Picking Up the Pieces Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 8, 2026
Movie Overview: Picking Up the Pieces
| Movie | Picking Up the Pieces |
| Release Year | 1985 |
| Director | Paul Wendkos |
| Genre | Drama / TV Movie |
| Runtime | 100 minutes (1h 40m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Picking Up the Pieces (1985) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.0/10. 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 & Character Study
The performances in Picking Up the Pieces are led by Margot Kidder . The supporting cast, including David Ackroyd and Barbara Rhoades , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While Picking Up the Pieces does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Drama films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, Picking Up the Pieces has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Drama fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: Picking Up the Pieces
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1985, Picking Up the Pieces is a Drama, TV Movie film directed by Paul Wendkos, written by Gordon Cotler. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Margot Kidder as Lynette Harding.
Ending Explained: Picking Up the Pieces
Picking Up the Pieces Ending Explained: Directed by Paul Wendkos, Picking Up the Pieces attempts to bring together the film’s narrative threads. The ending highlights the core drama themes developed throughout the film.
The emotional resolution focuses on the transformation of its main characters, particularly in scenes involving Margot Kidder. The interpretation of the ending may vary among viewers.
Key Elements of the Ending
- Narrative Resolution: The story resolves its primary conflict while leaving room for interpretation.
- Character Development: Character motivations become clearer by the final scenes.
- Thematic Message: The ending reinforces the drama themes introduced earlier in the film.
The final moments of Picking Up the Pieces reflect the creative choices of the filmmakers and align with the tone of the narrative.
Who Should Watch Picking Up the Pieces?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Picking Up the Pieces Parents Guide & Age Rating
1985 AdvisoryWondering about Picking Up the Pieces age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Picking Up the Pieces (1985) is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Directed by Paul Wendkos, the film runs for 100 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.0/10, and global performance metrics, Picking Up the Pieces is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1985 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Picking Up the Pieces worth watching?
Picking Up the Pieces is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 5/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Picking Up the Pieces parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Picking Up the Pieces identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of Picking Up the Pieces (1985)?
The runtime of Picking Up the Pieces (1985) is 100 minutes (approximately 1h 40m).
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.



