Pleasantville
Performance & Direction: Pleasantville Review
Last updated: February 19, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Pleasantville (1998) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.3/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Fantasy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Fantasy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Pleasantville features a noteworthy lineup led by Tobey Maguire . Supported by the likes of Reese Witherspoon and William H. Macy , 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: Pleasantville
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1998, Pleasantville is a Fantasy, Comedy, Drama film directed by Gary Ross. The narrative transports viewers to imaginative worlds filled with magic, wonder, and epic adventures. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Tobey Maguire.
Story Breakdown
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. Geeky teenager David and his popular twin sister, Jennifer, get sucked into the black-and-white world of a 1950s TV sitcom called "Pleasantville," and find a world where everything is peachy keen all the time. But when Jennifer's modern attitude disrupts Pleasantville's peaceful but boring routine, she literally brings color into its life. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The title establishes its world and central conflict efficiently in the opening act.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Tobey Maguire's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings together the narrative threads, providing resolution while staying true to the established tone.
Ending Explained: Pleasantville
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Gary Ross, Pleasantville resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to fantasy resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation involving Tobey Maguire, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
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 fantasy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Pleasantville reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Pleasantville?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Fantasy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Tobey Maguire or the director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Box Office Collection: Pleasantville
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $60.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $49.8M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Pleasantville Budget
The estimated production budget for Pleasantville is $60.0M. 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: Pleasantville
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Where to Watch Pleasantville Online?
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Apple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubePleasantville Parents Guide & Age Rating
1998 AdvisoryWondering about Pleasantville age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Pleasantville 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 7.3/10, and global performance metrics, Pleasantville is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1998 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pleasantville worth watching?
Pleasantville is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Fantasy movies. It has a verified rating of 7.3/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Pleasantville parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Pleasantville identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Pleasantville?
The total duration of Pleasantville 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.
