Life or Something Like It
Performance & Direction: Life or Something Like It Review
Last updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Life or Something Like It (2002) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Life or Something Like It features a noteworthy lineup led by Angelina Jolie . Supported by the likes of Edward Burns and Tony Shalhoub , 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 Life or Something Like It (2002) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a decent one-time watch.
Story & Plot Summary: Life or Something Like It
Quick Plot Summary: Life or Something Like It is a Comedy, Drama, Romance film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. A reporter Lanie Kerrigan interviews a psychic homeless man for a fluff piece about a football game's score. Instead he tells her that her life has no meaning and is going to end in just a few days, which sparks her to action, trying to change the pattern of her life... The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: Life or Something Like It
Ending Breakdown: Life or Something Like It 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 Life or Something Like It reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Life or Something Like It?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Life or Something Like It
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $40.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $16.9M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Life or Something Like It Budget
The estimated production budget for Life or Something Like It is $40.0M. 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: Life or Something Like It
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Life or Something Like It Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Netflix
JioHotstar
VI movies and tvLife or Something Like It Parents Guide & Age Rating
2002 AdvisoryWondering about Life or Something Like It age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Life or Something Like It is 103 minutes (1h 43m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.7/10, and global performance metrics, Life or Something Like It is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2002 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Life or Something Like It worth watching?
Life or Something Like It is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.7/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Life or Something Like It parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Life or Something Like It identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Life or Something Like It?
The total duration of Life or Something Like It is 103 minutes, which is approximately 1h 43m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Life or Something Like It
How Life or Something Like It Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Life or Something Like It
No reviews found for this filter.
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.
Useful Links
More with Angelina Jolie
