Play It Again, Sam
Performance & Direction: Play It Again, Sam Review
Last updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Play It Again, Sam (1972) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Play It Again, Sam features a noteworthy lineup led by Woody Allen . Supported by the likes of Diane Keaton and Tony Roberts , 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: Play It Again, Sam
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1972, Play It Again, Sam is a Comedy, Romance film directed by Herbert Ross. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Woody Allen.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. A neurotic film critic obsessed with the movie Casablanca attempts to get over his wife leaving him by dating again with the help of a married couple and his illusory idol, Humphrey Bogart. The production finds humor in relatable situations while maintaining narrative momentum. The jokes serve the story, with callbacks that reward attentive viewers.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening establishes the comedic tone and introduces the central conflict through humor and character quirks.
- Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Woody Allen, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: Play It Again, Sam
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Herbert Ross, Play It Again, Sam resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Woody Allen, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the comedy themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Play It Again, Sam demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Play It Again, Sam?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Comedy cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate smart humor and well-timed comedic performances
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Top Cast: Play It Again, Sam
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Where to Watch Play It Again, Sam Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoPlay It Again, Sam Parents Guide & Age Rating
1972 AdvisoryWondering about Play It Again, Sam age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Play It Again, Sam is 85 minutes (1h 25m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.5/10, and global performance metrics, Play It Again, Sam is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1972 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Play It Again, Sam worth watching?
Play It Again, Sam is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.5/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Play It Again, Sam parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Play It Again, Sam identifies it as PG. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Play It Again, Sam?
The total duration of Play It Again, Sam is 85 minutes, which is approximately 1h 25m 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.
