 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Me and Orson Welles
- Review Date: November 23, 2009
- PG-13
- Genre: Comedy
- 2009
Common Sense Media says
Breezy period film not meant for tween Zac Efron fans.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this 1937-set Zac Efron showbiz dramedy from Dazed and Confused director Richard Linklater is a world away from High School Musical (though Efron does sing). It tackles mature themes -- including infidelity and opportunism -- that aren't age-appropriate for Efron’s tween fan base, and the movie's initially slowish pace may turn off even some older fans. But when things get going, the movie is breezy fun for those who appreciate showbiz history. Expect some strong language (including "s--t"), a bit of drinking and smoking, and references to sex (though nothing graphic is shown).
What's the story?
It’s 1937, and wunderkind thespian Orson Welles (Christian McKay) is at a make-or-break moment, about to open a modernized version of Julius Caesar at the Mercury Theater. His world collides with that of Richard (Zac Efron), a teenager who yearns to move beyond the confines of his high school. He gets what he wishes when he encounters Welles and his troupe on a busy New York street and is offered a small-yet-crucial part in the play. But is he up to the task -- both as an actor and as a man discovering the allure of women?
Is it any good?
Despite its jaunty pace and rat-a-tat banter, it takes a while for ME AND ORSON WELLES to find its groove. Based on a historical novel by Richard Kaplow, it has the period details down pat, but it feels self-consciously meticulous, unable to really enjoy its script about the backstage foibles of a theater production. Perhaps it’s because, able as he is, Efron feels thoroughly too modern to believe, and the stage actors seem too, well, actor-ly. (McKay, as Welles, is compelling, but you never completely forget that he’s playing make-believe.) Claire Danes, as an ambitious secretary, emotes with authenticity, but even she feels overdone.
Then a funny thing happens on the way to (Caesar’s) forum: Halfway through the movie, we begin to care, largely because a love triangle of sorts develops. And by the time the curtains fall, we care very much indeed and are actually transfixed by the show we glimpse onscreen. (Linklater tried to recreate as much as he could of Welles’ Shakespearean oeuvre, and the icon fascinates.) The soundtrack carries viewers through beautifully, too. Bottom line? The movie’s imperfect, but it sure is a swell diversion.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how the movie compares to other coming-of-age stories. What does Richard learn from Orson Welles -- and about himself?
Who do you think the movie is intended to appeal to? Does it succeed?
Why doesn't Richard feel like high school is big enough to contain him? Is he being fanciful, or is he right?
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AGE
Me and Orson Welles, is a film about the Orson Welles production of Julius Ceaser. The film contains some underage drinking and sex (No nudity) It is a great film that deserves to be seen
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AGE
Nothing wrong with it!
The Common Sense review said it was "not age appropriate" and under "Is It Any Good?" they criticized the movie for being imperfect. Well, the Orson Welles character did always seem like he was acting rather than talking normally, but only because the real Orson Welles was like that, along with many self-centered stage actors. Although there were a few tiny mistakes, there was wrong with it. There were some minor suggestive things, and the sex was technically underaged, but nothing was actually shown. The smoking was only for realism--most people smoked back then. It's no big deal.
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AGE
Why I rated this iffy for ages 13-14.
Some Scarceley Explicit References to sex, a young Man of 17 drinks a glass of wine due to peer pressure and takes a cuban cigar, but does not smoke it. Plus, the blonde girl is pure trouble. and it seems that all that orson ever does is just cuss.
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| Studio: | Freestyle Releasing |
| Director: | Richard Linklater |
| Cast: | Christian McKay, Claire Danes, Zac Efron |
| Genre: | Comedy |
| Run time: | 114 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | November 25, 2009 |
| DVD release date: | August 17, 2010 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | sexual references and smoking |
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