The Smell of Success
Performance & Direction: The Smell of Success Review
Last updated: February 7, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Smell of Success (2011) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.6/10. 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 Smell of Success features a noteworthy lineup led by Billy Bob Thornton . Supported by the likes of Téa Leoni and Mark Polish , 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 Smell of Success
Quick Plot Summary: The Smell of 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.
Ending Explained: The Smell of Success
Ending Breakdown: The Smell of Success 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 Smell of Success reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Smell of Success?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Smell of Success
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $9.6M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Smell of Success Budget
The estimated production budget for The Smell of Success is $9.6M. 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 Smell of Success
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch The Smell of Success Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
Amazon Prime Video
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Shout! Factory Amazon Channel🎟️ Rent on
Google Play Movies
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Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Google Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Smell of Success Parents Guide & Age Rating
2011 AdvisoryWondering about The Smell of Success age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Smell of Success is 96 minutes (1h 36m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.6/10, and global performance metrics, The Smell of Success is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2011 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Smell of Success worth watching?
The Smell of Success is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5.6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Smell of Success parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Smell of Success identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Smell of Success?
The total duration of The Smell of Success is 96 minutes, which is approximately 1h 36m 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.
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