OK for kids 14+
Breezy period film not meant for tween Zac Efron fans.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this 1937-set Zac Efron showbiz dramedy from Dazed and Confused director Richard Linklater is a world away from High School Musical (though Efron does sing). It tackles mature themes -- including infidelity and opportunism -- that aren't age-appropriate for Efron’s tween fan base, and the movie's initially slowish pace may turn off even some older fans. But when things get going, the movie is breezy fun for those who appreciate showbiz history. Expect some strong language (including "s--t"), a bit of drinking and smoking, and references to sex (though nothing graphic is shown).
- Families can talk about how the movie compares to other coming-of-age stories. What does Richard learn from Orson Welles -- and about himself?
- Who do you think the movie is intended to appeal to? Does it succeed?
- Why doesn't Richard feel like high school is big enough to contain him? Is he being fanciful, or is he right?
The good stuff
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Messages: The underlying message is that fame and stardom don't measure up to love and learning. But it takes a while for the main character to discover this, and others don’t at all.
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Role models: A mixed bag. Main character Richard has a can-do attitude that’s hard not to like, though his bravado borders on arrogance. He also skips school and dismisses his mother's concerns. Welles is an egomaniac, but his outsized talent clearly helps others forgive his flaws. And Sonja is so hungry for success that she’s willing to break hearts if it means that she'll make her way into a bigger and better world.
What to watch for
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Violence: Men argue over a girl; a stage carpenter grows irate with a director, and they nearly come to blows.
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Sex: A man and a woman spend the night together together; later, she beds another guy, which angers the other (no nudity is shown). Men discuss ways to seduce women and make a bet on which one of them will manage to sleep with a specific woman first. A married actor cheats on his pregnant wife.
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Language: A fair amount of swearing, including “sons of bitches,” “bastard” and “s--t.”
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Consumerism: Mention of Wheaties.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Social drinking; a high school senior downs a glass of wine and smokes a Cuban cigar.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Orson Welles to a T by FrBobCarr
at 51, I am obviously of an age when I had seen Orson Welles on TV. As a radio fan, I certainly have heard many times his War of the Worlds. That said, it is without question that Christian McKay becomes Welles. This is an outstanding film that is for the serious movie viewer interested in the art as much as the entertainment.
Richard Linkletter takes us back to 1937, when radio is king, TV does not exist. Economy is in the tank, and life is simple. It is also a literary time when education was more comprehensive and getting published in the New Yorker was a writer's dream. (Although the latter is still true) All of this reality plays well in a movie focused on a company of actors dealing with the "Great" Orson Welles, as Zac Efron plays a 17 year old trying to be a man while still being a boy
Those members of Efron's contemporaries may not enjoy the film as much as my generation because the story is about Orson.Efron plays the device through which we watch him.
Great Flick!
4
Me and Orson Welles by carbon60
Excellent film, one of the best of the year, but for thinking people only. Definitely not a teen movie. Brilliant script, beautifully drawn characters and excellent acting. Brings to vivid life a wonderful period in American theatrical history, with period clothes, cars, everything. Thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Makes you wish you were there. Deserves wider distribution. Has several Oscars in its future - writing, cinematography, editing, acting and directing.
5
What a Gem by safari guide
I went because my wife & her girl friend picked it. The movie was fantastic, the acting superb and everyone in it hit the high notes. Zach Efron & Christian McKay were especially wonderful. I'd never seen either before and Christian looked just you'd imagine Orson must have as a young man. I predict awards galore in several categories!!! GO!
4
Me and Orson Wells by Trekiemom
Loved it. I am an Orson Wells fan. He would have approved.