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WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is What a Life Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1939)

Jackie Cooper stars in this first film in the wholesome "Henry Aldrich" series of teen comedies....

✨ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Drama, Comedy cinema, then What a Life offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1939 landscape.

👥 Target Audience

Fans of Drama films
Fans of Comedy films
casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

What a Life stands as a 1939 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Drama, Comedy landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Jackie Cooper stars in this first film in the wholesome "Henry Aldrich" series of teen comedies."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In What a Life, even the presence of Jackie Cooper struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Drama. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is What a Life worth your time? If you appreciate Drama, Comedy films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, What a Life misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 75 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.

⏳ Time Investment

75MIN

At approximately 1.3 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.