Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Toxic brother drives so-so comedy about mortifying video.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
3,2,1... Frankie Go Boom
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
"Your family is poison," reads the hand-lettered sign on Frankie's (Charlie Hunnam) desk, a reminder of his childhood, when his older brother, Bruce (Chris O'Dowd), would plot elaborate practical jokes and then capture Frankie's humiliation on film. As an adult, little has changed, except now Bruce is trying to jump-start a career as a movie director by selling new movies starring his unwilling brother. And, wow, does he have a good clip to sell -- a quasi-sex tape with no sex involving a very willing girl (Lizzy Caplan) who becomes increasingly frustrated when Frankie is unable to perform. To Bruce, it's comic genius -- but to his younger brother, it's yet another painful reminder of why he's trying to escape this toxic environment. But now Frankie has to team up with Bruce to retrieve the recording before it gets posted on the Internet, where millions of viewers will see his most embarrassing moments.
Is It Any Good?
It's doesn't all come together as a coherent film. The dysfunctional relationship between Frankie and Bruce drives the action in 3,2,1... FRANKIE GO BOOM, as one brother seems completely oblivious to the fact that his selfish behavior is completely exploiting a family member he claims to love. O'Dowd is a charming narcissist, but that doesn't make him a good guy. And Hunnam is entertaining as the increasingly put-upon sibling who just wants to regain control of his life and ditch Bruce and his shenanigans.
The ingredients are there, but the dish is, as they say, a bit overcooked, especially Bruce's increasingly zany plans to retrieve the errant non-sex tape. Let's just say that stabbing an old blind man with a kitchen knife isn't even close to his worst suggestion. The cast is game for everything, but the story is just packed with too much wackiness for any single element to stand out. Title notwithstanding, it fizzles.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the ethics of today's digital video age. Why isn't it OK to film other people and post the videos -- embarrassing or otherwise -- online? How would you feel if someone did that to you?
Do Frankie and Bruce seem like real siblings? How do movies and TV shows tend to portray adult siblings? Why?
Who do you think this movie's target audience is? Why do you say that? What do you think the take-away is intended to be?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 12, 2012
- On DVD or streaming : May 14, 2013
- Cast : Charlie Hunnam , Chris Noth , Chris O'Dowd , Lizzy Caplan
- Director : Jordan Roberts
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Variance Films
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate