Citizen Ruth
Seen it?1996 | 104 min | Drama, Comedy
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (80% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had a box office loss and little lasting buzz. 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. 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 44 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect drug use.
"Citizen Ruth" is the story of Ruth Stoops, a woman who nobody even noticed -- until she got pregnant. Now, everyone wants a piece of her. The film is a comedy about one woman caught in the ultimate tug-of-war: a clash of wild, noisy, ridiculous people that rapidly dissolves into a media circus.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
80% on Rotten Tomatoes, 64 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.6 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$285K worldwide on a $3 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactBelow par
About 50K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Coffy
Saturday SpecialAnother drama that's easy to miss.
Kinds of Kindness
Weeknight WatchAnother dramedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Human Nature Weeknight WatchAlso stars Mary Kay Place, in another dramedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Pineapple Express Sunday Safe BetAnother comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Family Weekend
Monday Morning MaybeAnother dramedy. Fair warning: it's a Monday Morning Maybe.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Alexander Payne
- Laura DernRuth Stoops
- Swoosie KurtzDiane Siegler
- Kurtwood SmithNorm Stoney
- Mary Kay PlaceGail Stoney
- Kelly PrestonRachel
- M.C. GaineyHarlan
- Kenneth MarsDr. Charlie Rollins
- David GrafJudge Richter
- Kathleen NooneNurse Pat
- Tippi HedrenJessica Weiss