Second Act

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2:28

Second Act

PG-13

Released Dec 21, 2018

1h 44m

Romance

Comedy

Drama

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Popcornmeter

44%

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117 Reviews

44%

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1,000+ Ratings

Value Shop assistant manager Maya Vargas wants only one thing for her 43rd birthday -- a promotion. While her résumé may not scream upper management, her track record certainly does. Vargas is an innovator who listens to her customers and delivers results. When she loses the job to a college-educated candidate, Maya sets out to prove to Madison Avenue that street smarts are as valuable as book smarts -- and it's never too late for a second act.

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Critics Consensus

Second Act proves Jennifer Lopez remains as magnetic as ever on the big screen; unfortunately, the movie's muddled story isn't always worthy of her gifts.

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Diane Shipley

Bitch Media

It goes with a twist that's as sentimental as it is improbable.

Mar 12, 2021

Full Review

Amy Nicholson

FilmWeek (LAist)

I loved the first half of this and thought that the second half got completely insane in a way I did not appreciate.

Sep 13, 2019

Full Review

Michael Phillips

Chicago Tribune

Here's the quickie review: Good cast, nearly hopeless script.

Rated: 2/4

Mar 3, 2019

Full Review

Calum Cooper

Source (Scotland)

I feel like there’s a well-meaning intention behind Second Act. But there’s next to no originality or spontaneity to be found on screen.

Rated: 2/5

Jul 14, 2024

Full Review

M.N. Miller

Ready Steady Cut

Filled with endless zingers that hit the ground like a bowling ball from a 10th-floor window, Second Act is tedious from the start. There is nothing worse than low-brow pretending to be high-class.

Rated: 1/5

Aug 17, 2022

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

a ripe slice of cheese, with silly pratfalls for a game star

Rated: 3/5

Feb 17, 2022

Full Review

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Sean B

I cried, I laughed, and I was inspired. This entire movie was a beautiful reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and rewrite your story. Second Act delivers heart, humor, and motivation, all wrapped up in a feel-good storyline. Jennifer Lopez shines in her role, bringing both vulnerability and strength to a character who faces setbacks but never gives up. The film highlights resilience, friendship, and the power of believing in yourself, no matter your background. It left me feeling uplifted and reminded that with hard work and courage, new opportunities are always within reach. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a movie that touches the heart and lifts the spirit!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/01/25

Full Review

Robson C

Maya é uma mulher em torno dos seus 40 anos que trabalha em um supermercado local. Depois de perder uma promoção por não ter feito faculdade ou MBA, Maya reinventa sua vida e redes sociais. Com isso, ela é contratada por uma empresa como consultora para desenvolver um novo produto. É a chance dela para provar que o conhecimento do dia a dia é tão válido quanto os dos bancos escolares. O filme tem esse tema: o que vale mais: conhecimento empírico ou os dos bancos escolares. Vivemos atualmente uma época que parece que há uma campanha pela desvalorização do ensino escolar e universitário em troca de se apenas ganhar dinheiro. O problema é que se apegam em exemplos de pessoas que tem histórias de vidas excepcionais, que em muitos casos não puderam estudar, mas não quer dizer que eles menosprezam a educação. Apenas que eles venceram por serem fora da caixinha; por terem tido uma ideia, um insight; por trabalhar muito. O dinheiro fácil é apenas uma tentação. E a própria personagem da Jennifer Lopez demonstra isso: ela tem boas ideias por tudo que ela observou e aprendeu na vida, mas se ela pudesse não abriria nunca a mão de ter estudado e até feito faculdade. Só que essa discussão sobre educação formal x educação empírica sai um pouco do foco, quando começa uma novelinha sobre a filha de Maya que ela deu para adoção. Como sempre em filmes como esse, temos um bom elenco que mantém o interesse na história. Porém Jennifer Lopez é a mais fraca, o que acaba destoando um pouco dos seus colegas. Roteiro previsível. Direção competente. Acaba sendo uma diversão tipo sessão da tarde.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/09/25

Full Review

Steven James R

Loved This One From JLo JGlow She Should Play A Cashier In Real Life Too As A Part-Time Job Role To Help Pay For The Million Dollar Mansion.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/14/24

Full Review

Hails S

JLo and Leah are very funny together

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/27/24

Full Review

James H

Enjoyed this movie. For a rainy afternoon, it's cute and fun…and totally implausible but whatevs. J-Lo is great.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

09/04/23

Full Review

Ashley P

Why are all her movies the same? It's like the same kinda acting in all. No range. Not great not horrible but it why?? It's cringe to watch.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

04/17/23

Full Review

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Peter Segal

Director

Jennifer Lopez

Maya

Vanessa Hudgens

Zoe

Leah Remini

Joan

Treat Williams

Anderson Clark

Milo Ventimiglia

Trey

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Second Act: Behind the Scenes - Connecting with Milo

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Second Act: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Value Shop assistant manager Maya Vargas wants only one thing for her 43rd birthday -- a promotion. While her résumé may not scream upper management, her track record certainly does. Vargas is an innovator who listens to her customers and delivers results. When she loses the job to a college-educated candidate, Maya sets out to prove to Madison Avenue that street smarts are as valuable as book smarts -- and it's never too late for a second act.

Director: Peter Segal
Producer: Jennifer Lopez, Justin Zackham, Benny Medina, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas
Screenwriter: Justin Zackham, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas
Distributor: STX Films
Production Co: Nuyorican Productions, STX Films, Huayi Brothers
Rating: PG-13 (Some Crude Sexual References|Language)
Genre: Romance, Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 21, 2018, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 12, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $39.2M
Runtime: 1h 44m
Aspect Ratio: Scope (2.35:1)

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