X
  • 2002
  • R
  • THINKFilm
  • 1 h 44 m
  • 2002
  • R
  • THINKFilm
  • 1 h 44 m

Summary Based on Chris Fuhrman's original and audacious coming-of-age novel, this film is a 70's-set drama featuring two charming but irreverent Catholic high schoolers who confront the mysteries of adulthood. (ThinkFilm)

Directed By: Peter Care

Written By: Chris Fuhrman, Jeff Stockwell, Michael Petroni

  • 2002
  • R
  • THINKFilm
  • 1 h 44 m
  • 2002
  • R
  • THINKFilm
  • 1 h 44 m

The Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys

Metascore Generally Favorable Based on 31 Critic Reviews
69
User Score Generally Favorable Based on 9 User Ratings
7.3
My Score
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Where to Watch

Summary Based on Chris Fuhrman's original and audacious coming-of-age novel, this film is a 70's-set drama featuring two charming but irreverent Catholic high schoolers who confront the mysteries of adulthood. (ThinkFilm)

Directed By: Peter Care

Written By: Chris Fuhrman, Jeff Stockwell, Michael Petroni

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 31 Critic Reviews
69
61% Positive
19 Reviews
39% Mixed
12 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Generally Favorable Based on 31 Critic Reviews
69
61% Positive
19 Reviews
39% Mixed
12 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
100
Essentially a coming-of-age story set in working-class North Carolina in the 1970s. But it's so startlingly original that it transcends the genre. This is a wonderful film, from puckish start to momentous finish.
By Joe Morgenstern FULL REVIEW
88
One of the most inventive, funny and ultimately tragic coming-of-age movies in years.
By Jack Mathews FULL REVIEW
75
Isn't the best coming-of-age story to hit the big screen, but it skirts new territory, and does so with a flare that earns it a recommendation.
By James Berardinelli FULL REVIEW
70
The British music-video director Peter Care (making his feature debut) and screenwriters Jeff Stockwell and Michael Petroni have retained much of the wry, teen-wise dialogue from the late Chris Fuhrman's cult-hit novel, while giving his story arc a fuller, more rounded shape.
By Chuck Wilson FULL REVIEW
60
Young costars carry the film, creating real characters from a generally flat script and Peter Care's largely undistinguished direction, both of which conspire to keep Altar Boys' danger at a distance.
By Keith Phipps FULL REVIEW
58
There are some nice ideas floating around this ambitious film, as well as attempts to say them in a unique way.
By Paula Nechak FULL REVIEW
50
There are 10 minutes of animation in the film, and it could have used a few more: They have a spirited, inventive energy that the rest of this well-intentioned but awfully melodramatic movie lacks.
By Rene Rodriguez FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 9 User Ratings
7.3
78% Positive
7 Ratings
11% Mixed
1 Rating
11% Negative
1 Rating

User Reviews

 View All
User Score
Generally Favorable Based on 9 User Ratings
7.3
78% Positive
7 Ratings
11% Mixed
1 Rating
11% Negative
1 Rating

There are no user reviews yet. Be the first to add a review.

Details

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Production Company Egg Pictures, Initial Entertainment Group (IEG), Trilogy Entertainment Group
Release Date Jun 14, 2002
Duration 1 h 44 m
Rating R
Genres
Tagline One of the most inventive, funny coming-of-age films in years!
View All Details

Awards

Boston Society of Film Critics Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Film Independent Spirit Awards
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination

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