Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tragic, comedic docu about dying man; language, drugs.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Andre Is an Idiot
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
"ANDRÉ IS AN IDIOT." That's the assertion advertising creative André Ricciardi embraces when he learns he could've caught his stage four colon cancer at an early, curable stage if he'd only had a colonoscopy three years before when his best friend told him to get one. In the face of what's probably a terminal diagnosis, he embarks on this 88-minute PSA documenting his three years of treatments, his ultimate decline, and the trauma of his caring and devastated wife and kids. That André is not a regular guy is apparent from his gleeful retelling of how his mother's first reaction to the news of his illness was that he was "a f--king idiot." After the chemo stops working, he edges toward death before our eyes, emaciated, cracking jokes, sucking on his bong, still irreverent, someone who tried to make his error a launch pad for leaving a little good advice behind him.
Is It Any Good?
This is a beautiful movie about a beautiful guy who might not be for everyone. His hair and beard reach out into the environment, and he's not averse to goofball mugging. Many may see his take on how to live life as unhelpful. A doctor suggests that his attempt to keep his loved ones laughing through his illness might be selfish. "Be generous and let them feel sad," he suggests. He's a man who knows how to be a friend, and he has cherished his marriage to a strong and loving woman.
There's much in André that makes him bigger than life, but he's also in many ways a regular guy, and it's in that capacity that he inspires our affection and makes us root for him. He says, "You don't really die until no one speaks your name anymore." This film and his efforts to get people to have lifesaving colonoscopies will let him live on for a while.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about André's regret about not having a colonoscopy in time to catch his colon cancer early. Does this make you want you and your loved ones to be tested?
When André quotes his mother calling him "an idiot," how does that make you feel? Some moms might offer sympathy at the news of a child's illness. Do you think humor is a good way to cope with difficulties? Why, or why not?
André feels his life was wasted in that he chose to "get good at" advertising. What do you think are some things people can "get good at" that might contribute more to others?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 6, 2026
- Director : Tony Benna
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Family Stories
- Character Strengths : Courage
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : July 10, 2026
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