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WHAT THE #$*! DO WE KNOW?! (R, 2004)

common sense media says

A metaphysical mindbend; older teens and up.

parents & educators say
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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this film tackles sophisticated issues of morality and philosophy. There are a few negative comments about organized religion that may be offensive to some. The main character remembers catching her husband cheating on her, glimpses a couple having sex at a wedding, and gets drunk.

Positive messages: Amanda learns to deal positively with hurt and betrayal.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Some nudity; some brief scenes with sexual content.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Main character gets drunk at a wedding.
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More on WHAT THE #$*! DO WE KNOW?!

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about how the movie is deliberately provocative and raises questions about reality, the power of perception and thought, and the nature of God. You may not agree with all, or many, of its points, but it will certainly get you and your teens taking and thinking. For example: What are thoughts made of? Is there a difference between reality and perception, the external and the internal? Families might want to talk about their own beliefs, moral codes, and how they make choices regarding ethical behavior. How do they compare to those portrayed in the movie?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In this roller coaster ride into the abstract, photographer Amanda (Marlee Matlin) is dealing with her husband's infidelity. Her story (as she endures her wackily cheerful roommate, takes pictures at a cheesy wedding, and conquers her own self-hatred) is intercut with interviews and speeches by experts in fields from quantum mechanics to medicine to psychology to New Age philosophy. All of it eventually supports the film's central thesis: that our consciousness and our choices influence everything from our bodies to our feelings to the material world -- that we, in fact, choose our own realities.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
What the #$*! Do We Know?! is a shifting, surreal jumble of images, opinions, speculations, facts, assertions, and beliefs. Questions are tossed at the viewer like popcorn jumping out of a pan: Who are we? What is real? The film can be rambling and at times a bit repetitive. It's not a documentary and doesn't try to be. As a bold statement of a new philosophy, it certainly has enough substance to catch your attention and make you think. Strange, intriguing, occasionally irritating, occasionally tedious, and occasionally astonishing.

This movie is not for everybody and certainly not for kids. Some teens will be bored by the slow pace and the philosophical musings. Some parents may feel that the sexual content (including a scene where Amanda remembers seeing her husband in bed with another woman) make this inappropriate for kids. Families with a conservative religious background might be bothered by the dismissal of institutional religion that some of the experts express. On the other hand, mature and thoughtful teens may be swept away by the film's exploration of heady and mystifying questions.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: American Family Movies
Director: Betsy Chasse, Mark Vicente, William Arntz
Cast: Barry Newman, Elaine Hendrix, Marlee Matlin
Genre: Documentary
Run time: 65 minutes
Theatrical release: April 23, 2004
DVD release: March 25, 2005
MPAA Rating: R
MPAA explanation: brief nudity, adult themes
This review was written by Sarah L. Thomson
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

super dude
teen, 13 years old
10
 
This is the worst movie EVER!!!
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (2)
JessicaVivian
parent
8
 
Ok for open-minded folks
I got this movie from the library and popped it in with my 8 and 6 year old since the movie is "unrated" and it is about metaphysics. We THOROUGHLY enjoyed it and was able to discuss the power of thought and intention with them. I think this movie is ok for open-minded kids who have already been exposed to things like meditation, etc. as my kids are. However, I was irritated that there is a brief nude/sex flashback during the film. We stopped the movie there because I was unsure of what would happen thereafter.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)
hanalaisunset
educator
8
 
Kids can see this!
This movie is okay for kids who are smart, open minded and patient. It's quite an eye-opening movie if you give it a chance.
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was this review useful?
helped me decide (1) | had useful details (1) | read my mind (1)

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