Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Sweet family drama has profanity and mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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You Can Count on Me
What's the Story?
In YOU CAN COUNT ON ME, Sammy (Laura Linney) is thrilled when she learns that her younger brother Terry (Mark Ruffalo) is coming back home for a visit. The siblings were orphaned at a young age, and have always leaned on each other, even though they're as different as night and day. Terry decides to extend his visit and get to know Sammy's son, Rudy (Rory Culkin), which is a big help to Sammy as she's coming under a lot of pressure from her new boss (Matthew Broderick). Both Terry and Sammy drive each other crazy, and both make mistakes. Are the ties that bind them strong enough to hold when things go wrong?
Is It Any Good?
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.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the strong language in You Can Count on Me. How much is OK in movies? Is it realistic, and does it matter if it is?
If you have brothers or sisters, can you count on them? Do you think you'll be able to when you're adults? If you don't have siblings, who can you count on the way Sammy and Terry count on each other?
Is Terry a good role model for his nephew Rudy? Why, or why not?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 21, 2000
- On DVD or streaming : June 26, 2001
- Cast : Laura Linney , Mark Ruffalo , Matthew Broderick
- Director : Kenneth Lonergan
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studios : Hart-Sharp Entertainment , Cappa Production , Crush Entertainment , Shooting Gallery
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Run time : 111 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Language, drug use, and a scene of sexuality
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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