Is Wide Open Spaces Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Wide Open Spaces is likely a skip if you enjoy Comedy movies.
It features a runtime of 83 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Wide Open Spaces Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 2009, Wide Open Spaces emerges as a significant entry in the Comedy domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Have you ever had a best friend you couldn't stand? Myles has one - Austin - only he's too much of a slacker to do anything about it. Unlike standard genre fare, Wide Open Spaces attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Tom Hall, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Comedy elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Wide Open Spaces features a noteworthy lineup led by Ewen Bremner. Supported by the likes of Ardal O'Hanlon and Owen Roe, 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. However, the sheer charisma of Ewen Bremner, Ardal O'Hanlon, Owen Roe manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 2009 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Comedy space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Wide Open Spaces is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Wide Open Spaces follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 83 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Wide Open Spaces resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Comedy landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 3.5/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Wide Open Spaces is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Have you ever had a best friend you couldn't stand? Myles has one - Austin - only he's too much of a slacker to do anything about it. In fact, each one of these layabouts is as useless as the other: a pair of thirty-somethings who laze around watching their lives flutter past. Fate, however, has plans to remedy their lack of motivation. Up to their necks in debt, they decide to help a dodgy entrepreneur, Gerard, to create a new landmark in Irish tourism: a Famine Theme Park.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Wide Open Spaces (2009) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 3.5/10 and strong performance metrics in the Comedy categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Ewen Bremner, Ardal O'Hanlon, Owen Roe or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Wide Open Spaces is a significant contribution to the cinema of 2009. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Wide Open Spaces has not been officially rated yet.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 3.5/10, and global collection metrics, Wide Open Spaces stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 2009 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wide Open Spaces movie hit or flop?
Wide Open Spaces is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 3.5/10 and lower collections.
Is Wide Open Spaces worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 3.5/10, Wide Open Spaces may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Wide Open Spaces online?
Wide Open Spaces may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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Synopsis
Have you ever had a best friend you couldn't stand? Myles has one - Austin - only he's too much of a slacker to do anything about it. In fact, each one of these layabouts is as useless as the other: a pair of thirty-somethings who laze around watching their lives flutter past. Fate, however, has plans to remedy their lack of motivation. Up to their necks in debt, they decide to help a dodgy entrepreneur, Gerard, to create a new landmark in Irish tourism: a Famine Theme Park.