Whatever Works (2009)

Whatever Works parents guide

Nothing past what a PG-13 promises: some innuendo or implied sex and some strong language.

Our estimate: fine from about 13. Rated PG-13.

Scare

Not scary

Jump scares

None noted

Gore

No gore

Violence

No real violence

Sex and nudity

Mild

Mild means innuendo, or sex implied off screen, with no nudity.

Language

Moderate

Some strong profanity, a few f-words.

How we rate: an AI reads what is known about each title and tags it 0 to 3; we check the tags against a hand-rated set and correct them by hand when readers tell us. Estimates, not a scene-by-scene review. Spot a mistake? Tell us.

What is Whatever Works about?

Whatever Works explores the relationship between a crotchety misanthrope, Boris and a naïve, impressionable young runaway from the south, Melody. When Melody's uptight parents arrive in New York to rescue her, they are quickly drawn into wildly unexpected romantic entanglements. Everyone discovers that finding love is just a combination of lucky chance and appreciating the value of "whatever works."

Cast and crew

More like Whatever Works

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• To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)Wholesome humor · whimsical · date night · measuredA high schooler's secret love letters accidentally mail, sparking unexpected and heartwarming romantic entanglements.
• The Truman Show (1998)Dry wit · surreal · late-night trip · emotionally heavyA cheerful man’s perfect life slowly unravels as he suspects his entire reality is a surreal television show.
• The Kissing Booth 2 (2020)Wholesome humor · romantic · date night · measuredA high school senior navigates long-distance love, shifting friendships, and a charming new classmate.
• Notting Hill (1999)Dry wit · romantic · date night · measuredA quiet London bookseller's life becomes a whimsical, heartwarming romance with a world-famous movie star.
• Silver Linings Playbook (2012)Dry wit · darkly comic · date night · emotionally heavyA man rebuilding his life finds unexpected connection and dark humor with a woman who challenges his every step.

Whatever Works is on our Comedy on Prime Video and Romance on Prime Video lists.

More like this feeling

Prompts we typed into CouchRot, and the lists that share its tags.

• “funny but not stupid, under two hours”
• “a fun halloween movie, not too scary”
• “a movie that will make me cry”

Lists with the same feel: Gentle and Comfort watches.