Performance & Direction: Buddy Review
Last updated: January 20, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Buddy (1997) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 4.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Family.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Family is often anchored by its ensemble, and Buddy features a noteworthy lineup led by Rene Russo . Supported by the likes of Robbie Coltrane and Alan Cumming , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Buddy (1997) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Buddy
Quick Plot Summary: Buddy is a Family, Adventure, Comedy, Drama film that presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Buddy
Ending Breakdown: Buddy attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to family resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the family themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Buddy reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Buddy?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Family films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Buddy
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $25.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $10.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Buddy Budget
The estimated production budget for Buddy is $25.0M. 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: Buddy
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Where to Watch Buddy Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV
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Apple TVBuddy Parents Guide & Age Rating
1997 AdvisoryWondering about Buddy age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Buddy is 84 minutes (1h 24m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.9/10, and global collection metrics, Buddy stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1997 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Buddy worth watching?
Buddy is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Family movies. It has a verified rating of 4.9/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Buddy parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Buddy identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Buddy?
The total duration of Buddy is 84 minutes, which is approximately 1h 24m 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.
