Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star

R

Released Sep 9, 2011

1 hr. 36 min.

Comedy

List

3%

36 Reviews

Tomatometer

25%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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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Steve D

Poor Ricci at least is giving it her all but no one else is. One of the worst films ever made.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

02/03/24

Full Review

Maru M

Remarkable acting by Nick. It was more realistic than most movies.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/27/24

Full Review

Denby B

I don't know why a lot of people gave this a bad rating, I don't usually find comedies funny, but this movie was hilarious!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/06/24

Full Review

Romeo L

Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star is a hidden gem of comedy that has the potential to become a cult classic in the future. The film tells the story of Bucky Larson, an guy with an extraordinary dream. Bucky, who hails from a small town in Iowa, discovers that his parents were once famous adult film stars. Inspired by this revelation, Bucky sets out on a hilarious and heartwarming journey to follow in his parent's footsteps and become a star in the adult film industry. What sets Bucky Larson apart is its clever blend of raunchy humor and heartfelt moments, making it a surprisingly endearing film. The quirky characters and their misadventures create a unique and unforgettable viewing experience. With its unconventional storyline and offbeat humor, Bucky Larson has the potential to resonate with a niche audience who appreciate the charm of unconventional comedy. In addition, the film boasts a talented cast, led by Nick Swardson in the titular role, who brings his signature comedic timing and charm to the character of Bucky. The supporting cast includes well-known actors like Christina Ricci, Stephen Dorff, and Don Johnson, who elevate the movie with their performances. Furthermore, Bucky Larson explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the pursuit of dreams. It strikes a delicate balance between absurdity and relatability, making it a standout comedy for those seeking entertainment that is both hilarious and thought-provoking. The film's underlying message of embracing one's uniqueness and pursuing aspirations, no matter how unconventional, is sure to resonate with a wide range of audiences. While Bucky Larson may not have received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, it has all the ingredients of a future cult classic. Its unique blend of humor, memorable characters, and heartwarming story make it a film that has the potential to garner a dedicated following over time. So, if you're looking for a comedy that pushes boundaries, makes you laugh, and leaves you with a newfound appreciation for the essence of dreams, Bucky Larson: Born to Be a Star should not be missed.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/17/23

Full Review

Cody B

Can you give a movie negative stars..?

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

07/04/23

Full Review

M R

Bucky Larson is a tour de force in the vein of Adam Sandler-esque sophomoric comedies where the protagonist is a loveable loser who shouldn't get the girl but does in the end because he treats her like a queen. Not just that, they always have a pure heart. I believe future generations will look at Jim Carrey and Adam Sandler films like my generation view Jimmy Stewart and Jerry Lewis movies... as classics. Although I, myself, have barely seen any of those classics like "The Nutty Proffesor" or "The Philadelphia Story", but am aware of their reputation. Bucky Larson turned off many because of its hypersexualized humor even though Bucky himself is a virgin which is the only way the movie could work. It's nowhere near as smart nor realistic as "The 40 Year Old Virgin" nor does it have any traditional observational humor except when it lampoons the porn industry. Stephen Dorff is excellent as Nick Swardson's rival and the lovely Christina Ricci is wonderful as always. The Chemistry between Christina and Nick in their respective roles is palpable enough for the viewer to get lost in the virtually implausible storyline and crass humor. There is an excellent supporting cast with Nick Turturro, Don Johnson and Kevin Nealon in hilarious roles. The movie is very very funny, but not for everyone's taste. Many will be disgusted at the premise and more will be turned off by the unlikelyhood a guy like Bucky in real life could ever get a girl like the starry eyed Kathy. But the movie has plenty of heart and that's where it works the most. 88/100 B+ It is a modern day classic with a unique approach to the Romance Comedy which will be more appreciated in the years to come.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/25/23

Full Review

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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

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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 - Best Junk Award

2:12

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

3:00

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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Tim Grierson

Screen International

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.

Dec 7, 2011

Full Review

Rafer Guzman

Newsday

Icky and repellent in ways it probably did not intend.

Dec 7, 2011

Full Review

Kimberley Jones

Austin Chronicle

Nothing to see here, kids.

Rated: 0/5

Sep 16, 2011

Full Review

Richard Propes

TheIndependentCritic.com

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.

Rated: 3.0/4.0

Sep 4, 2020

Full Review

Amy Curtis

We Got This Covered

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.

Rated: 2/10

Feb 11, 2013

Full Review

Roger Moore

Tribune News Service

God, this guy sucks. Swardson. And Bucky.

Rated: 1/4

Jan 9, 2013

Full Review

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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
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

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