Is Paternity Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Paternity is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 94 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Paternity Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1981, Paternity emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Buddy Evans manages events at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Unlike standard genre fare, Paternity 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 Paternity features a noteworthy lineup led by Burt Reynolds . Supported by the likes of Beverly D'Angelo and Norman Fell , 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 Paternity (1981) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Paternity Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Paternity 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.
Paternity Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Paternity 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 Paternity reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Paternity?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Paternity Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $9.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $18.8M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Paternity Budget
The estimated production budget for Paternity is $9.0M. 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 Paternity
- Burt Reynolds – Buddy Evans
- Beverly D'Angelo – Maggie
- Norman Fell – Larry
- Paul Dooley – Kurt
- Elizabeth Ashley – Sophia Thatcher
Top Highlights
Burt ReynoldsBuddy Evans
Beverly D'AngeloMaggie
Norman FellLarry
Paul DooleyKurt
Elizabeth AshleySophia Thatcher
Lauren HuttonJenny Lofton
Juanita MooreCelia
Peter BillingsleyTad
Jacqueline BrookesAunt Ethel
Linda GillenCathy
Where to Watch Paternity Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home
Spectrum On Demand🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
Paternity is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4.9/10, and global collection metrics, Paternity stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1981 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paternity movie hit or flop?
Paternity is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4.9/10 and lower collections.
Is Paternity worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4.9/10, Paternity may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Paternity online?
Paternity may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
