio show without his father's…
A boy sneaks off on a trip and calls a radio show without his father's knowledge. It plays as sweet, but kids should not copy him
Mental health A widowed father copes with sadness and trouble sleeping after his wife…
A widowed father copes with sadness and trouble sleeping after his wife's death. It is handled gently, with support from family and friends
Grief / bereavement The loss of a boy's mother shapes the whole story, with talk of her dea…
The loss of a boy's mother shapes the whole story, with talk of her death, missing her, and moving on. Her death happens before the story begins, and grief is handled warmly and honestly
Flashing lights We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
We have not confirmed whether this version contains flashing lights.
Family watch notes
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Talk after watching
- Jonah and his dad both miss his mom in different ways. How do you think families can talk about missing someone?
- Jonah takes a big risk to help his dad find love. When is it okay for kids to step in, and when should they ask an adult?
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