Brad's Status

Name: Brad's Status
Released: 2017-9-15
Cast: Charles Aitken, Austin Abrams, Jenna Fischer, Jemaine Clement, Luke Wilson

Brad's Status

R
1h 41m
2017

79%

age 15+

Ben Stiller stars as Brad, whose satisfying career, sweet wife and comfortable life in suburban Sacramento aren't quite what he imagined during his college glory days. When he accompanies his musical prodigy son on a university tour, he can't help comparing his life with those of his four best college friends who seemingly have more wealthy and glamorous lives. But when circumstances force him to reconnect with his former friends, Brad begins to question whether he has really failed or if their lives are actually more flawed than they appear. Also stars Jenna Fischer (The Office), Luke Wilson (Old School) and Michael Sheen (Masters of Sex).

Director:

Mike White

Producer:

Sidney Kimmel, David Bernad, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner

Writer:

Mike White

Cast:

Charles Aitken, Austin Abrams, Jenna Fischer, Jemaine Clement, Luke Wilson, Michael Sheen, Ben Stiller

Rotten Tomatoes® Score

TOMATOMETER®

79%

Critics Consensus: Brad's Status transcends its familiar premise with insightful observations and affecting interplay between stars Ben Stiller and Austin Abrams.

Reviews

Film Monthly

Matt Cipolla

[White] understands what he's trying to say, but he lacks enough self-awareness to actually stick the landing.

Director Mike White resoundingly fails to effectively communicate his 'love life' message. [Full review in Spanish]

Writer-director White is a master of blending comedy with something deeper, and Brad's Status is a worthy addition to his roster.

May 14, 2020

FULL REVIEW

The Canadian Crew

Jorge Ignacio Castillo

Easily Mike White's best since Chuck and Buck, Brad's Status rings true more often than not, and even dares to offer answers to middle age ennui.

This film may be hard to enjoy, but it sticks with you.

September 20, 2019

FULL REVIEW

Common Sense Media

age 15+

Common Sense Says

Quirky dramedy has great acting, plus language, drinking.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Brad's Status is a dramedy starring Ben Stiller as a neurotic dad who's cripplingly envious of his rich and famous college friends. Part father-son travel comedy, part midlife-crisis drama, this Mike White film has mature themes, strong language ("f--k," 's--t," "d--ks," etc.), and sexual innuendo, conversation, and daydreams. All of the characters swear, including the father to the son and the son to the father, and a married man has an internal monologue about what his life would be like if he could have younger lovers. Characters also drink (wine, cocktails) and smoke. Parents with teens approaching college should be able to use the movie to discuss with their children expectations, hopes, and dreams.