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Parents' Guide to

Being Frank

By Lynnette Nicholas, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Honest dramedy about impact of deception and lies.

Movie R 2019 109 minutes
Being Frank Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Community Reviews

age 18+

Based on 1 parent review

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (1 ):
Kids say (1 ):

This indie comedy has a lot going on, but the overall message cleverly showcases that there are always two sides to every story. Luckily for Frank, Philip is willing to walk a mile in his father's shoes to see what life is like for his dad when he's with his other family. This film candidly depicts how a teen who's full of angst and on the brink of self-discovery finds a way to usurp authority over his controlling father, who happens to be living a lie.

Gaffigan is comedic in the lead role, yet so much is going on during the climactic scenes that the story can be a bit much to follow. And Philip's eagerness to be an accomplice in covering up Frank's lies is at times heart-wrenching to watch. It's hard to tell whether Frank is genuinely concerned for the emotional well-being of both of his families or whether he's more interested in not getting caught in the web of lies that he created. In the end, themes of honesty, sacrifice, and the impact of lies are clear. Frank eventually has to face the consequences of his choices and face up to the effect that his decisions and actions have on both of his families.

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