Talk Radio
Performance & Direction: Talk Radio Review
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Talk Radio (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.0/10. 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 Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Talk Radio features a noteworthy lineup led by Eric Bogosian . Supported by the likes of Ellen Greene and Leslie Hope , 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 Talk Radio (1988) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Talk Radio
Quick Plot Summary: Talk Radio is a Drama film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Talk Radio
Ending Breakdown: Talk Radio resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Talk Radio reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Talk Radio?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Talk Radio
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $4.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.5M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Talk Radio Budget
The estimated production budget for Talk Radio is $4.0M. 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: Talk Radio
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Talk Radio Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
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Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeTalk Radio Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about Talk Radio age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Talk Radio is 109 minutes (1h 49m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7/10, and global collection metrics, Talk Radio stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Talk Radio worth watching?
Talk Radio is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Talk Radio parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Talk Radio identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Talk Radio?
The total duration of Talk Radio is 109 minutes, which is approximately 1h 49m long.
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Critic Reviews for Talk Radio
This is typical Oliver Stone...no, wait, I didn't mean that in a bad way. I actually meant that in a very positive way. Our protagonist is a Glenn Beck type, overly opinionated, thuggish, personality meets the shock jock ratings whore...and, in a way that only Stone can achieve, he is treated pretty fairly. In fact, just about everyone in the film right down to the Neo Nazis are treated pretty fairly. But this was the man, with traditionally liberal values, that was able to make Nixon look sympathetic and gave W a fair shake. Obscene Racists are treated like humans. Gotta love Stone. Any other director would have made them a walking stereo-type with no personality. So what you have here is a wonderfully unique film that, despite it being Stone, really feels honest and unbiased. It's an INSANELY UNDER-RATED FILM.
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.
