Common Sense Media Review
By S. Jhoanna Robledo
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Flawed family comedy has plenty of conflict, little point.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Peep World
What's the Story?
It's his father's 70th birthday, and Nate Meyerwitz (Ben Schwartz) has just written a successful novel that trades on the quirks and struggles of his real-life siblings: ultra-responsible Jack (Michael C. Hall), tightly wound and perpetually wounded Cheri (Sarah Silverman), and always-struggling Joel (Rainn Wilson). All of them are flawed in their own idiosyncratic ways, and all of them have serious issues with their domineering father, Henry (Ron Rifkin). It's certainly a recipe for a contentious family dinner.
Is It Any Good?
PEEP WORLD is a good example of how a great storytelling device sometimes just isn't enough. The novel at the center of the plot is meant to be a time bomb, yet when that bomb explodes (metaphorically speaking) we don't really feel it. The movie is inert nearly the entire way through, despite a cast stocked with both talented and wickedly funny (or both) actors -- including the Emmy Award-winning Hall, the always funny Wilson, and the bombastic Silverman.
Even Henry's birthday dinner feels curiously unexciting, even though it's meant to be where everything comes to a head. It just goes to show: Despite the technology and hyper-awareness about the art and business of film, movie-making still involves alchemy. When it works, it's genius. When it doesn't, it's Peep World.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how the movie portrays the main family. Why is everyone so angry? Do you think this seems like a realistic family conflict? How does your family handle disagreements?
How does the movie depict parents? Is Henry a good father? Would you consider anyone in the movie a positive role model?
Who do you think this movie is intended to appeal to? How can you tell?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 25, 2011
- On DVD or streaming : July 19, 2011
- Cast : Michael C. Hall , Rainn Wilson , Sarah Silverman
- Director : Barry Blaustein
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : IFC Entertainment
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 89 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language and sexual content
- Last updated : August 7, 2022
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