Year One
Performance & Direction: Year One Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Year One (2009) 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 Comedy.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Comedy is often anchored by its ensemble, and Year One features a noteworthy lineup led by Jack Black . Supported by the likes of Michael Cera and Oliver Platt , 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: Year One
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2009, Year One is a Comedy, Adventure film directed by Harold Ramis. 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 Jack Black.
Story Breakdown
The comedic structure relies on both situational humor and character-based comedy. When a couple of lazy hunter-gatherers are banished from their primitive village, they set off on an epic journey through the ancient world. 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: Character development is present but somewhat formulaic, following familiar patterns without adding fresh perspectives to the genre.
- Climax & Resolution: The comedic climax ties together recurring jokes and character arcs, delivering both laughs and emotional satisfaction.
Ending Explained: Year One
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Harold Ramis, Year One attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to comedy resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions involving Jack Black, 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 Year One reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Year One?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Comedy films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: Year One
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $60.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $62.4M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
Year One Budget
The estimated production budget for Year One 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: Year One
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Where to Watch Year One Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Apple TV Store
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Apple TV StoreYear One Parents Guide & Age Rating
2009 AdvisoryWondering about Year One age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Year One is 97 minutes (1h 37m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.0/10, and global performance metrics, Year One is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 2009 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Year One worth watching?
Year One is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 5/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Year One parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Year One identifies it as PG-13. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Year One?
The total duration of Year One is 97 minutes, which is approximately 1h 37m 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.
