Brad's Status
Annapurna Pictures | Release Date: September 15, 2017
6.5
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 55 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
37
Mixed:
11
Negative:
7
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
7
CriticFerOct 22, 2017
The premise may not be the best but with Mike White direction and writing and Ben Stiller's performance makes "Brad's Status" being a really intrest, relaxing, funny and emotional movie that should be more appreciated that movies like "War ofThe premise may not be the best but with Mike White direction and writing and Ben Stiller's performance makes "Brad's Status" being a really intrest, relaxing, funny and emotional movie that should be more appreciated that movies like "War of the Planet of the Apes".… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
Graham433Sep 16, 2017
Brad's Status is a fun movie which I had a blast watching. It is no cinematic masterpiece. Just a Father-Son comedy that is really enjoyable. 7/10 - 70
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
JLuis_001Oct 31, 2017
Another family drama for Ben Stiller in this year. What happened to full-time comedy? nevertheless I have to give him credit, he's doing a good job and although this movie will be nothing in his filmography, he seems to be okay with what he's doing.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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7
KalebKohoOct 29, 2017
Brad's Status is an interesting character piece with some very standout performances. Overall, it feels like a first class, 1% envy problem from a guy you wish would just lighten up a bit.
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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10
anothermovieplsSep 17, 2017
It speaks volumes that a movie like this gets a 70 here at Metacrtic while
a Guardians of the Galaxy gets a 90. Its actually quite depressing.
I thought this movie was great. This movie will undoubtedly do very well in Europe, as do WoodyIt speaks volumes that a movie like this gets a 70 here at Metacrtic while
a Guardians of the Galaxy gets a 90. Its actually quite depressing.

I thought this movie was great. This movie will undoubtedly do very
well in Europe, as do Woody Allen movies, and for the same reasons:
this movie articulates some of inner thoughts and re-focuses our
attention on what is important in life. Many people I believe were put off by the abrupt ending and it is a bit
abrupt. But the writing is just perfect and Ben Stiller has so much
depth. Ben Stiller has to be commended. He can make millions and
chooses from time to time movies like this one and Greenberg. Keep them
coming Ben. Much appreciated.

A gem.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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1
LoudermilkOct 3, 2017
Ben Stiller is very unbelievable and very unlike able. The writing is very mediocre and depends on voice overs. The plot is weak and left unfinished. The sons acting is better and he moves my review up from a zero to a one!
0 of 4 users found this helpful04
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4
TVJerrySep 25, 2017
Ben Stiller takes his son on a college campus visit, but spends most of the time ruminating about his own lack of success. In constant voiceover and some flights of fantasy, he compares himself to his college buds, all of whom seem to haveBen Stiller takes his son on a college campus visit, but spends most of the time ruminating about his own lack of success. In constant voiceover and some flights of fantasy, he compares himself to his college buds, all of whom seem to have flourishing lives and careers. Stiller takes this opportunity to go dramatic, but his character's steady whining makes him hard to like. Austin Abrams plays the prodigy progeny with a much cooler attitude. Writer/director Mike White (who also has a cameo as the married gay director) has penned a script that's not especially eloquent and definitely self-absorbed (on behalf of the lead character and the writer). He has managed to capture a few moments of genuine feeling, but the impact is diluted by the overwhelming over-indulgence of tedious contemplation.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
lancekozFeb 23, 2018
This was a bit of surprise for me, as I thought of a more whacky father-son road trip film, but this is pretty serious stuff after the first 40 minutes or so. And rather than continued travel and humorous situations, the film stops inThis was a bit of surprise for me, as I thought of a more whacky father-son road trip film, but this is pretty serious stuff after the first 40 minutes or so. And rather than continued travel and humorous situations, the film stops in Cambridge and becomes a very thoughtful meditation on the possibilities of a modern US life. No sidetrips into far-fetched romance or sit-com misunderstandings, but instead becomes pure soulful ruminations. One of the few films that I wished were longer by the end.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
section20mi6Mar 15, 2018
A story about a person's internal struggle with the reality and perceptions, White examines the thoughtful and doubtful mind of Mid-age Brad who questions his career choices and idealistic goals. The well-developed characters and father-sonA story about a person's internal struggle with the reality and perceptions, White examines the thoughtful and doubtful mind of Mid-age Brad who questions his career choices and idealistic goals. The well-developed characters and father-son relationship truly underscore the importance of family and the insignificance of competitions, suggesting one should always cherish what he or she has rather than regret what's been lost.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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5
virginiaproudJan 15, 2018
Ben Stiller does a fine job here as Brad, wallowing in status envy as he considers the perceived success of his fellow graduates. It's a very watchable flick but honestly, it's not that profound, your basic grass is greener situation. BradBen Stiller does a fine job here as Brad, wallowing in status envy as he considers the perceived success of his fellow graduates. It's a very watchable flick but honestly, it's not that profound, your basic grass is greener situation. Brad isn't facing any challenge or conflict except his own negative self evaluation, and the sum of the action is that over the time frame of a college visit with his son to Boston, we get to watch him beat himself up while still successfully pulling strings to get his son into Harvard. One of the characters comments that everything he's describing can be summed up as privileged white male problems. I felt this was meant to be a 'deep moment'. It wasn't.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
FedorkoNov 13, 2017
A Ben Stiller movie is always refreshing. He chooses movies that deal with wonder, awe and self-awareness. This movie is exactly that. It approaches self-awakening from a perspective of a loving father who will anything he can for his son. AA Ben Stiller movie is always refreshing. He chooses movies that deal with wonder, awe and self-awareness. This movie is exactly that. It approaches self-awakening from a perspective of a loving father who will anything he can for his son. A very American, middle class film that almost anyone can enjoy. But that's also it's downfall. It's a safe film- a family friendly think piece. It would have been nice to see it push it's thesis a little stronger.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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9
DjunaJan 9, 2018
'Brad's Status' is a really good, very deep film. This is an arty drama starring Ben Stiller, and he gives an emotionally profound performance as a father who's trying to connect with his son (Austin Abrams), evaluating his own life, and'Brad's Status' is a really good, very deep film. This is an arty drama starring Ben Stiller, and he gives an emotionally profound performance as a father who's trying to connect with his son (Austin Abrams), evaluating his own life, and facing his fear that one or both of them will ultimately be a failure.

Mike White ('School of Rock') is the writer and first-time director. He executes a simple, familiar premise thoroughly, with loving attention to detail. This is a self-aware, mature film.

Mark Mothersbaugh's score is incredibly skilful. Not many composers can make an audience laugh darkly at a single well-placed piano chord -- but he can. When several characters converge upon a performance of Dvořák's 'Humoresque,' too, it's a well-earned emotional moment.

Look, I wasn't sure about going to see a Ben Stiller movie either, but I **** you not. At the end of my screening, strangers in the audience were looking at each other open-mouthed. 'Brad's Status' reminded me of Woody Allen movies, and of 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.' Go and see this movie. 9/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
amheretojudgeJan 16, 2018
the world was in love with me..

Brad's Status Mike White's vision, idea, lines and words relates with the audience and with the help of Ben Stiller's majestic performance as an overthinking negatively charged person, Brad's Status connectsthe world was in love with me..

Brad's Status

Mike White's vision, idea, lines and words relates with the audience and with the help of Ben Stiller's majestic performance as an overthinking negatively charged person, Brad's Status connects each and every dot that a cinema should.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
cranehowNov 23, 2018
If you'e into unalloyed narcissism and self-pity, this is the one for you. One saving grace: the young actor playing Brad's son is almost worth the price of admission.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
DawdlingPoetNov 28, 2021
This is pretty typical Ben Stiller fare. Although its categorised as a comedy, it certainly isn't an obviously laugh out loud funny type of a film, so I'd question labelling it a comedy. However, there are a few moments which I suppose madeThis is pretty typical Ben Stiller fare. Although its categorised as a comedy, it certainly isn't an obviously laugh out loud funny type of a film, so I'd question labelling it a comedy. However, there are a few moments which I suppose made me smirk a bit. Its another sort of life reflective, somewhat philosophical (without being too deep), not quite maudlin but not entirely far away from that either. The main character, Brad, is someone the viewer is clearly meant to feel sorry for but I wasn't especially convinced by the performance Stiller gave. However, nonetheless it was a pretty easy watch and I suppose I imagine others would enjoy it more than I did. I didn't think it was entirely memorable as such but others may disagree - perhaps its more aimed at parents of adolescents soon set to leave home, as the plot is mostly about Brads son looking to go to college.

I thought Jenna Fischer and Michael Sheen gave alright performances but otherwise, there isn't much to say about it, although I did find the instrumental music played in the background quite distracting and irritating at times. There is plot development but it felt painfully slow to me.

I wouldn't especially recommend it as such, no.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
geewahJan 7, 2021
Not bad, not great. A coming of age movie for both father and son that suffers a bit from being self indulgent.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
Craftnight405Apr 23, 2023
Brad Sloan (Ben Stiller) reist mit seinem Sohn nach Boston, um sich bei verschiedenen Colleges zu bewerben. Dabei denkt Brad die ganze Zeit über sein Leben nach und stellt sich vor, sie sein Leben hätte sein können. Gleichzeitig stellt erBrad Sloan (Ben Stiller) reist mit seinem Sohn nach Boston, um sich bei verschiedenen Colleges zu bewerben. Dabei denkt Brad die ganze Zeit über sein Leben nach und stellt sich vor, sie sein Leben hätte sein können. Gleichzeitig stellt er sich vor wie seine College Freunde ein besseres Leben haben als er.
Im Zweifel Glücklich ist keine typische Ben Stiller Komödie, wo er einen Loser spielt und eine Frau findet oder eher sich abgedreht verhält. Er spielt hier einen 47-jährigen Mann, welcher mit seinem Leben unzufrieden ist und alles hinterfragt, was er gemacht hat und gibt nicht nur sich die Schuld. Er hat Gedanken, die jeder mal hat und schwelgt ihn alte Erinnerungen, wo alles besser war. Die Handlung ist nichts Neues und es passiert auch nicht gerade viel im Film. Trotzdem ist der Film bewegend und regt zum Nachdenken an. Ben Stiller zeigt hier seine ruhige und dramatische Seite. Es kommt zwar nicht an Das erstaunliche Leben des Walter Mitty ran ist, trotzdem ein schöner, ruhiger Film.
Der Film beinhaltet viele Themen wie Neid, Angst, Selbstzweifel, Überschätzung und was wichtig ist im Leben und wie unterschiedlich die Wahrnehmung sein kann.

8,5/10… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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