5.2
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The Essentials
2013·Movie
·1h 23min·
The Essentials fingerprint
Funny, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Fast Pace4
- Violence4
- Adrenaline3
Heart
Nostalgic
- Nostalgia7
- Wholesome6
- Hopefulness6
Humor
Plenty of sharp wit and situational comedy
- Wit & Wordplay9
- Situational Comedy8
- Satire & Parody7
World
Crime
- Dialogue Centrality9
- Rewatchability7
- Novelty5
Craft
Standout dialogue and performances
- Dialogue Quality9
- Acting8
- Direction6
Style
Functional look and sound
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
- Cinematography5
All energy traits
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Tension2Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Pathos4Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy3Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis3Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
HighPlenty of sharp wit and situational comedy
Expect plenty of sharp wit and situational comedy.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay9Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy8Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Satire & Parody7Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor6Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Physical Comedy5Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor4Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
Related traits
- Camp & Irony8Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Pastiche7Playful imitation of styles.
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
- Wholesome6Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- World Immersion4Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity1Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Crime7Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Contemporary Realism6Modern, grounded storytelling.
Craft
MediumStandout dialogue and performances
The dialogue and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Dialogue Quality9Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth6Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue4Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity3Layered plots and ideas.
- Meta Narrative2Stories about storytelling.
- Non-linear Narrative0Time-shifts and structure play.
Related traits
- Homage & Reference8Allusions to other works.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography5Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Centrality5Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization3Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality3Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality9Stories driven by conversation.
- Camp & Irony8Stylized exaggeration and wink.
- Pastiche7Playful imitation of styles.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightParty VibePartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensComfort WatchPure Escapism
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About
Jim is a burnt out ex-spy, down on his luck at the end of an illustrious career. After he goes rogue and screws up yet again, his former Agency must bail him out, vowing that this favor will be his last. But in a refusal to accept old age and a forced retirement, Jim takes on a hot young protege to help him crack one last case: an international drug-smuggling ring... in Canada.
Buddy Comedy EspionageWitty Dialogue-DrivenSelf-Aware ParodyLow-Stakes ActionCharming Lead ChemistryNostalgic Spy TropesLight-hearted Crime CapersCanadian Setting HumorCampy Entertainment
Crew
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Essentials
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Essentials worth watching?
52
MediocreGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 52/100 (IMDb 5.2). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Essentials rated?
ViolenceStrong languageDrug use
Content advisories: violence, strong language, and drug use.
How long is The Essentials?
1 h 23 min
The Essentials runs 1 h 23 min.
What language is The Essentials in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United States.
In how many countries can I watch The Essentials?
2
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Essentials in 2 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.