TV Junkie

2013

TV Junkie

Critics Consensus

No consensus yet.

86%

TOMATOMETER

Reviews Counted: 7

66%
liked it

Audience Score

User Ratings: 355

All Critics | Top Critics

Average Rating: N/A
Reviews Count: 0
Fresh: 0
Rotten: 0

Average Rating: 3.6/5

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Movie Info

In this documentary that focuses on the private life of a very public media figure, filmmakers Michael Cain and Matt Radeki wade through more than 3,000 of former Inside Edition correspondent Rick Kirkham's personal video footage to tell the harrowing tale of a life spiraling out of control. Ever since receiving his very first video camera at the age of fourteen, Kirkham has used the lens as everything from a private confessional to a personal confidant, obsessively capturing every emotion and constantly laying his soul bare as the tape rolled. From his early break as an American Bandstand dancer to turn as a local TV news reporter and eventual rise to national correspondent for Inside Edition, Kirkham always had a fresh tape and something to say. As Kirkham and his girlfriend discover that she has become pregnant and quickly begin making marriage plans, the troubled persona that emerges in front of his own camera lens stands in stark contrast to the carefree public face put forward for the Inside Edition broadcasts. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Rating:

NR
Genre:

Documentary, Special Interest
Directed By:

Michael Cain, Matt Radecki
Written By:

Rick Kirkham
In Theaters:

Aug 13, 2013 wide
Runtime:

104 minutes
Studio:

The Sundance Institute

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Cast

Rick Kirkham

Tom Brokaw

James Brown

George H.W. Bush

News & Interviews for TV Junkie

SUNDANCE: End of Festival Awards Announced

SUNDANCE: Weinberg’s Sundance Scorecard

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Critic Reviews for TV Junkie

All Critics (7) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (6) | Rotten (1)

A mesmerizing documentary trip to hell.

Sep 20, 2013 | Full Review…

Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly
Top Critic
In the final stretch, when TV Junkie brings on the triumph-over-adversity homilies, it not only rings false, but downright creepy.

Mar 1, 2006 | Full Review…

Scott Foundas
Variety
Top Critic
TV Junkie wears its authenticity on its sleeve through heavily tracked video recordings and abrupt cuts courtesy of the camcorder's lack of finesse, but that's part of its impact.

Jun 28, 2016 | Rating: B | Full Review…

Jared Mobarak
The Film Stage
TV JUNKIE is one of the most compelling documentaries I've ever seen in my life.

Dec 15, 2013 | Full Review…

Chase Whale
ChaseWhale.com
TV Junkie's strength lies in its brutal, unfiltered rawness and intensity. As an assemblage of uncomfortably intimate footage, it's utterly compelling and memorable.

Aug 19, 2013 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review…

Nathan Rabin
The Dissolve
This is the best movie about addiction that I've ever seen.

Aug 14, 2013 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…

Mike McGranaghan
Aisle Seat
TV Junkie is by no means easy to sit through, but will leave you with a whole new understanding of the complexities of addiction.

Jan 23, 2006 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…

Sally Foster
Film Threat

View All Critic Reviews (7)

Audience Reviews for TV Junkie

Starts off interesting - then heads into harrowing. Seriously, I thought this guy was going to end up dead by the end of it. Very brave of him to tell a story that puts him in such an unflattering light to help others avoid drug addiction. I felt so sorry for everyone in this - everything his wife and kids went through, and for him himself, as obviously a lot of it was the drugs talking. Really good documentary, but not always easy watching.