Is The Wackness Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Wackness is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 99 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Wackness Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2008, The Wackness emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, Comedy, Romance domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Set in New York City in the sweltering summer, The Wackness tells the story of a troubled teenage drug dealer, who trades pot for therapy sessions with a drug-addled psychiatrist. Unlike standard genre fare, The Wackness 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 Wackness features a noteworthy lineup led by Josh Peck . Supported by the likes of Ben Kingsley and Famke Janssen , 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 Wackness (2008) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.4/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
The Wackness Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Wackness is a Drama, Comedy, 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 Wackness Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Wackness concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. 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 Wackness reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Wackness?
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
The Wackness Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $6.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $3.2M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Wackness Budget
The estimated production budget for The Wackness is $6.0M. 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 Wackness
- Josh Peck – Luke Shapiro
- Ben Kingsley – Dr. Squires
- Famke Janssen – Kristin Squires
- Olivia Thirlby – Stephanie
- Mary-Kate Olsen – Union
Top Highlights
Josh PeckLuke Shapiro
Ben KingsleyDr. Squires
Famke JanssenKristin Squires
Olivia ThirlbyStephanie
Mary-Kate OlsenUnion
Jane AdamsEleanor
Method ManPercy
Aaron YooJustin
Talia BalsamMrs. Shapiro
David WohlMr. Shapiro
Where to Watch The Wackness Online?
Streaming Hub📺 Stream on
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Apple TV
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TVGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeParents Guide & Age Rating
The Wackness 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 6.4/10, and global collection metrics, The Wackness stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2008 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Wackness movie hit or flop?
The Wackness has received mixed reviews with a 6.4/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The Wackness worth watching?
The Wackness is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, Comedy, Romance movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch The Wackness online?
The Wackness is currently available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video. You can also check for it on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads depending on your region.
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How The Wackness Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Wackness
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This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
