You Can Count on Me
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
You Can Count on Me
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that You Can Count on Me is an oddly sweet family drama with lots of strong language ("f--k" and "s--t" are frequent), main characters who smoke cigarettes and pot, and a sex scene that doesn't show sensitive body parts but shows a woman's bare back along with explicit movement under covers. Adults frequently have wine or beer and several scenes take place in a bar. There's a fistfight that shows punches and bloody mouths afterward, as well as the consequence of being taken to jail. The overall takeaway is positive about how family members are anchors for one another throughout life, how there are different ways of counting on someone, and about accepting family members as they are. There's also a lot of food for thought about the effects of too much or too little parenting. Teen appeal is probably limited because of the mature themes and characters, but for those who have siblings it can be a good starting point for thinking about what their relationships with each other will be like when they're adults.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
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
- Studios: Hart-Sharp Entertainment, Cappa Production, Crush Entertainment, Shooting Gallery
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Brothers and Sisters
- Run time: 111 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: Language, drug use, and a scene of sexuality
- Last updated: June 4, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
-
The Savages
Affecting adult drama has mature themes, content.
-
The Kids Are All Right
Mature, witty family dramedy explores love, parenthood.
-
Lymelife
Affecting indie drama takes on mature themes.
For kids who love family dramas
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate