Is Carbon Copy Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Carbon Copy is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 92 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Carbon Copy Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1981, Carbon Copy emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy, Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A middle-aged married wealthy white corporate executive is surprised to discover that he has a working-class black teen-age son who wants to be adopted into the almost-exclusively-white upper-middle-class community of San Marino, California. Unlike standard genre fare, Carbon Copy attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Carbon Copy features a noteworthy lineup led by Denzel Washington . Supported by the likes of George Segal and Susan Saint James , 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 Carbon Copy (1981) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Carbon Copy Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Carbon Copy is a Comedy, Drama film that brings laughter through clever writing and comedic timing, offering both entertainment and social commentary. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Carbon Copy Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Carbon Copy attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Carbon Copy reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Carbon Copy?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Carbon Copy Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $9.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Carbon Copy Budget
The estimated production budget for Carbon Copy is $6.0M. 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.
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Full Cast & Crew of Carbon Copy
- Denzel Washington – Roger Porter
- George Segal – Walter Whitney
- Susan Saint James – Vivian Whitney
- Jack Warden – Nelson Longhurst
- Paul Winfield – Bob Garvey
Top Highlights
Denzel WashingtonRoger Porter
George SegalWalter Whitney
Susan Saint JamesVivian Whitney
Jack WardenNelson Longhurst
Paul WinfieldBob Garvey
Macon McCalmanTubby Wederholt
Vicky DawsonMary Ann
Parley BaerDr. Bristol
Dick MartinVictor Bard
Carmen FilpiWino
Where to Watch Carbon Copy Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
ScreenPix Apple TV Channel
ScreenPix Amazon Channel Parents Guide & Age Rating
Carbon Copy is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, Carbon Copy stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1981 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Carbon Copy movie hit or flop?
Carbon Copy has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Carbon Copy worth watching?
Carbon Copy is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy, Drama movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Carbon Copy online?
Carbon Copy is currently available for streaming on ScreenPix Apple TV Channel. You can also check for it on platforms like ScreenPix Apple TV Channel, ScreenPix Amazon Channel depending on your region.
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Critic Reviews for Carbon Copy
'Carbon Copy' is a Denzel Washington flick that only a few have apparently seen; just 2.9k watched on Letterboxd, for example. That's a surprise, as is the film itself frankly. It's a bit of a trip. I knew it'd be to do with race due to the poster/title, but it's the entire plot. I was getting major vibes of 'Trading Places' throughout, there are plenty of differences, for sure, but the white guy's trajectory is fairly similar. That Landis flick came out just two years after this, curiously. As for how this deals with race, I think positively (albeit clumsily). Washington, in his proper movie debut, is standout. I wouldn't have predicted the phenomenal actor that he'd soon become based on this performance, but there is enough to show his acting prowess. George Segal is just as good as Denzel, the two share solid comedic chemistry. It is amusing, I found myself chuckling. The plot is ludicrous but it's never portrayed not to be just that, in fairness. I did enjoy it, as bizarre as it is (how about that opening scene!). It does have an old TV sitcom feel to it, largely thanks to a catchy score (by a certain Bill Conti). "Not aged the best"/"couldn't make it nowadays" and all that. Still, it did entertain me for (a well chosen run time of) 90 minutes.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
