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My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006) Plot Summary & Timeline

My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006) movie poster

My Super Ex-Girlfriend is a 2006 sci-fi and drama film directed by Ivan Reitman, running 1 hour 35 minutes. This page retells the whole story in 569 words (about 2 minutes to read) and covers 15 key events in order, 4 characters, where and when it is set and 2 themes. Looking for the cast, ratings and where to stream it? See the movie page for My Super Ex-Girlfriend.

to read the plot summary
2 min
key events in the timeline
15
characters profiled
4
themes explained
2
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My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 35m
Director
Ivan Reitman
Genres
Sci-Fi, Drama, Thriller
Original language
English
No spoilers

What Is My Super Ex-Girlfriend About?

The premise of My Super Ex-Girlfriend in 301 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.

In a city that never quite sleeps, Matthew Saunders lives the kind of ordinary life most people only dream about—steady job, friendly coworkers, and a relationship that feels almost cinematic. When he meets the charismatic Jenny Johnson, a spark ignites that quickly turns their romance into something that feels both inevitable and electrifying. Their connection deepens over everyday moments, but the surface calm hides a secret that will upend everything Matthew thought he knew about love and partnership.

Jenny isn’t just a charismatic partner; she’s also the mysterious hero known as G‑Girl, a figure whose extraordinary powers have made headlines in the city’s gossip circles. Flight, strength, and a dazzling presence make her a symbol of hope for many, yet the very abilities that elevate her to near‑mythic status begin to blur the lines between affection and control. As her dual identity becomes harder to conceal, the chemistry between them twists into a volatile mix of admiration, jealousy, and the ever‑present threat of collateral damage.

Enter Hannah Lewis, a bright and supportive coworker who offers Matthew a glimpse of normalcy amid the growing chaos. Their easy banter and shared frustrations provide a counterpoint to the high‑octane world that G‑Girl inhabits, hinting at the possibility of a steadier future. Yet as Matthew attempts to navigate the aftermath of a breakup that feels more like a public spectacle than a private sorrow, he finds himself caught in a storm of superheroic wrath and unresolved emotions.

The film balances witty, fast‑paced dialogue with moments of genuine vulnerability, painting a portrait of a love story caught in the crossfire of extraordinary powers and ordinary expectations. Its tone swings between romantic comedy and high‑energy action, inviting viewers to wonder how far one can go when the line between personal heartbreak and city‑wide catastrophe becomes indistinguishably thin.

Full plot

What Happens in My Super Ex-Girlfriend?

The complete story of My Super Ex-Girlfriend, from the first scene to the last, in 569 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout.

Spoilers ahead

As Matthew Saunders taps into his inner hero, he courageously thwarts a purse snatcher on the subway, earning him the title of knight in shining armor to Jenny Johnson. Their romance flourishes, yet beneath the surface, Jenny’s behavior deteriorates, becoming more controlling and erratic. Aggressive outbursts take a toll on Matt’s emotional and physical state, leaving him in turmoil.

But this is merely the start of Jenny’s metamorphosis into G-Girl, a stunning superheroine blessed with extraordinary powers—flight, super-strength, incredible speed, heightened senses, invulnerability, super breath, and heat vision—thanks to radiation exposure from a crashed meteorite during her youth. As G-Girl, Jenny’s grip on reality becomes increasingly tenuous, overwhelming Matt with her demands and desires.

At the same time, Hannah Lewis, Matt’s delightful coworker, secretly admires him, even while involved with a handsome yet superficial underwear model. As their friendship grows, Matt’s frustration with Jenny’s escalating jealousy leads him to break ties with his superhero sweetie.

In response, Jenny unleashes chaos on Matt, publicly stripping him during a pivotal meeting and ultimately costing him his architect job. This rampage culminates in Matt’s public humiliation at the hands of G-Girl’s wrath.

Complicating matters, Professor Bedlam, Jenny’s former high school sweetheart turned villain, harbors a grudge against her for choosing others over him. He sees a golden opportunity to exact revenge and recruits Matt’s help to defeat Jenny. After some hesitation, Matt agrees, but only if the professor agrees to abandon his villainous ways.

Navigating this perilous world, Matt finds solace in Hannah, who has just ended her relationship with her unfaithful partner. Their feelings intensify, leading to a brief moment of happiness, only to be shattered when Jenny, filled with jealousy and rage, attacks them using a ferocious great white shark.

As Matt partners with Professor Bedlam to regain control over his life, he uncovers a disturbing shrine to Jenny within the professor’s lair. This unsettling discovery ignites a determination to confront her true essence.

To draw Jenny into a trap, Matt devises a romantic dinner under the guise of rekindling their relationship, hoping to lead her to another meteorite, one that will take away her superpowers. The stakes skyrocket as Hannah arrives, only to witness a fierce confrontation between her friend Jenny and Matt. Amid the chaotic struggle, Jenny’s secret identity is laid bare to Hannah, while Bedlam’s devious plan to drain Jenny’s powers unfolds.

In a climactic battle between Matt and Bedlam, Jenny desperately crawls towards the energized meteorite, seeking to recover her powers. Just as she reaches for it, Hannah intervenes, and the meteorite erupts with energy. Both women are violently propelled from the rooftop; however, Jenny reemerges, her powers once again at her disposal.

In an unexpected twist, Hannah also gains G-Girl’s abilities, setting the stage for an alarming showdown between the two women, with Matt caught in the middle. Their destructive conflict wreaks havoc on the neighboring properties, escalating the chaos.

In the aftermath, Matt reveals Bedlam’s hidden feelings for Jenny, which softens her resolve. Realizing that Bedlam is her true love, a moment of tenderness unfolds before an excited crowd.

The next morning, Matt and Hannah reconnect with their partners—now known as Barry and G-Girl—when they’re interrupted by cries for help. Jenny and Hannah, united in their newfound crime-fighting mission, swiftly respond to the emergency, leaving Matt and Barry to enjoy a long-overdue break with a beer and the ladies’ previously discarded purses and clothing.

Timeline

My Super Ex-Girlfriend Timeline: Every Key Event in Order

15 key events in the order they happen, from “Matthew saves Jenny” to “New beginnings”. 4 events name a place, across 4 locations.

  1. 1

    Matthew saves Jenny

    On a subway, Matthew Saunders steps up as a hero to thwart a purse snatcher, impressively earning the title of 'knight in shining armor' in the eyes of Jenny Johnson. This act of bravery marks the beginning of their romantic journey.

    Where:Subway

  2. 2

    Jenny's controlling behavior

    As their romance blossoms, Jenny's demeanor takes a dark turn, revealing controlling and erratic behavior. This aggressive transformation impacts Matthew's emotional and physical well-being dramatically, leaving him feeling trapped in their relationship.

  3. 3

    Jenny becomes G-Girl

    After being exposed to radiation from a meteorite in her youth, Jenny transforms into G-Girl, a superheroine endowed with extraordinary powers such as flight and super-strength. However, her newfound abilities come with a worsening grip on reality as she begins to overwhelm Matthew with her expectations.

  4. 4

    Hannah's secret affection

    At the same time, Hannah Lewis, Matthew's coworker, harbors a secret admiration for him while involved with a superficial underwear model. As their friendship develops, Hannah's genuine feelings further complicate Matthew's turbulent relationship with Jenny.

  5. 5

    Matthew breaks up with Jenny

    Growing frustrated with Jenny's escalating jealousy and controlling nature, Matthew decides to break ties with her. This decision unleashes Jenny's fury, setting into motion a wave of chaos in his life.

  6. 6

    Jenny's public humiliation of Matthew

    In a fit of rage, Jenny humiliates Matthew by publicly stripping him during a crucial meeting. This destructive act results in Matthew losing his architect job, deepening his struggles and pushing him further away from Jenny.

    Where:Office Meeting

  7. 7

    Professor Bedlam's revenge

    Professor Bedlam, Jenny's former love turned villain, seeks revenge for being overlooked by her. He approaches Matthew with a plan to defeat Jenny, proposing an alliance filled with tension and ulterior motives.

  8. 8

    Matt teams up with Bedlam

    After much internal conflict, Matthew reluctantly agrees to ally with Professor Bedlam, motivated by the hope of reclaiming control over his life. He insists Bedlam abandon his villainous ways, setting the stage for a tumultuous partnership.

  9. 9

    Hannah and Matt's moment

    As tensions with Jenny escalate, Matthew finds solace with Hannah, who has recently broken up with her unfaithful partner. They share a brief moment of happiness together, causing further jealousy in Jenny.

  10. 10

    Jenny attacks Matt and Hannah

    Overwhelmed by jealousy and rage, Jenny attacks Matthew and Hannah, calling in a ferocious great white shark to enact her vengeance. The chaos underscores the intensity of Jenny's emotional spiral, putting both of their lives at risk.

Show the other 5 events of My Super Ex-Girlfriend
  1. 11

    Matt discovers Jenny's shrine

    While collaborating with Bedlam, Matthew uncovers an unsettling shrine dedicated to Jenny in the villain's lair. This shocking discovery strengthens Matthew's resolve to confront Jenny and understand her true self.

    Where:Professor Bedlam's lair

  2. 12

    Romantic trap

    Matthew sets a romantic dinner for Jenny, pretending to rekindle their relationship while planning to trap her. His aim is to lead her to another meteorite that could strip her of her superpowers, escalating the stakes.

  3. 13

    Climactic showdown

    A fierce battle ensues between Matt and Bedlam as Jenny crawls toward an energized meteorite, desperate to regain her powers. The encounter becomes chaotic when Hannah intervenes, causing the meteorite to explode with energy.

    Where:Rooftop

  4. 14

    Hannah gains powers

    In a surprising twist, Hannah also acquires G-Girl's superpowers in the wake of the explosion. This unexpected development leads to a fierce confrontation between Jenny and Hannah, with Matthew caught in their escalating rivalry.

  5. 15

    New beginnings

    After the tumultuous events, Matthew reveals Bedlam's true feelings for Jenny, which softens her heart. The next morning, Jenny and Hannah unite to respond to a crime-fighting emergency, while Matthew and his partner Barry enjoy their unexpected break.

Characters

Who Are the Main Characters in My Super Ex-Girlfriend?

4 characters, among them Matthew Saunders, Jenny Johnson / G-Girl and Hannah Lewis: who each one is and the part they play in the story. 3 of them link to the actor’s page.

  • Luke Wilson as Matthew Saunders in My Super Ex-Girlfriend

    Matthew Saunders

    Played by Luke Wilson

    Matthew is a relatable protagonist who evolves from a passive character to one who must confront difficult truths about love and power. His journey reflects the struggles of balancing personal desires against external pressures, as he grapples with the implications of being associated with a superheroine.

    • 👨‍💼 Protagonist
    • 💔 Love Interest
    • 🔄 Growth
  • Uma Thurman as Jenny Johnson / G-Girl in My Super Ex-Girlfriend

    Jenny Johnson / G-Girl

    Played by Uma Thurman

    Jenny, initially portrayed as the perfect girlfriend, rapidly transforms into G-Girl, embodying both the allure and dangers of superhuman abilities. Her character arc highlights the emotional fragility beneath her confident exterior, emphasizing the impact of jealousy and control on her relationships.

    • 🦸‍♀️ Superhero
    • 📉 Jealousy
    • 🌪️ Erratic
  • Anna Faris as Hannah Lewis in My Super Ex-Girlfriend

    Hannah Lewis

    Played by Anna Faris

    Hannah represents the friend who provides support amidst chaos, showing resilience and emotional depth. Her character develops through her secret admiration for Matthew, ultimately serving as a potential new love interest who contrasts with Jenny's overwhelming nature.

    • 👩‍💼 Supportive Friend
    • 💞 Love Interest
    • 🔥 Strength
  • PB

    Professor Bedlam

    Professor Bedlam serves as the antagonist fueled by unresolved feelings for Jenny. His character adds complexity to the narrative, seeking revenge while embodying the archetype of the spurned lover, ultimately leading to a confrontation that complicates everyone’s relationships.

    • 🦹‍♂️ Villain
    • 🔙 Unrequited Love
    • 🔥 Revenge
Setting

Where and When Is My Super Ex-Girlfriend Set?

My Super Ex-Girlfriend is set in Subway and Rooftop. Here is why the place matters to the story.

When

The film presents a contemporary setting, reflecting modern relationships intertwined with superhero tropes. It captures the essence of today's societal dynamics, specifically the challenges of communication and personal boundaries in relationships.

Where

Subway, Rooftop

The subway serves as a bustling artery in the city, representing both everyday life and the unexpected heroism that can emerge within it. The rooftop becomes a dramatic battleground, where the climactic showdown occurs, symbolizing the peak of emotional and physical conflict in the story.

  • 🚇 Subway
  • 🌆 Rooftop
Themes

What Are the Themes of My Super Ex-Girlfriend?

2 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Love and Jealousy and Power and Responsibility.

  1. 01

    Love and Jealousy

    The theme of love intertwined with jealousy plays a pivotal role in the narrative, showcasing how deep affection can morph into possessiveness. Jenny's transformation into G-Girl amplifies her emotional volatility, which ultimately undermines her relationship with Matt and highlights the destructive potential of jealousy.

  2. 02

    Power and Responsibility

    This theme centers on the duality of possessing power and the heavy burden of responsibility that accompanies it. Jenny's superpowers initially seem like a blessing, yet they reveal the challenges of maintaining a healthy relationship and the consequences of misusing her abilities.

Tone & mood

What Kind of Film Is My Super Ex-Girlfriend?

Light in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.

Tone
Light
Pacing
Fast
Story
Straightforward
Intensity
Medium
Ending
Happy

A fast-paced, chaotic romantic comedy that blends superhero antics with the anxieties of a bad breakup, creating a whimsical and lighthearted viewing experience despite the superficial destruction.

  • chaotic
  • whimsical
  • romantic
  • playful
  • anxious
  • lighthearted
  • superhero romance
  • breakup revenge
  • secret identity
  • jealousy

Content notes: public humiliation, emotional abuse, stalking.

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FAQ

My Super Ex-Girlfriend Plot Questions

5 quick answers about My Super Ex-Girlfriend, taken from the plot summary, character guide and setting on this page and the film’s credits.

What is My Super Ex-Girlfriend about?

In a city that never quite sleeps, Matthew Saunders lives the kind of ordinary life most people only dream about—steady job, friendly coworkers, and a relationship that feels almost cinematic.

Read the full plot summary

When and where does My Super Ex-Girlfriend take place?

My Super Ex-Girlfriend is set in Subway and Rooftop. The film presents a contemporary setting, reflecting modern relationships intertwined with superhero tropes. It captures the essence of today's societal dynamics, specifically the challenges of communication and…

The setting explained

Who are the main characters in My Super Ex-Girlfriend?

The story follows Matthew Saunders (played by Luke Wilson), Jenny Johnson / G-Girl (played by Uma Thurman), Hannah Lewis (played by Anna Faris) and Professor Bedlam.

All the characters

What are the main themes of My Super Ex-Girlfriend?

The summary picks out 2 themes: Love and Jealousy and Power and Responsibility.

The themes explained

Who directed My Super Ex-Girlfriend?

My Super Ex-Girlfriend (2006) was directed by Ivan Reitman and runs 1 hour 35 minutes.

Ivan Reitman’s films

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