5.8
Up the Sandbox fingerprint
Strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension4
- Violence3
- Adrenaline2
Heart
Nostalgic and melancholic
- Nostalgia9
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
Humor
Some satire and absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Satire & Parody7
- Absurdist Humor6
- Wit & Wordplay5
World
Everyday modern life, society, and politics
- Dialogue Centrality8
- World Immersion7
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout performances, direction, and dialogue
- Acting9
- Direction8
- Dialogue Quality8
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
Energy
LowCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Up the Sandbox is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Violence3Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle1Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Uncanny6Eerie, unsettling strangeness.
Heart
MediumNostalgic and melancholic
Emotionally, it's nostalgic, melancholic, and moving.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia9Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Family Dynamics6Relationships and generational ties.
- Coming of Age5Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Hopefulness3Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome1Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness7Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
MediumSome satire and absurdist humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some satire and absurdist humor.
All humor traits
- Satire & Parody7Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Absurdist Humor6Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor5Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Situational Comedy3Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
Related traits
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, society, and politics
Its world is built around everyday modern life, society, and politics.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity6Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary9Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics8Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
Craft
HighStandout performances, direction, and dialogue
The performances, direction, and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical6Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality4The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality3Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
Skip it if
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
What's Barbra up to? Up the marriage trap. Up the revolution. Up the Zambesi River. And up to something surprisingly wonderful.
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Up the Sandbox
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Up the Sandbox worth watching?
Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 61/100 (IMDb 5.8 and Rotten Tomatoes 67%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Up the Sandbox rated?
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: violence, nudity, sexual content, strong language, and drug use.
How long is Up the Sandbox?
1 h 37 min
Up the Sandbox runs 1 h 37 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Up the Sandbox?
Not quite. Critics rate Up the Sandbox higher (67) than audiences (54). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was Up the Sandbox a box office hit?
Roughly broke even. It cost about $3 million to make and earned $4 million worldwide, 1.2 times its budget.
What language is Up the Sandbox in?
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch Up the Sandbox?
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Up the Sandbox in 9 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.