Common Sense Media Review
Touching dramedy is heavy; some violence, cursing.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Stranger Than Fiction
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 6 parent reviews
Based on 16 kid reviews
Kids say the movie is a unique blend of humor and drama that addresses deeper themes about life and purpose, although it can be slow-paced and mature in content, making it more suitable for older kids. Most reviews highlight strong performances, clever writing, and a compelling plot, while also warning about elements like swearing, nudity, and some distressing scenes.
- unique blend
- strong performances
- mature content
- compelling plot
- thoughtful themes
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
The overly organized life of IRS agent Harold Crick (Will Ferrell) turns upside down when he starts hearing the mysterious voice -- which he eventually learns belongs to Karen Eiffel (Emma Thompson). The chain-smoking author is having trouble finishing her latest novel, which is about a guy named Harold Crick. And she can't figure out how to kill him off. As you might imagine, Harold seeks help. A psychiatrist (Linda Hunt) thinks medication is the answer. But a literary professor (Dustin Hoffman) has other ideas. He doesn't really believe Harold, but he advises him to figure out whether he's in a comedy or a tragedy. By this point, it's looking like the latter. Providing romantic (and somewhat unfriendly) tension is bakery owner Ana Pascal (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who Harold is auditing. She hurls insults at him, and, in short, doesn't make his job any easier. Still, love blooms in odd places, and Harold finally has something to live for.
Is It Any Good?
STRANGER THAN FICTION is equal parts drama, comedy, and tragedy; it's a smart movie and a touching reminder that life is unpredictable and messy. But that's OK. We still need to live and not be afraid to experience new things. Some of the movie's best scenes are those of Harold branching out in the world. It's moving, but it's unlikely to appeal to kids who are looking for the kind of silly comedy that Ferrell is known for.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the meaning of life. This movie is all about living life to the fullest and not sitting carefully on the sidelines while everyone else has all the fun. On the flip side, how can you have fun and experience new things while staying safe?
How does the movie show the transformation of Harold from a straitlaced bureaucrat obsessed with numbers and efficiency to someone who serenades his lover with his guitar? Did this transformation seem believable? How did his search for the "voice in his head" play into these changes?
In one scene, Professor Hilbert tells Harold that his life is either being written as a tragedy or a comedy, and that "In tragedy, you die, and in comedy, you get hitched." What are your thoughts on this quote? What are some examples of plays, movies, and television shows that might back up this assertion?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 9, 2006
- On DVD or streaming : February 27, 2007
- Cast : Emma Thompson , Maggie Gyllenhaal , Will Ferrell
- Director : Marc Forster
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Sony Pictures
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 113 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some disturbing images, sexuality, brief language and nudity.
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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