Parents' Guide to

Last Chance Harvey

By S. Jhoanna Robledo, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 14+

Midlife love story is sweet, but may not appeal to teens.

Movie PG-13 2009 99 minutes
Last Chance Harvey Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

  • 2:03
  • Last Chance Harvey: Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson

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age 13+

Based on 4 parent reviews

jmo97
jmo97 Adult
January 4, 2017
age 13+

Good but not great

The movie's cast is all great: I thought Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson had good chemistry, and the supporting characters do fine themselves. The dialogue was alright in making the connections and relations between the characters, but the simplicity and safeness of the story prevent me from loving "Last Chance Harvey". There are very few uses of foul language (s-words, mostly), and there is social drinking that is never overdone. I would recommend this movie, but I don't think many teens would enjoy it because there are cringe-worthy scenes, and I don't think the story was great. 7.0/10
wonder dove
wonder dove Adult
August 12, 2009
age 13+

One of those beautifully, rare films you gotta see!

I love love LOVE this movie! First time I saw it I fell in love. And not just for Hoffman, even though he is fantastic as usual. Emma Thompson was adorable! I liked how this movie felt SO realistic, the characters just pull you through the screen and you capture their every emotion. It was very sad yet had it's humorous side which was perfect. I think a lot of tweens and teens will not enjoy this particular film, because it lacks the usual violence and mature themed content that most people enjoy. Although, if you're one of those people who just love a nice, sweet romantic drama than I highly recommend this one. This movie gets 5 shining stars out of five, from me!!
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What's the Story?

Harvey (Dustin Hoffman), a composer who makes his living writing commercial jingles, has hit a series of wrong notes. His estranged daughter is about to get married in London, and he's determined to prove himself worthy of her trust by being there for the weekend. His boss threatens to fire him if he's not back on Monday, so Harvey promises to return in time. But there are challenges ahead: Once he gets to London, he finds out that his daughter has asked her stepfather to walk her down the aisle instead. And Kate (Emma Thompson), a government statistician whom Harvey meets at Heathrow and winds up spending the weekend with has given him pause ... as well as the courage to change his fate. But Kate isn't sure she can trust in a virtual stranger when life, up to this moment, life has disappointed her so.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (4 ):
Kids say (1 ):

LAST CHANCE HARVEY plays on a low register but achieves maximum impact with a simple story that feels achingly authentic. As two souls who've lost their way in middle age, Hoffman and Thompson play their characters subtly but with tremendous empathy. And their chemistry is lovely; they're like two puzzle pieces meant to fit together very well.

Kate and Harvey's relationship -- which mostly unfolds in a series of languid walk-and-talks that make the most of the London setting -- is a grown-up pairing that relies less on sizzling sex appeal and more on an unexplainable, but very real, feeling of connection. It's a sweet movie -- a mite predictable, yes, and not exactly groundbreaking, but a joy to watch, even if only to witness two acting masters at work.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about what makes this movie different from many Hollywood romances. Does the central relationship seem more or less realistic than in other romances you've seen? Why? How do most movies define "love"? How does that compare to real life? Also, what does the movie say about the power of forgiveness -- not only of others, but of yourself?

Movie Details

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