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Parents' Guide to

You Can Count on Me

By Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 16+

Sweet family drama has profanity and mature themes.

Movie R 2000 111 minutes
You Can Count on Me Poster Image

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Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

It's refreshing to see two such talented actors (Linney and Ruffalo) in an engaging story about the kind of love Hollywood often overlooks, although it's no less powerful than romantic love. You Can Count on Me explores how family bonds change -- and don't change -- as life goes on and siblings become adults. Mature teens who can handle the strong language and mature themes may enjoy the chance to think about the future of their own family relationships or people they can always count on.

The strong script is well structured, moves at a natural pace, and quietly holds the viewer's attention as the story unfolds. The characters are well developed and fully realized by the strong cast. Both the comedy and drama arise naturally without feeling forced or contrived. Families with mature teens will enjoy watching, and have a lot to think about family dynamics and the ties that bind.

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