Is Calling It Quits Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Calling It Quits is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 86 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Calling It Quits Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2009, Calling It Quits emerges as a significant entry in the Drama domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Dante Milestone, a world-weary baby-boomer, is not happy. Unlike standard genre fare, Calling It Quits attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Anthony Tarsitano, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Drama elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Calling It Quits features a noteworthy lineup led by Dennis Boutsikaris. Supported by the likes of Jessica Hecht and Robert Clohessy, 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. However, the sheer charisma of Dennis Boutsikaris, Jessica Hecht, Robert Clohessy manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2009 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Drama space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Calling It Quits is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Calling It Quits follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 86 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Calling It Quits resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Drama landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 0/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Calling It Quits is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the complexity of relationships. Dante Milestone, a world-weary baby-boomer, is not happy. His struggles with everyday life, his past, even the question of 'the existence of a higher power', have led him to evaluate his own life. An assessment, that ultimately drives him to leave work and success behind, and set out on a quest in search of his happiness. But Dante soon learns that it's not that simple, for after a series of painfully humorous attempts fail to provide an answer, Dante sinks even deeper. It is not until he encounters Cynthia, a spiritual guide of sorts, that he uncovers the underlying truth and finally arrives at an answer that surprises even him.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Calling It Quits (2009) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 0/10 and strong performance metrics in the Drama categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Dennis Boutsikaris, Jessica Hecht, Robert Clohessy or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Calling It Quits is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2009. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Calling It Quits has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Calling It Quits stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Calling It Quits movie hit or flop?
Calling It Quits is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Calling It Quits worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Calling It Quits may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Calling It Quits online?
Calling It Quits 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.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
Dante Milestone, a world-weary baby-boomer, is not happy. His struggles with everyday life, his past, even the question of 'the existence of a higher power', have led him to evaluate his own life. An assessment, that ultimately drives him to leave work and success behind, and set out on a quest in search of his happiness. But Dante soon learns that it's not that simple, for after a series of painfully humorous attempts fail to provide an answer, Dante sinks even deeper. It is not until he encounters Cynthia, a spiritual guide of sorts, that he uncovers the underlying truth and finally arrives at an answer that surprises even him.