Wonder Boys
Seen it?2000 | 107 min | Comedy, Drama
Sunday Safe BetWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It won an Oscar and it earned strong reviews (81% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a lukewarm 6.8 out of 10 from audiences and a box office loss. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved American Beauty or The Perks of Being a Wallflower, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 47 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect drug use and sex.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Grady is a 50-ish English professor who hasn't had a thing published in years—not since he wrote his award winning 'Great American Novel' 7 years ago. This weekend proves even worse than he could imagine as he finds himself reeling from one misadventure to another in the company of a new wonder boy author.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
81% on Rotten Tomatoes, 74 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.8 out of 10
- AwardsVery strong
Won 1 Oscar: Academy Awards: Best Original Song. Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Original Song – Motion Picture. Won 3 Critics' Choice Awards: Critics' Choice Movie Awards: Best Screenplay, Critics' Choice Movie Awards: Best Supporting Actress, Critics' Choice Movie Awards: Best Adapted Screenplay. Also nominated for 2 more Oscars, 3 more Golden Globes and 2 BAFTAs. Plus 14 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$33 million worldwide on a $35 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 156K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
At Close Range Sunday Safe BetAnother drug-world drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
American Beauty
Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed coming-of-age drama.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Saturday SpecialAnother coming-of-age drama, and a Saturday Special.
To Die For Sunday Safe BetAnother dramedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
A Serious Man Saturday SpecialAnother dramedy.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Curtis Hanson
- Michael DouglasGrady Tripp
- Tobey MaguireJames Leer
- Frances McDormandSara Gaskell
- Robert Downey Jr.Terry Crabtree
- Katie HolmesHannah Green
- Rip TornQ
- Richard KnoxVernon Hardapple
- Jane AdamsOola
- Michael CavadiasMiss Sloviak
- Richard ThomasWalter Gaskell