MOVIE TITLE: Merv

RATING: PG-13

LENGTH: 1 hour 45 minutes

SPONSOR of Today’s movie review:
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Movie Review Mom GRADE:
C

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IN A NUTSHELL:

Merv is a quirky romantic comedy with heart, humor, and just enough emotional depth to elevate it above the usual rom-com formula. With her signature offbeat charm, Zooey Deschanel plays a woman navigating love, disappointment, and her dog’s depression. It’s sweet, awkward, funny, and ridiculous.

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TIPS FOR PARENTS:

• While lighthearted, Merv includes some adult humor and mild language.
• Kids will be mostly bored. Older teens might enjoy good conversations about relationships, communication, pet ownership, and managing expectations in love.
• We see a shirtless man in his bathing suit.
• We learn that an unmarried couple lived together.
• Alcohol
• Kissing and flirting

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THEMES:

• Letting go of control
• Vulnerability and honesty
• Personal growth
• Choosing connection over comfort
• Pet adoption
• Relationships

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THINGS I LIKED:

• Zooey Deschanel is reliably quirky, charming, and relatable.
• I had never seen Charlie Cox in anything before. Who can resist his cute British accent?
• It’s always fun to see Patricia Heaton in anything.
• The dog is adorable, of course.
• The humor comes from character rather than shock value.
• I got a kick out of the quirky Christmas song that played during the opening credits.
• The movie takes place in Boston. I love Boston! Part of the story also occurs in Florida. What can I say…I love Florida too!
• Zoey Deschanel’s character talks about Florida and explains it’s something everyone says: “You go on vacation; you return on probation.” Have you ever heard that expression before? I hadn’t!
• Speaking of Florida, there are quite a few beaches and hotel areas that DO allow dogs, although I don’t know that they go to the extent of the dog resort we see featured in the film. Comment below if you know of one!
• At about an hour into the movie, we finally learn why the couple broke up, which adds some much-needed depth to the story.

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THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

• Some predictable rom-com beats, manipulative physical humor, and the requisite dance scene at the end.
• A few side characters felt underdeveloped.
• The pacing slows slightly in the middle.
• Many viewers have complained that there is absolutely no chemistry between the romantic leads. I agree.
• While the movie isn’t exactly a traditional Christmas movie, it takes place during the Christmas season.
• You can tell that dog trainers are off-set because the dogs’ eyes are constantly looking at someone for instruction, and not at the leading lady and man.
• The ending is predictable, yet it feels somewhat earned.

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FUNNY LINES:

• “I don’t hate surprises—I just hate this surprise.”
• “This is not how this was supposed to go… at all.”

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INTERESTING LINES:

• “Sometimes the life you plan isn’t the one that saves you.”
• “Love doesn’t knock. It trips and falls into your living room.”
• “All they need is a little love, right?” – adoption worker “Yeah, who doesn’t?” – Charlie Cox

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Rom-com MOVIES with dogs LIKE THIS YOU ALSO MIGHT LIKE:

• You’ve Got Mail – https://amzn.to/4s0V4ME
• As Good as It Gets – https://amzn.to/4alcayt
• Must Love Dogs – https://amzn.to/48O0LVd

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