Iffy for 16+
Showbiz satire is too edgy, "insidery" for kids.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this mature showbiz satire -- which depicts the ups and downs of a Hollywood producer -- includes scenes in which prescription drugs are passed around as cavalierly as breath mints, and a major subplot revolves around sexual jealousy. A major character, who has completed rehab, falls off the wagon, and the film-within-a-film that the producer is working to save features gory gun violence (as well as a discussion of how much violence is too much on screen). There's also lots of strong language (including "f--k" and derivations thereof) and several brands referenced or on display.
- Families can talk about the business of modern Hollywood. Is art possible in the world of commercial entertainment, or will financial concerns always win out? What audience do you think movies like this one are made for? Families can also discuss some of the excesses indulged in by the heavy-handed studios and self-centered actors. Is the film exaggerating these for effect, or is this an accurate depiction of the realities of modern show business?
The good stuff
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Messages: A character discusses spending time in rehab and then falling off the wagon. A character is going through marriage counseling with his wife. Corrupt and coarse behavior is depicted. A supporting character commits suicide. Satirizes the media industry, with some broad/generalized characterizations.
What to watch for
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Violence: Gun violence is repeatedly seen in a film-within-the-film -- including blood, a human being shot, and a dog being shot; scuffling; destructive rages involve furniture being thrown/damaged.
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Sex: A single naked breast is seen; kissing; discussions of sex and infidelity.
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Language: Frequent strong language, including "f--k," "motherf----r," "s--t," "balls," "ass," "p---y," a--hole," "bollocks," "pricks," "bitch," and more.
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Consumerism: Many show business entities and corporations are mentioned, like Variety, the Hollywood Reporter, Vanity Fair, and Columbia Pictures; brands like Porsche, Vicodin, Red Bull, Klonopin, The Red Cross and more are also referenced.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink hard liquor, wine, and beer and smoke cigarettes and cigars. One reference to Ecstasy being taken. Extensive mention of the abuse of prescription drugs, with a lead character acquiring them illicitly to help placate a nervy director.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
What a movie by JpRIzM
I saw this movie last night and was impressed. At first it was kind of hard to follow along but once you catch on its a really good film. It provides insight for people who are in the movie industry and what they deal with on a regular basis. I found it very insightful. Bruce Willis is great in this. Im not a big Dinero fan but I felt he did really good. The movie is about Deniro (a movie pruducer) running into work issues he deals with while trying to maintain a steady personal life. One of the films he iss producing has a drector that makes a film that he feels provides true artistic merit and the investors want to change the ending because they feel it doesnt fit thier "commercial" needs. In short the Directer of the film pulls his original ending at the premier. I thought that was great because it shows that you have to stand up for what you believe in even if it doesnt make money or fits in with everyones beliefs. It doesnt hit you right after you watch it but its great!
3
What Just Happened by jojo_the_movie_lover
The story line is a little weak and the action is a little silly but it may be a true reflection of that world. I didn' t really enjoy it.
1
what just happened by epstie
Completey boring. "Bruce Willis has a beard" is a 10-second joke at best, but here is a major plot point. As is the color of a re-upholstered chair. No character development, no plot, no laughs, no tears. Just boredom.
1
what just happened by travis bickle
an absolute mess. there is a reason why this film has had a hard time getting a distributor(even though it has a lot of big names in it) and that is because this movie is an unwatchable bore. you would think that a movie that has robert de niro, sean penn, and bruce willis being directed by barry levinson from a story written by irwin winkler that it would have something interesting in it, but it does not. penn is in it for about a minute. willis is in it for five minutes. the movie is all about de niro (who looks a lot less grumpier and less bored than usual). you have to wonder to yourself who really cares about any of the characters in the film and who is the audience to empathize with? people will be curious to see this based on all of the names involved, but it is a complete waste of your time. it is not as bad as de niro's other movie(righteous kill which teamed him up with al pacino), but it is still a major disappointment considering all of the people who were involved .
2
What just Happened? by jcm8301
Not really sure what happened... I was totally not impressed with this flick. I was bored. I expected more from robert deniro, since he is one of my favs.
1
What Did I Just See? by Pack Man
Incredibly slow movie. There were some funny moments, most of which could be seen in the trailer. Great cast.....bad script; overall poor execution.. Ironically, Robert DeNiro ends up producing a bad movie about a guy that produces a bad movie! The joke's on us! Avoid at all costs.
3
What Just Happened? ... not much, that's what by The Practical Wordsmith
Like many other reviewers have said, while this movie is well-done and marginally entertaining, in large part due to the excellent cast, there's really no message, at least no message that is new and interesting. See The Player again instead.
1
Nothing just happened by roachb
This is a bad movie about a bad movie. I have never seen such a bad movie with so many good actors. I found it tedious, and often annoying. If you want to see a dog get shot in the head about four or five times, you will like this movie. I say stay away from this stinker.
4
What Just Happened by jacksonheights
This was a thoughtful, funny, movie that spun quickly, interestingly and artfully around Robert De Niro's character. The script was clever, the acting was terrific--but, there was something missing from this film. It became too, too much. The writer/director character was way over the top--and he dragged the film down a bit.
I have the feeling that because its showing has been so limited, that this movie did not do well at the box office. That pains me--it was so much more clever than most films. I highly recommend it. But, it's neither a big crowd pleaser- nor an art film.
1
What just happened by ClaudiaFromm
We go to the movies every Friday. This had to be one of the worst movies I've seen. I was waiting for it to end. It was pretty bad. It had great actors doing a big Cameo piece just because they could. it would be great if they just did a great movie like they all used to.
Dissappointed.