The Secret of My Success
Performance & Direction: The Secret of My Success Review
Last updated: February 8, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Secret of My Success (1987) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.5/10. 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 of My Success features a noteworthy lineup led by Michael J. Fox . Supported by the likes of Helen Slater and Richard Jordan , 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?
Story & Plot Summary: The Secret of My Success
Quick Plot Summary: The Secret of My Success 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.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. Brantley Foster, a well-educated kid from Kansas, has always dreamed of making it big in New York, but once in New York, he learns that jobs - and girls - are hard to get. When Brantley visits his uncle, Howard Prescott, who runs a multi-million-dollar company, he is given a job in the company's mail room. The film finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks and running gags that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: The Secret of My Success
Ending Breakdown: The Secret of My Success concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. 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 of My Success reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Secret of My Success?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Secret of My Success
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $12.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $111.0M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Secret of My Success Budget
The estimated production budget for The Secret of My Success is $12.0M. 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: The Secret of My Success
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Where to Watch The Secret of My Success Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeThe Secret of My Success Parents Guide & Age Rating
1987 AdvisoryWondering about The Secret of My Success age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Secret of My Success is 111 minutes (1h 51m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Secret of My Success is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1987 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Secret of My Success worth watching?
The Secret of My Success is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.5/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Secret of My Success parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Secret of My Success identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Secret of My Success?
The total duration of The Secret of My Success is 111 minutes, which is approximately 1h 51m 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.
