Synopsis
George, a lonely and fatalistic teen who's made it all the way to his senior year without ever having done a real day of work, is befriended by Sally, a popular but complicated girl who recognizes in him a kindred spirit.
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Cast
- Freddie HighmoreGeorge Zinavoy
- Emma RobertsSally Howe
- Michael AngaranoDustin
- Elizabeth ReaserCharlotte Howe
- Alicia SilverstoneMs. Herman
- Sasha SpielbergZoe
- Marcus Carl FranklinWill
- Ann DowdMrs. Grimes
- Blair UnderwoodPrincipal
- Rita WilsonVivian Sargent
Recommendations
- 75
Observer
Has more charm and wit than most of its J.D. Salinger-inspired cousins in the same genre, and is undeniably engaging. - 45
Movieline
I found myself forgetting The Art of Getting By as it unfolded, as though the Looney Tunes art department were two steps behind the characters, rolling up the scenery like so much carpeting. - 40
Boxoffice Magazine
A formula picture made by someone who doesn't even believe in the formula - he knows it all has to work out, we know it all has to work out, and he can't even muster an ironic wink for our trouble. - 40
The Hollywood Reporter
There's just not enough going on behind actor Freddie Highmore's eyes to convince us this kid's existential angst is real. - 40
Time Out
Ugh! For a movie devoted to an alleged geek-rebel underdog, this coming-of-age flick couldn't be more conformist, from its familiar faux quirk to the interchangeable emo-pop songs peppering each sugary montage. - 40
Village Voice
Crafted not to give the slightest offense, The Art of Getting By makes the great - and even the mediocre - teen movies of 30 years ago, like "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," "Fame," and "Foxes," look even more radical in comparison, with their depiction of obnoxious, horny, property-destroying teens. - 38
Orlando Sentinel
A screen romance that echoes its title. It gets by. Barely. - 30
Variety
Facile, formulaic and utterly charm-free.
