The Secret Life of Algernon

  • 1997
  • Not Rated
  • 106m
movieMx RATING
4.0/101
VERDICT
FLOP
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Performance & Direction: The Secret Life of Algernon Review

Last updated: February 5, 2026

movieMx Editorial Team
REVIEWED BY

movieMx Editorial Team

🔍 Cinematic Analysis Expert

Leading cinematic analysis expert with over 10 years of experience in Bollywood and Hollywood box office tracking. Reviewed 500+ films with a focus on narrative structure and commercial profitability.

📅 Updated: February 5, 2026 🎟️ Verified Viewing

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is The Secret Life of Algernon (1997) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a FLOP with a verified audience rating of 4.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.

🎭 Cast Performances: A Masterclass

The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Secret Life of Algernon features a noteworthy lineup led by John Cullum . Supported by the likes of Carrie-Anne Moss and Charles Durning , 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 Secret Life of Algernon (1997) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.0/10, it stands as a challenging project that may struggle to find an audience.
Result: FLOP
Based on verified audience sentiment and box office trajectory, The Secret Life of Algernon stands as a FLOP.

Story & Plot Summary: The Secret Life of Algernon

Quick Plot Summary: The Secret Life of Algernon is a Comedy film that brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.

Ending Explained: The Secret Life of Algernon

Ending Breakdown: The Secret Life of Algernon 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 The Secret Life of Algernon reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.

Who Should Watch The Secret Life of Algernon?

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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Top Cast: The Secret Life of Algernon

All Cast & Crew →
John Cullum
John CullumAlgernon Pendleton
Carrie-Anne Moss
Carrie-Anne MossMadge Clerisy
Charles Durning
Charles DurningNorbie Hess
Hrant Alianak
Hrant AlianakMahir Sulleyman
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The Secret Life of Algernon Parents Guide & Age Rating

1997 Advisory
Not Rated

Official Age Rating

Wondering about The Secret Life of Algernon age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

The Secret Life of Algernon has not been officially rated yet.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of The Secret Life of Algernon is 106 minutes (1h 46m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 4.0/10, and global performance metrics, The Secret Life of Algernon is classified as a FLOP. It remains an essential part of the 1997 cinematic calendar.

FLOP
Official movieMx status for The Secret Life of Algernon. Rating: 4.0/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Secret Life of Algernon worth watching?

The Secret Life of Algernon is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 4/10 and stands as a FLOP in our box office analysis.

Where can I find The Secret Life of Algernon parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for The Secret Life of Algernon identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the total runtime of The Secret Life of Algernon?

The total duration of The Secret Life of Algernon is 106 minutes, which is approximately 1h 46m long.

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How The Secret Life of Algernon Compares & Where it Ranks

Critic Reviews for The Secret Life of Algernon

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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.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 4.0
The Secret Life of Algernon
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