Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star

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Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star

R

2011

1h 36m

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

3%

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34 Reviews

26%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Innocent Midwesterner Bucky Larson (Nick Swardson) works in a dead-end job as a grocery bagger and has never even kissed a girl. Obviously, his life is going nowhere. While watching a stag film with his buddies, he discovers that his conservative parents (Edward Herrmann, Miriam Flynn) were once porn stars. Convinced that he has found his true destiny, Bucky heads out to Hollywood to make it big in the adult-film business -- even though his qualifications for the job come up short.

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Critics Consensus

A severely misguided and inept comedy incapable of even telling its single joke properly.

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Tim Grierson

Screen International

12/07/2011

Working under the incorrect assumption that anything having to do with porn is hilarious, Bucky Larson is a consistently strained comedy without much charm or wit.

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Rafer Guzman

Newsday

12/07/2011

Icky and repellent in ways it probably did not intend.

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Kimberley Jones

Austin Chronicle

09/16/2011

0/5

Nothing to see here, kids.

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Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

09/04/2020

3.0/4.0

Bucky Larson: Born to be a Star is yet another reminder from Sandler and company that deep down inside there's something special in every single one of us.

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Amy Curtis

We Got This Covered

02/11/2013

2/10

I'm not sure how many tedious sex jokes and humorless physical gags people can take before they run out of the theater screaming, but Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star certainly tests the limits.

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Linda Cook

KWQC-TV (Iowa)

12/22/2011

0/4

Putrid and completely unfunny, 'Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star' is a torturous exercise for a viewer. I can't count the times I wanted to walk out of this ghastly excuse for a movie. Still, I stayed with it. I just couldn't bring myself to leave.

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Ian K.

@GhostDOG98 Jan 7

I’d rather get a colonoscopy with a screwdriver than watch this shite. F!!! Everyone involved in making this movie

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Stachula C

@ChrisTimeChanger Dec 4

Every generation produces a few films that rise far above expectations, and Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star is one of those rare surprises. it carries thematic depth, emotional warmth, and a surprising ambition that place it closer to true cinematic standouts than most people realize. Beneath the humor lies a sincere journey about identity, belonging, and the search for purpose, all seen through Bucky’s genuine innocence and optimism. The film’s shifts between absurdity and sincerity aren’t flaws but bold choices that give it a unique tone. Nick Swardson’s committed, vulnerable performance turns Bucky into a symbol of hope and resilience, while Christina Ricci adds heart and grounding. Even the bright, exaggerated visuals work as a playful critique of fame culture. To overlook Bucky Larson is to miss a film that captures the magic of storytelling with heart, ambition, and unapologetic strangeness. It’s not just a goofy comedy—it’s an offbeat, unexpected masterpiece.

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Cfunk D

@Cfunk2085 Nov 9

Horrible unfunny film that stinks of desperation

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alex g

@RT95902012 Nov 5

One of the worst movies I think I’ve ever seen. If it wasn’t for Adam Sandler, Nick Swardson wouldn’t have a job. The only redeeming quality is the few big name actors and actresses in the movie and nudity but even that couldn’t carry this Hindenburg of a movie.

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Cameron C

@RT55280894 Nov 4

Great movie with great acting

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Deron B

@DapigeonOne Oct 18

Wildly stupid and I love it. People take movies like this too seriously enjoy it for what it is pure stupidity.

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Tom Brady

Director

Nick Swardson

Bucky Larson

Christina Ricci

Kathy McGee

Don Johnson

Miles Deep

Stephen Dorff

Dick Shadow

Edward Herrmann

Jeremiah Larson

Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star: Official Clip - Restaurant Training

1:30

Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star: Official Clip - My Boyfriend Is Small

1:12

Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star: Official Clip - Adult Actor Parents

2:33

Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star: Official Clip - The Break Up

1:49

Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star: Official Clip - A Beautiful and Caring Partner

2:22

Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star: Official Clip - The Award Show

3:00

Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star: Official Clip - Best Junk Award

2:12

Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star: Official Clip - You're a Virgo Too?

2:11

Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star: Official Clip - Bucky Gets Fired

2:19

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Synopsis

Innocent Midwesterner Bucky Larson (Nick Swardson) works in a dead-end job as a grocery bagger and has never even kissed a girl. Obviously, his life is going nowhere. While watching a stag film with his buddies, he discovers that his conservative parents (Edward Herrmann, Miriam Flynn) were once porn stars. Convinced that he has found his true destiny, Bucky heads out to Hollywood to make it big in the adult-film business -- even though his qualifications for the job come up short.

Director: Tom Brady
Producer: Adam Sandler, Jack Giarraputo, Allen Covert, Nick Swardson, David Dorfman
Screenwriter: Adam Sandler, Allen Covert, Nick Swardson
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Production Co: Happy Madison Productions
Rating: R (Pervasive Crude Sexual Content|Language|Some Nudity)
Genre: Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 9, 2011, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 15, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.3M
Runtime: 1h 36m