
You Can Count on Me
2000, Drama, 1h 49m
105 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
You Can Count On Me may look like it belongs on the small screen, but the movie surprises with its simple yet affecting story. Beautifully acted and crafted, the movie will simply draw you in. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
Movie Info
Sammy is a single mother who is extremely protective of her 8-year old son. She is satisfied with living in the small town she grew up in and working in a local bank. When her brother Terry visits he fits the void in the life of both her and her son. Temporarily free of the constraints of single motherhood she begins to break free of her normal routine. In a string of traumatic events Sammy is torn between helping her brother and her maternal instinct to protect her son from getting hurt.
Cast & Crew
Laura Linney
Sammy Prescott
Sammy Prescott
Mark Ruffalo
Terry Prescott
Terry Prescott
Rory Culkin
Rudy
Rudy
Matthew Broderick
Brian
Brian
Jon Tenney
Bob
Bob
J. Smith-Cameron
Mabel
Mabel
Critic Reviews for You Can Count on Me
Audience Reviews for You Can Count on Me
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Jun 25, 2012Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo are what make "You Can Count On Me" such an enjoyable movie. There is great chemistry between the two and their performances really enhance and deepen their characters. Kenneth Lonergan's direction isn't very impressive and his script isn't perfect, but there are moments of greatness in between moments of mediocrity. The end result is a film that is well-meaning and slightly sappy, but not maudlin or overly sentimental. It is designed to be a tear-jerker, yes, but because of Lonergan's subtle approach, it works better than most.Stephen E Super Reviewer
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Oct 17, 2011Crazy that this film is 11 years old. I enjoyed it and it was great to see all these actors in this film. It was touching and real. It's a movie everyday people can relate to; feeling lost in life and still managing to go through everyday finding a way to try and make it better anyway possible.Nani V Super Reviewer
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Sep 04, 2011A troubled traveler lives with his sister, who is a single mom struggling with bad relationships. This is a subtle, deft character study that features strong performances by the two leads. Laura Linney's trademark awkward strength -- exhibited here by her clearing a nightstand, everything crashing to the floor, then silently wondering if she did it correctly -- is on full display as well as her moments of giddiness, similar to the staircase celebration in <i>Love Actually</i>. Mark Ruffalo plays the troubled rebel well. I did think the film's pacing was too slow at points. And there are some moments in the narration when I wondered if the film had a thematic purpose. It doesn't; we just get to know some people during the film's two hours. An example of the film's stuttered narration: I didn't see the motive for Sammy to bring in the priest to talk to her brother, and the first scene had very little to do with the rest of the film. Overall, it's great to see a good character study, but a well-constructed story following it is missing from this relatively strong film.Jim H Super Reviewer
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Apr 29, 2011I can feel the title emanating off of every move Laura Linney and Mark Ruffalo make.Jennifer X Super Reviewer
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