Common Sense Media Review
By Jeffrey M. Anderson
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Loving, funny portrait of infamous filmmaker; sex, language.
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The Disaster Artist
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 5 parent reviews
Based on 13 kid reviews
Kids say the film is a surprisingly hilarious and insightful take on the making of a notoriously bad movie, showcasing excellent performances, particularly from James Franco, who masterfully captures the essence of his character. Despite its comedic and inspiring elements, the frequent strong language and some mature content make it more suitable for older teens and adults.
- funny performances
- mature content
- strong language
- friendship theme
- engaging storytelling
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
In THE DISASTER ARTIST, young San Francisco actor Greg Sestero (Dave Franco) takes classes and dreams of the big time. During one class, he's blown away by the intensity and fearlessness of Tommy Wiseau (James Franco) and asks Tommy to be his acting partner. The two become fast friends and move to Los Angeles together. After a few years of trying and failing in show business, they get an idea: They'll make their own movie. The heavily accented, enigmatic Tommy starts writing and -- using his own mysterious, apparently bottomless, bank account -- buying equipment, hiring crew, and casting. When filming starts, it becomes clear that Tommy doesn't really know what he's doing. Tensions mount, and the movie goes over schedule. But Tommy's passion somehow manages to keep things together. Finally, the movie, called The Room (2003), is finished. But what if they've made the worst movie of all time?
Is It Any Good?
Taking a cue from Ed Wood, this loving portrait of a terrible filmmaker could have indulged in ridicule, but instead it's about passion and dedication. And it boasts a powerhouse lead performance by James Franco. Also produced and directed by Franco, The Disaster Artist feels like a perfect fit for this hyper-prolific jack-of-all-trades; he must understand more than most the drive to create and the pleasure/pain of the creation's ultimate completion and exhibition. (The real Wiseau has a cameo in the movie, indicating that he must have approved.)
Without ever inventing any kind of backstory for Wiseau -- and never solving the triple mystery of his birthplace, his age, and his financial situation -- the movie gives us a fascinating, dynamic character who, miraculously, never outstays his welcome. As Greg, Dave Franco (James' real-life brother) has the much harder job, driving the plot forward, convincingly being Tommy's friend, and showing what it was like to also be in his shadow. He does all this admirably. Packed with fascinating, so-odd-they-must-be-true details, The Disaster Artist is consistently funny and touching, and, like The Room itself, enjoyable in its own weird way.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how The Disaster Artist portrays sex. Why do you think the character insists on doing a nude scene and a sex scene? Why is the scene funny instead of sexy?
How violent is the movie? Does it raise tension through arguing and yelling? What actual scenes of violence are there?
Does the movie mock Tommy Wiseau? Does it admire or respect him? Do you want to like him? How does the movie achieve these things?
How does this movie change or enhance your experience of viewing The Room?
Movie Details
- In theaters : December 1, 2017
- On DVD or streaming : March 13, 2018
- Cast : James Franco , Dave Franco , Alison Brie , Seth Rogen
- Director : James Franco
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : A24
- Genre : Comedy
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language throughout and some sexuality/nudity
- Award : Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Winner
- Last updated : October 9, 2025
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