Is What's Right with America Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, What's Right with America is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 46 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
What's Right with America Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1997, What's Right with America emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, History, Science Fiction domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of A family returns to America after spending seven years in a remote jungle of New Guinea doing public health work, only to find that the bill of rights has been suspended and that the country is now a fascist totalitarian state. Unlike standard genre fare, What's Right with America 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 What's Right with America features a noteworthy lineup led by Timothy Busfield . Supported by the likes of Jeanine Jackson and Patrick Duffy , 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 Right with America (1997) is negative. With an audience rating of 4.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
What's Right with America Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: What's Right with America is a Drama, History, Science Fiction 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.
What's Right with America Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: What's Right with America attempts to tie together its various plot elements. 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 What's Right with America reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
What's Right with America Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
What's Right with America draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history, science fiction film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: What's Right with America adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch What's Right with America?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of What's Right with America
- Timothy Busfield – Mr. Gordon
- Jeanine Jackson – Betsy Gordon
- Patrick Duffy – Self
- Ryan Merriman – Todd Gordon
- Amy Danles – Margie Gordon
Top Highlights
Timothy BusfieldMr. Gordon
Jeanine JacksonBetsy Gordon
Patrick DuffySelf
Ryan MerrimanTodd Gordon
Amy DanlesMargie Gordon
Christopher ThomasPresident Collins
Dwayne L. BarnesPrisoner
Eric WinzenriedCustoms Officer
Ritchie CopenhaverRecruiting Sergeant
Herb MitchellBus Driver
Parents Guide & Age Rating
What's Right with America has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 4/10, and global collection metrics, What's Right with America stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1997 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is What's Right with America movie hit or flop?
What's Right with America is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 4/10 and lower collections.
Is What's Right with America worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 4/10, What's Right with America may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch What's Right with America online?
What's Right with America may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
How What's Right with America Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for What's Right with America
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
Useful Links
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