Personal Best
Performance & Direction: Personal Best Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Personal Best (1982) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Personal Best features a noteworthy lineup led by Mariel Hemingway . Supported by the likes of Patrice Donnelly and Scott Glenn , 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.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Personal Best
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1982, Personal Best is a Drama film directed by Robert Towne. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Mariel Hemingway.
Ending Explained: Personal Best
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Robert Towne, Personal Best attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Mariel Hemingway, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Personal Best reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Personal Best?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Personal Best
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $16.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $5.7M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Personal Best Budget
The estimated production budget for Personal Best is $16.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Personal Best
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Where to Watch Personal Best Online?
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Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomePersonal Best Parents Guide & Age Rating
1982 AdvisoryWondering about Personal Best age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Personal Best is 124 minutes (2h 4m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.8/10, and global performance metrics, Personal Best is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1982 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Personal Best worth watching?
Personal Best is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5.8/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Personal Best parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Personal Best identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Personal Best?
The total duration of Personal Best is 124 minutes, which is approximately 2h 4m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
