Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Mild
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- None
- quirky
- sincere
- wistful
- date night
- lazy sunday
What critics said
Critics found the premise promising but weakened by implausible scenarios, familiar indie-comedy conventions, and a predictable story arc, despite capable performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Arlen is celebrated as the author of a bestselling spiritual guide but must confront the limits of his own supposed answers.
Elizabeth is both Arlen's romantic interest and an overprotective single mother, making family responsibility central to their connection.
Arlen's secret identity, crotchety temperament, and desire for isolation generate the film's central comic situations.
Arlen's bestselling book makes him a famous but hidden authority whom others seek for life advice.
Films like The Answer Man, and why
Lars and the Real Girl
Shared romantic comedy structure, emotionally guarded protagonists, and warm but bittersweet character development.
The Holiday
Shared indie romantic comedy tone, wounded characters, and emphasis on personal healing through unlikely relationships.
The Jane Austen Book Club
Shared bookstore-centered setting, literary personality, and relationship-driven comedy with introspective themes.
Movie Details
- Director
- John Hindman
- Release Date
- 2009-07-23
- Runtime
- 95 min
- Rating
- 6.2 / 10 (148)
Cast
- Jeff Daniels
- Lauren Graham
- Lou Taylor Pucci
- Olivia Thirlby
- Kat Dennings
- Nora Dunn
- Tony Hale
- Annie Corley
- Max Antisell
- Thomas Roy
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads, Magnolia Selects Amazon Channel
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, FlixFling
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home, FlixFling
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Answer Man about?
- A reclusive spiritual author is forced out of isolation when a bookstore owner and a chiropractor expose the gap between his public wisdom and private wounds.
- What is The Answer Man like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Answer Man as measured, its intensity as mild and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is The Answer Man violent?
- No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Answer Man.
- What did critics think of The Answer Man?
- Critics found the premise promising but weakened by implausible scenarios, familiar indie-comedy conventions, and a predictable story arc, despite capable performances.
- Which films are like The Answer Man?
- Films with a similar feel include Lars and the Real Girl, The Holiday, and The Jane Austen Book Club.
- How long is The Answer Man?
- The Answer Man runs 95 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Answer Man?
- In United States, The Answer Man streams on Netflix, Netflix Standard with Ads, Magnolia Selects Amazon Channel.
