Is Smile Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Smile is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 113 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Smile Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1975, Smile emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of It's time again for California's "Young American Miss" beauty pageant, the biggest event of the year for Big Bob Freelander and Brenda DiCarlo, who give their all to put on a successful pageant. Unlike standard genre fare, Smile 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 Smile features a noteworthy lineup led by Bruce Dern . Supported by the likes of Barbara Feldon and Michael Kidd , 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 Smile (1975) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.8/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Smile Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Smile 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.
Smile Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Smile 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 Smile reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Smile?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Smile
- Bruce Dern – Big Bob
- Barbara Feldon – Brenda
- Michael Kidd – Tommy French
- Geoffrey Lewis – Wilson
- Nicholas Pryor – Andy
Top Highlights
Bruce DernBig Bob
Barbara FeldonBrenda
Michael KiddTommy French
Geoffrey LewisWilson
Nicholas PryorAndy
Joan PratherRobin
Denise NickersonShirley
Melanie GriffithKaren
Annette O'TooleDoria
Maria O'BrienMaria
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Smile is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.8/10, and global collection metrics, Smile stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1975 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Smile movie hit or flop?
Smile has received mixed reviews with a 5.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Smile worth watching?
Smile 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 Smile online?
Smile 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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How Smile Compares & Where it Ranks
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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.
