Is Life Stinks Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Life Stinks 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.
Life Stinks Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1991, Life Stinks emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Affluent and arrogant businessman Goddard Bolt, feuding with rival Vance Crasswell over a land deal, makes a bet with Crasswell that he has the wits and street smarts to live penniless and anonymous on the rough streets of Los Angeles for thirty days. Unlike standard genre fare, Life Stinks 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 Life Stinks features a noteworthy lineup led by Mel Brooks . Supported by the likes of Lesley Ann Warren and Jeffrey Tambor , 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 Stinks (1991) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.7/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Life Stinks Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Life Stinks is a Comedy 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.
Life Stinks Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Life Stinks attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, 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 Stinks reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Life Stinks?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Life Stinks Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $13.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $4.1M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Life Stinks Budget
The estimated production budget for Life Stinks is $13.0M. 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.
Advertisement
Full Cast & Crew of Life Stinks
- Mel Brooks – Goddard Bolt
- Lesley Ann Warren – Molly
- Jeffrey Tambor – Vance Crasswell
- Stuart Pankin – Pritchard
- Michael Ensign – Knowles
Top Highlights
Mel BrooksGoddard Bolt
Lesley Ann WarrenMolly
Jeffrey TamborVance Crasswell
Stuart PankinPritchard
Michael EnsignKnowles
Howard MorrisSailor
Matthew FaisonStevens
Rudy De LucaJ. Paul Getty
Teddy WilsonFumes
Stanley BrockStore Owner
Where to Watch Life Stinks Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
fuboTV
MGM+ Amazon Channel
MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel
MGM Plus
Philo🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Life Stinks is rated PG-13. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.7/10, and global collection metrics, Life Stinks stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1991 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Life Stinks movie hit or flop?
Life Stinks has received mixed reviews with a 5.7/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Life Stinks worth watching?
Life Stinks is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Comedy movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Life Stinks online?
Life Stinks is currently available for streaming on fuboTV. You can also check for it on platforms like fuboTV, MGM+ Amazon Channel, MGM Plus Roku Premium Channel, MGM Plus, Philo depending on your region.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked Life Stinks
How Life Stinks Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for Life Stinks
No reviews found for this filter.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
More with Mel Brooks
Free to Be... a Family
Mel Brooks: The Genius Entertainer
Recording the Producers: A Musical Romp with Mel Brooks