High Fidelity

Name: High Fidelity
Director: Stephen Frears
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance, Music
Released: March 31, 2000
Duration: 113 min
Rating: 79
Cast: John Cusack

2000

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 35 Critics

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 141 Ratings

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8.7

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8.7	Your Score
8.7	User Score Universal acclaim based on 141 Ratings

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Movie Details & Credits

Buena Vista Pictures | Release Date: March 31, 2000

Starring: John Cusack

Summary: In this biting romantic comedy, Rob Gordon (Cusack) is the owner of a semi-failing record store in Chicago, where he sells music the old-fashioned way -- on vinyl. His needle, however, skips the love groove when his long-time girlfriend, Laura (Hjejle), walks out on him. As he examines his failed attempts at romance and happiness, theIn this biting romantic comedy, Rob Gordon (Cusack) is the owner of a semi-failing record store in Chicago, where he sells music the old-fashioned way -- on vinyl. His needle, however, skips the love groove when his long-time girlfriend, Laura (Hjejle), walks out on him. As he examines his failed attempts at romance and happiness, the process finds him being dragged, kicking and screaming, into adulthood. (Touchstone Pictures)… Expand

Director: Stephen Frears

Genre(s): Drama, Comedy, Romance, Music

Rating: R

Runtime: 113 min

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Awards & Rankings

25	#25 Best Movie of 2000
64	#64 Most Discussed Movie of 2000

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Metascore

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Critic Reviews

100

Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert

Causes us to leave the theater quite unreasonably happy. Read full review

100

Portland Oregonian - Shawn Levy

It's so spry and lively and warm that you want to dance to it.

Dallas Observer - Zac Crane

The film is so much like the book, it might as well come with a bookmark to hold your place when you step outside to use the restroom. Read full review

New York Daily News - Jami Bernard

When director Stephen Frears worked with (Jack Black), he must have yelled "Let 'er rip!" instead of "Action!" Read full review

Film.com - Elizabeth Weitzman

(Cusack)'s genius, however, is in his continual ability to be the most likeable of everymen. Read full review

Mr. Showbiz - Kevin Maynard

Even if it sometimes skips, it's consistently wittier and more idiosyncratic that most studio movies.

Village Voice - Amy Taubin

It may seem perverse to fault a movie for being too accurate, but when surface accuracy is coupled with tunnel vision about self and society the result is a wee bit irritating. Read full review

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User Reviews

MichaelS.

Sep 22, 2006

Surprisingly enjoyable. He makes a very interesting narrator and keeps you interested in this journey. And to Jessica A: that is why you are still single.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

geo86

Oct 29, 2012

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. At the beginning of the movie I was thinking of just close it and surf the net. But I didn't !!! There is something that made me want to see more. This is NOT a boring romantic comedy; instead its a vivid enjoyable, fresh, peerless movie. Its like Cusack presenting his relationship more than just acting. I LOVE BONET!!!! and also Jack Black. I think the music references are the spark for everything.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Honest-reviews

Jun 8, 2014

This is an underrated movie in my opinion. The dialogue in the music store and the structure of the flashbacks is very interesting and funny. Considering that I just caught this movie on TV and was not expecting anything, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone wanting aThis is an underrated movie in my opinion. The dialogue in the music store and the structure of the flashbacks is very interesting and funny. Considering that I just caught this movie on TV and was not expecting anything, I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone wanting a light-hearted comedy.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

matroycem

May 13, 2013

This would make my Top 5.
The secret to making a good film is the soundtrack and this film nails it. Its a story of heartache, love and the bits inbetween told pretty much first person by a Record Store owner.
The characters in the film are padded out well and do draw you in and you beginThis would make my Top 5.
The secret to making a good film is the soundtrack and this film nails it. Its a story of heartache, love and the bits inbetween told pretty much first person by a Record Store owner.
The characters in the film are padded out well and do draw you in and you begin to feel who they are rather than empty vessels. There are some nice little double take moments and moments where the plot is directly told to camera. These feel correct in the context of the film and explain emotions and thoughts of the people on screen. Casting fits well with Jack Black doing his normal over the top character, John cusack as the confused Store owner. Even a Cameo by 'The Boss' Bruce Springsteen does not feel out of place. All in all a good solid film which I have watched several times and enjoyed them all.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Tokyochuchu

May 4, 2014

High Fidelity is a fantastic romantic-comedy that perfectly captures the spirit of relationships gone sour. All set to a celebration of amazing alt-rock. For a certain generation, this film hits home hard. I am of that generation. Great stuff!

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

Spangle

Apr 6, 2016

High Fidelity is a give and a take. More give than take, though. Stephen Frears delivers discrete direction here. I had no idea it was his film. John Cusack is great, but his character is annoying prick who falls into a good life. Yet, the film does enough to show us there is more to himHigh Fidelity is a give and a take. More give than take, though. Stephen Frears delivers discrete direction here. I had no idea it was his film. John Cusack is great, but his character is annoying prick who falls into a good life. Yet, the film does enough to show us there is more to him that explains his actions. The characterization here is very well done and very in-depth. Additionally, his development is very well done and his progression through the film is well handled. There are quite a few unrealistic scenes that hold the film back, but this film is quite well-written and has a ton of heart and will leave you with an infectious smile. Additionally, it has a lot of interesting and accurate commentary on guys of this nature. Jack Black also turns in a fantastic and energetic performance here in a film that, while offering social commentary, is also infused with classic music that really plays well into the infectious nature of the film. Overall, High Fidelity is an unconventional coming of age type film that has a ton of heart and, though imperfect, will leave you smiling.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

RichardG

Oct 26, 2006

The worst movie I

0 of 5 users found this helpful

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