Ballast Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 12, 2026
Movie Overview: Ballast
| Movie | Ballast |
| Release Year | 2008 |
| Director | Lance Hammer |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 96 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Ballast (2008) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.1/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in Ballast are led by Micheal J. Smith Sr. . The supporting cast, including JimMyron Ross and Tarra Riggs , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
Ballast stands out as a strong entry in the Drama genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured Drama narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Ballast has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Ballast
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2008, Ballast is a Drama film directed by Lance Hammer. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Micheal J. Smith Sr..
Ending Explained: Ballast
Ballast Ending Explained: Directed by Lance Hammer, Ballast resolves its central conflicts in a coherent and engaging way. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Micheal J. Smith Sr.. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The main storyline reaches a clear conclusion.
- Character Development: The central characters complete meaningful arcs.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Ballast reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Ballast?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Micheal J. Smith Sr. or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Ballast
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $700.0K |
| Worldwide Gross | $81.9K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Ballast Budget
The estimated production budget for Ballast is $700.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Ballast
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Ballast Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreBallast Parents Guide & Age Rating
2008 AdvisoryWondering about Ballast age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Ballast is 96 minutes (1h 36m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.1/10, and global performance metrics, Ballast is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2008 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ballast worth watching?
Ballast is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7.1/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Ballast parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Ballast identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Ballast?
The total duration of Ballast is 96 minutes, which is approximately 1h 36m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.