Personal Best
Personal Best Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: April 11, 2026
Movie Overview: Personal Best
| Movie | Personal Best |
| Release Year | 1982 |
| Director | Robert Towne |
| Genre | Drama |
| Runtime | 124 minutes |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Personal Best (1982) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.9/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in Personal Best are led by Mariel Hemingway . The supporting cast, including Patrice Donnelly and Scott Glenn , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Personal Best does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Personal Best has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Personal Best
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1982, Personal Best is a Drama film directed by Robert Towne. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Mariel Hemingway.
Ending Explained: Personal Best
Personal Best Ending Explained: Directed by Robert Towne, Personal Best attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Mariel Hemingway. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Personal Best reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Personal Best?
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: Personal Best
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $16.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $5.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Personal Best Budget
The estimated production budget for Personal Best is $16.0M. 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: Personal Best
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Where to Watch Personal Best Online?
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Fandango At HomePersonal Best Parents Guide & Age Rating
1982 AdvisoryWondering about Personal Best age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Personal Best is 124 minutes (2h 4m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.9/10, and global performance metrics, Personal Best is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1982 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Personal Best worth watching?
Personal Best is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.9/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Personal Best parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Personal Best identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Personal Best?
The total duration of Personal Best is 124 minutes, which is approximately 2h 4m 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.










