Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Awkward "cringe" comedy examines celebrity, social media.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Eat Wheaties!
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Adapted and updated from the 2003 novel The Locklear Letters, EAT WHEATIES! follows Sid Straw (Tony Hale), whose mundane life gets an exciting twist when he's made co-chair of his university alumni reunion. Asked to organize the event through Facebook, the social media newbie realizes that a woman in his college friend circle is now an A-list celebrity. When Sid's efforts to connect with her over social media are misconstrued, he's pressured to prove that the two really were friends.
Is It Any Good?
Hale is a master of socially awkward characters, and he shines in this otherwise dull comedy. Of Hale's characters, Sid Straw is unique: He's more optimistic and upbeat than Buster Bluth, Veep-whisperer Gary Walsh, or even Forky. Sid is a guy who tries too hard, unaware that he's making everyone around him visibly uncomfortable due to his desperation to fit in. Sid is so fully developed that when he's dropped into a new situation, the psychology of what will inevitably happen is predictable. New to social media and with no one providing guidance, Sid misunderstands that when he "posts" on someone's page, it's not a private message. Consequences ensue, including how the social media world reacts to Sid's mistake, and it costs him everything.
But when Sid is made aware of his mistake, he doesn't alter his actions in a believable fashion. The example of the effects of "cancel culture" on a nonpublic figure is rather gentle, and that's a missed opportunity. Sid doesn't seem to feel the utter humiliation that many people would experience from going viral for something embarrassing. Including that socioemotional observation would add value for teen viewers who might be tempted to make negative comments on others' posts. On the other hand, it also stands as an example that today's headline is quickly yesterday's news. And in today's cyberbullying world, "it gets better" is a message of strength that's more powerful than a bowl of nutrient-laced breakfast flakes.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the pros and cons of social media and how to avoid digital drama. Have you ever posted something you later regretted? What happened?
Sid is described as being someone who "tries too hard." What does that mean, and how can Sid gain the self-confidence to just be himself?
What do you think the movie is trying to say about fandom? Why do you think it seems appealing to be friends with someone famous? Where do you believe the line is between celebrities' obligation to the public, who give them success, and their right to privacy?
"Cringe" humor is a comedy trend. Why is it sometimes funny to watch someone make a big mistake?
What do you think Eat Wheaties!'s message is? How does it make you feel empathy for someone you might not otherwise be drawn to? Why is that important?
Movie Details
- In theaters : April 30, 2021
- On DVD or streaming : April 30, 2021
- Cast : Tony Hale , Paul Walter Hauser , Sarah Chalke
- Director : Scott Abramovitch
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Screen Media
- Genre : Comedy
- Topics : Book Characters , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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