RATING★ 5.6/10
VERDICT ABOVE AVERAGE
The Boost (1988) movie backdrop
The Boost (1988) movie poster

The Boost Hit or Flop?

Rating
5.6/10
🎯Verdict
ABOVE AVERAGE
👍 GOOD
  • Engaging Storyline
  • Strong Performances
👎 BAD
  • Pacing issues in mid
  • Predictable ending
198895 minDrama, Romance
Audience VerdictABOVE AVERAGE
Box Office ClassStandard

The Boost

The Boost Movie Hit or Flop?

ABOVE AVERAGE

Verdict:The Boost is a confirmed FLOP based on our analysis of audience ratings and box office momentum.

With a rating of 5.6/10, it has delivered a mixed experience for fans of the Drama, Romance genre.

Is The Boost Worth Watching?

Answer: Maybe not, The Boost is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.

It features a runtime of 95 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.

5.6/10 56 votes
95Minutes
1988Release Year
Visual Story
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The Boost Review

Last updated: January 18, 2026

🎬 Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations

Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1988, The Boost emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Lenny Brown moves to California to find his fortune in tax shelter investments. Unlike standard genre fare, The Boost attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Boost features a noteworthy lineup led by James Woods . Supported by the likes of Sean Young and John Kapelos , 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 The Boost (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.6/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.

The Boost Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline

Quick Plot Summary: The Boost is a Drama, Romance film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

The Boost Ending Explained & Final Analysis

Ending Breakdown: The Boost attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents 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 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 drama themes established throughout the runtime.

The final moments of The Boost reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Boost?

Consider Watching If:

  • You're a completist for Drama films
  • You're curious despite mixed reviews
  • You have low expectations and want casual entertainment

The Boost Box Office Collection

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $8.0M
Worldwide Gross $785.0K
Trade Verdict FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT

The Boost Budget

The estimated production budget for The Boost is $8.0M. 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 The Boost

  • James Woods – Lenny Brown
  • Sean Young – Linda Brown
  • John Kapelos – Joel Miller
  • Steven Hill – Max Sherman
  • Kelle Kerr – Rochelle

Top Highlights

James Woods
James WoodsLenny Brown
Sean Young
Sean YoungLinda Brown
John Kapelos
John KapelosJoel Miller
Steven Hill
Steven HillMax Sherman
Kelle Kerr
Kelle KerrRochelle
John Rothman
John RothmanNed
Amanda Blake
Amanda BlakeBarbara
Grace Zabriskie
Grace ZabriskieSheryl
Marc Poppel
Marc PoppelMark
Fred McCarren
Fred McCarrenTom

Where to Watch The Boost Online?

Streaming Hub

📺 Stream on

fuboTVfuboTV
MGM+ Amazon ChannelMGM+ Amazon Channel
MGM Plus Roku Premium ChannelMGM Plus Roku Premium Channel
MGM PlusMGM Plus
PhiloPhilo

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TVApple TV
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TVApple TV
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Parents Guide & Age Rating

R
The Boost is rated R. Parents should be aware that it contains romantic content. It is intended for mature audiences only.

Final Verdict

Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.6/10, and global collection metrics, The Boost stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.

Official Trailer

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Boost movie hit or flop?

The Boost has received mixed reviews with a 5.6/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.

Is The Boost worth watching?

The Boost is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Romance movies, but read reviews first.

Where can I watch The Boost online?

The Boost 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.

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How The Boost Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Boost

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 5.6
The Boost
<a href="https://moviemx.in/review/the-boost-94440" target="_blank" style="text-decoration:none;"><div style="background:#121212;border:1px solid #f5c518;border-radius:12px;padding:15px;width:180px;text-align:center;font-family:sans-serif;box-shadow:0 10px 20px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);"><div style="color:#f5c518;font-size:10px;font-weight:900;letter-spacing:2px;">MOVIEMX</div><div style="color:white;font-size:28px;font-weight:900;margin:8px 0;">★ 5.6</div><div style="color:#888;font-size:12px;font-weight:500;">The Boost</div></div></a>

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