Pleasantville
1998, Comedy, 2h 3m
97 Reviews 100,000+ RatingsWhat to know
Filled with lighthearted humor, timely social commentary, and dazzling visuals, Pleasantville is an artful blend of subversive satire and well-executed Hollywood formula. Read critic reviews
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Pleasantville Photos
Movie Info
Cast & Crew
David Wagner
Mr. Bill Johnson
Betty Parker
George Parker
Big Bob
Jennifer Wagner
News & Interviews for Pleasantville
Critic Reviews for Pleasantville
All Critics (97) | Top Critics (31) | Fresh (82) | Rotten (15)
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Great movie for high schoolers and their parents.
December 27, 2010 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review… -
Ingeniously conceived and impressively executed, "Pleasantville" is a provocative, complex and surprisingly anti-nostalgic parable wrapped in the beguiling guise of a commercial high-concept comedy.
October 18, 2008 -
An ingenious fable, screenwriter Ross's directorial debut playfully spoofs the small-minded lifestyle idealised by 'family values' advocates, and the intolerance and insecurity underlying that ideal.
June 24, 2006 | Full Review… -
The lighthearted fable Pleasantville takes some pointed swipes at the make-believe world of 1950s TV -- and none too soon.
November 6, 2002 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review… -
There's a terrific idea at the heart of Pleasantville, and it's a shame that its creator, Big screenwriter Gary Ross, can't figure where to take it.
June 18, 2002 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review… -
For a movie that makes such a big deal about color, Pleasantville is awfully black and white.
May 8, 2002 | Rating: F | Full Review…
Audience Reviews for Pleasantville
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Mar 12, 2016https://sylvesterkuo.wordpress.com/2016/03/13/review-pleasantville-the-pleasant-enlightment/Sylvester K Super Reviewer
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Jul 16, 2013Despite being a little formulaic and a tad sappy near the end, Pleasantville is actually a charming and funny directorial debut from screenwriter Gary Ross. It aims to derail the nostalgic thought of the past being "a simpler time" by introducing us David (Tobey Maguire), an awkward teenager who adores Pleasantville, a sitcom from the late 1950s. When he and his sister (Reese Witherspoon) are transported into the TV show by way of a magic remote, they begin to have a profound effect on the town and people of Pleasantville. The movie has a unique visual style that mixes color into black-and-white scenes (which is also an element of the story) to make its point about tolerance and accepting change. The cast is full of familiar faces aside from Maguire and Witherspoon, including William H. Macy, Jeff Daniels, J.T. Walsh, and, in a cleverly cast role, Don Knotts. Jeff Daniels is definitely one the highlights of the movie, and his lovable character provides some of the movie's biggest laughs early on. Reese Witherspoon has some great moments as well, especially when she's trying in vain to flirt with her date in Pleasantville. The movie plays out as a satire of the nostalgic view of a simpler past that many people choose to believe in, and it (not so subtly) reminds the audience that the past had its fair share of problems too. Ultimately Pleasantville is the rare formula-driven Hollywood movie that works, thanks in large part to its interesting visuals and talented cast, and it ends up being a very entertaining movie that's more than the sum of its parts.Joey S Super Reviewer
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May 05, 2012It's not supposed to be anything. These are the wisest words ever said. Beautifully shot, this exactingly euphoric and colorful film.Adriel L Super Reviewer
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Dec 02, 2011Pleasantville begins as a neat little Back to the Future-type comedy, but it slowly reveals itself to be a masterful work that tells us the inner workings of like and breaking away from the norm and how changes can be for the best.Bradley W Super Reviewer
Pleasantville Quotes
| David/Bud: | You mean, we're in Pleasantville? |
| Jennifer/Mary Sue: | I'm all pasty. |
| George: | Where's my dinner? |
| George: | "So, what's going to happen now?" |
| George: | So, what's going to happen now? |
| Betty: | "I don't know. Do you know what's going to happen now?" |
| Betty: | I don't know. Do you know what's going to happen now? |
| George: | Laughs, then says, "I don't." |
| George: | [laughs] I don't. |
| Mr. Johnson: | "I guess I don't either." |
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