6.9
Where can I stream The Wackness legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Wackness
2008·Movie
·1h 39min·R·
The Wackness fingerprint
Big heart, immersive world.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace6
- Tension4
- Spectacle3
Heart
Nostalgic and romantic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
- Nostalgia9
- Coming of Age9
- Romance7
Humor
Some sharp wit and cringe comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay6
- Cringe Humor6
- Situational Comedy5
World
Everyday modern life, growing up, and pop culture
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability8
Craft
Standout characters, performances, and dialogue
- Character Depth9
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Music Centrality9
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
The Wackness is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare0Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighNostalgic and romantic
Much of it is about growing up and family.
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, romantic, and moving. Much of it is about growing up and family.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia9Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age9Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance7Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Wholesome2Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
MediumSome sharp wit and cringe comedy
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some sharp wit and cringe comedy.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay6Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Cringe Humor6Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy5Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Dark Humor2Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighEveryday modern life, growing up, and pop culture
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, growing up, and pop culture. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Pop Culture8References and cultural commentary.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout characters, performances, and dialogue
The characters, performances, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Homage & Reference5Allusions to other works.
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Music Centrality9Songs central to storytelling.
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchTeensPure EscapismThought-Provoking
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
Sometimes it's right to do the wrong things.
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. Things get more complicated when he falls for one of his classmates, who just happens to be the doctor's daughter. This is a coming-of-age story about sex, drugs, music and what it takes to be a man.
90s Coming-of-AgeIndie DramedyNew York City VibeHip-Hop CultureAdolescent AnguishUnconventional MentorshipCharacter-Driven DramaNostalgic AtmosphereWitty Dialogue
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about The Wackness
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Wackness worth watching?
67
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 67/100 (IMDb 6.9, Rotten Tomatoes 70%, and Metacritic 61). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Wackness rated?
RSexual contentStrong languageDrug use
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: sexual content, strong language, and drug use.
How long is The Wackness?
1 h 39 min
The Wackness runs 1 h 39 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Wackness?
Critics66
Audiences70
Yes. Critics average 66 and audiences 70 out of 100, so both groups see The Wackness much the same way.
Was The Wackness a box office hit?
Budget$6 million
Box office$3 million
No. It cost about $6 million to make and earned $3 million worldwide, 53% of its budget.
What language is The Wackness in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Wackness?
9
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Wackness in 9 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Wackness use?
Really Gets AroundThe Loins Sleep TonightIntergenerational FriendshipHippy TeacherMay–December RomanceUnexpected VirginLove ConfessionCelebrity ParadoxYou Need to Get LaidThe '90sLousy Lovers Are LosersLogo Jokeand 5 more
TV Tropes lists 17 storytelling tropes for The Wackness, including Really Gets Around, The Loins Sleep Tonight, Intergenerational Friendship.