Lay the Favorite
Performance & Direction: Lay the Favorite Review
Last updated: January 28, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Lay the Favorite (2012) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.2/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Lay the Favorite features a noteworthy lineup led by Rebecca Hall . Supported by the likes of Bruce Willis and Catherine Zeta-Jones , 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 Lay the Favorite (2012) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.2/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Story & Plot Summary: Lay the Favorite
Quick Plot Summary: Lay the Favorite is a Drama, Comedy film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Lay the Favorite
Ending Breakdown: Lay the Favorite attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Lay the Favorite reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Lay the Favorite?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Lay the Favorite
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $26.4M |
| Worldwide Gross | $1.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Lay the Favorite Budget
The estimated production budget for Lay the Favorite is $26.4M. 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: Lay the Favorite
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Where to Watch Lay the Favorite Online?
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Fandango At HomeLay the Favorite Parents Guide & Age Rating
2012 AdvisoryWondering about Lay the Favorite age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Lay the Favorite is 94 minutes (1h 34m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.2/10, and global performance metrics, Lay the Favorite is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2012 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lay the Favorite worth watching?
Lay the Favorite is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.2/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Lay the Favorite parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Lay the Favorite identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Lay the Favorite?
The total duration of Lay the Favorite is 94 minutes, which is approximately 1h 34m 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.
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