Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet tween film packs big meaning into cliched package.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life
What's the Story?
Two weeks before his 13th birthday, Jeremy Fink (Maxwell Beer) gets a mysterious package: a wooden box created years earlier by his dad -- before his sudden death in a car accident. According to what's carved into the lid, the box contains The Meaning of Life. Too bad it's locked and the keys are lost. Jeremy and his best friend, Lizzie (Ryan Simpkins), take it as a challenge, searching high and low for the keys with the assistance of mysterious Mr. Oswald (Joe Pantoliano). And in the process they discover much more. Mira Sorvino co-stars as Jeremy's supportive mom.
Is It Any Good?
JEREMY FINK AND THE MEANING OF LIFE is charming but predictable. As Jeremy and Lizzie scour New York for the missing keys, they meet a bevy of kooky characters who impart a series of Important Life Lessons. Live in the moment. Money can't buy happiness. Believe in yourself. These are valuable tips for younger viewers, but they aren't especially new. Much of the plot seems like it could have worked well in many other coming-of-age tales.
The film is based on a popular young adult novel of the same name by Wendy Mass, and that's exactly how it feels. It's simple enough entertainment for older kids and tweens, but the story probably works better in print than on the screen.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Jeremy Fink's messages. What is the meaning of life, according to what Jeremy learns? What do you think it is? How can you make the most of the life you have?
What do you think about the relationship between Jeremy and Lizzie? Does it feel realistic?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : March 6, 2012
- Cast : Joe Pantoliano , Maxwell Beer , Mira Sorvino
- Director : Tamar Halpern
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Phase 4 Films
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Friendship
- Run time : 88 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild thematic elements
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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