The Associate
Performance & Direction: The Associate Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Associate (1996) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.2/10. 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 The Associate features a noteworthy lineup led by Whoopi Goldberg . Supported by the likes of Dianne Wiest and Eli Wallach , 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: The Associate
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1996, The Associate is a Comedy film directed by Donald Petrie. 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 Whoopi Goldberg.
Ending Explained: The Associate
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Donald Petrie, The Associate concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Whoopi Goldberg, 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 comedy themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Associate reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch The Associate?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Whoopi Goldberg or the director
- Want some laughs and light entertainment
Box Office Collection: The Associate
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $23.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $12.8M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
The Associate Budget
The estimated production budget for The Associate is $23.0M. 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: The Associate
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Where to Watch The Associate Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoThe Associate Parents Guide & Age Rating
1996 AdvisoryWondering about The Associate age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Associate is 114 minutes (1h 54m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.2/10, and global performance metrics, The Associate is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1996 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Associate worth watching?
The Associate is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.2/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Associate parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Associate identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of The Associate?
The total duration of The Associate is 114 minutes, which is approximately 1h 54m 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.
