Common Sense Media Review
By Jennifer Green , based on child development research. How do we rate?
Mature content and stereotyping in sweet, funny remake.
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The Valet
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 1 parent review
What's the Story?
In THE VALET, movie star Olivia (Samara Weaving) is caught by paparazzi leaving a hotel with her lover, mogul Vincent (Max Greenfield), and a scheme is hatched to match her with a different boyfriend, parking valet Antonio (Eugenio Derbez), as a cover. Antonio is embarrassingly out of place in Olivia's world of red-carpet premieres and fancy restaurants. And the pill-popping, under-fed celebrity is a novelty among Antonio's tight-knit family and friends. Meanwhile, Vincent's wife Kathryn (Betsy Brandt) is convinced he's cheating on her and hires a private investigator (John Pirruccello) to follow him. Vincent's lawyer (Alex Fernandez) hires his own PI (Ravi Patel). Also, Vincent's company is planning a new construction that will close down many local businesses in Antonio's neighborhood. And all Antonio really wants is to get his ex-wife (Marisol Nichols) back.
Is It Any Good?
This remake may be predictable and formulaic, but the combination of actors and the blend of humor with sweetness lift it a notch above. The Valet could have been satisfied to just play on class and cultural stereotypes around the two main characters. It does this, and to especially funny effect thanks to Derbez's comic talent. A scene where he's confused ordering at a fancy restaurant, then mistaken for a waiter, is priceless, as is his sudden hero status among the working class. Another scene where he and his buddies stop to pick up fast food while whisking a passed-out movie star away from her film premiere is also hilarious. Their no-nonsense behavior of paying in all one-dollar bills, stashing ketchup packets for later, and discussing the special speed limit for Latinos contrasts comically yet poignantly with the celebrity's self-imposed woes. Played by veteran Carmen Salinas (before her death in 2021), Antonio's elderly mother's insistence on discussing her sexual desire with her mortified son is another running gag.
The storyline has Antonio and Olivia both gain confidence from their relationship to improve their own lives. Derbez is undoubtedly the star of this film, but Weaving provides a good match for him. Greenfield essentially plays the same character as the one that made him famous on New Girl, but he's always amusing and likable despite bad behavior. The film also has some unexpectedly sweet touches, like the friendship that arises between two lonely, soft-boiled detectives or the relationship between Antonio's mom and her Korean neighbor that unexpectedly blends two immigrant families. A funeral scene is surprisingly moving, showing Derbez's dramatic chops as well. The writers were smart to make sure Antonio mentioned the age difference between him and Olivia to give them an out from actually trying to make the coupling work -- this would have felt forced and could have undermined the movie as a whole.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the differences between Antonio's life and Olivia's in The Valet. What feels exaggerated? What seems based in reality?
This is a remake of a French movie. Why do people do remakes? What are the advantages? Would you be interested in watching the original now, if you haven't already?
How does Antonio demonstrate integrity? Does this character strength always serve him well? Why, or why not?
What negative social issues does this film raise? How does it make them funny?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: May 20, 2022
- Cast: Eugenio Derbez , Samara Weaving , Max Greenfield
- Director: Richard Wong
- Inclusion Information: Latino actors, Female actors
- Studio: Hulu
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Friendship
- Character Strengths: Integrity
- Run time: 117 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: sexual content, some strong language and brief drug material
- Last updated: March 20, 2024
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