What's in a Name
Performance & Direction: What's in a Name Review
Last updated: January 27, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is What's in a Name (2012) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. 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 What's in a Name features a noteworthy lineup led by Patrick Bruel . Supported by the likes of Valérie Benguigui and Charles Berling , 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 What's in a Name (2012) is generally positive. With an audience rating of 7.3/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: What's in a Name
Quick Plot Summary: What's in a Name 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. Vincent, a wealthy real estate agent, is invited to dinner by his sister Elizabeth and her husband Peter, both professors in Paris. Claude, a childhood friend and trombonist in a symphony orchestra, is also present. Vincent brings news from the prenatal examination of his and his wife Anna's unborn son. The name chosen by the soon-to-be parents strongly offends the others for many reasons. The dispute between the guests quickly escalates and before long the resurgence of old grudges and hidden secrets is unavoidable... 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: What's in a Name
Ending Breakdown: What's in a Name resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for 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 with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of What's in a Name reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch What's in a Name?
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
Top Cast: What's in a Name
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Where to Watch What's in a Name Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeWhat's in a Name Parents Guide & Age Rating
2012 AdvisoryWondering about What's in a Name age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of What's in a Name is 109 minutes (1h 49m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, What's in a Name is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2012 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What's in a Name worth watching?
What's in a Name is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find What's in a Name parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for What's in a Name identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of What's in a Name?
The total duration of What's in a Name is 109 minutes, which is approximately 1h 49m 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.
