Please Stand By

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2:25

Please Stand By

PG-13,

2018,

1h 33m,

Comedy/

Drama

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58%

38 Reviews

Tomatometer

68%

500+ Ratings

Popcornmeter

58%

Tomatometer

38 Reviews

68%

Popcornmeter

500+ Ratings

Wendy sees things differently: she's fiercely independent, with a brilliant mind and a mischievous sense of hilarity. Wendy also has autism. To her, people are an indecipherable code and the world's a confusing place. Inspired by her no-nonsense caregiver, Wendy comes of age and escapes from her care home on the road trip of a lifetime to deliver her 500-page script to a writing competition.

Critics Consensus

Please Stand By hits a number of familiar coming-of-age beats, but adds just enough of a Trek-fueled twist to keep things interesting.

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Sheri Linden

The Hollywood Reporter

Jan 29, 2018

Lewin can't quite transcend the inconsistencies and dwindling credibility of the concept or give the material a driving pulse, even with its race-to-the-deadline setup.

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David Edelstein

New York Magazine/Vulture

Jan 26, 2018

You can guess how most of its scenes will play before you even come to them, and it has a circumspect, sanitized quality, as if meant to be shown in group homes without causing undue upset.

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Rex Reed

Observer

Jan 26, 2018

3/4

Touches the viewer with the subtle emotional wallop of a feather brushing against the heart.

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Michael J. Casey

Michael J. Cinema

Apr 8, 2021

2.5/5

A lukewarm movie with its heart in the right place.

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Josh Goller

Spectrum Culture

Jul 20, 2019

2.75/5

Checking off all the autism boxes rather than imbuing an unconventional character with additional depth ultimately dooms Please Stand By to mediocrity.

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Francisco Marinero

El Mundo (Spain)

Mar 1, 2019

2/5

The movie functions well as a road film and a film about overcoming obstacles, however it almost telegraphs its ambition for awards. [Full Review in Spanish]

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Luke R

Mar 24, 2019

Fantastic performance by Dakota Fanning as usual.

Han R

Jan 22, 2019

Dakota Fanning stars in the compelling character drama Please Stand By. The story follows a young autistic woman who writers a Star Trek script for a fan competition, but when she misses the mailing deadline she decides to make a trek to Los Angeles to submit her script to the Paramount studio in person. Fanning gives an incredibly good performance, and is backed by a strong supporting cast that including Alice Eve, Toni Collette, and Patton Oswalt. Additionally, the script is especially well-written; particularly in how it uses the Star Trek motif. And the soundtrack does an impressive job at setting a lighthearted yet earnest tone. Heartwarming and inspirational, Please Stand By is an entertaining film with a positive message.

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Luke G

Jan 4, 2019

I watched mostly for the Star Trek tie-in, and enjoyed the movie. Dakota Fanning did an awesome portrayal of (I think) an autistic girl. The references to the Star Trek world appeared in appropriate places, such as her encounter with Patton Oswalt. (I won't spoil it.) Some laughs. Not for everyone.

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Dec 19, 2018

This movie has a character I can identify with because I have Aspergers which is close to Autism and the character is someone everyone with Autism or Aspergers could identify with. This movie is filled with heart and emotion, something that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

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Theodore W

Nov 27, 2018

Despite the risk of falling into melodrama at every frame, Lewin manages to keep the balance by providing us with one of the best fictional autistic characters ever seen, and the daily struggle of his "Rain Girl" leaves its mark. (Mauro Lanari)

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Hermione R

Sep 21, 2018

When the movie story is fully disclosed in the movie's ads, the success depends on how its execution or portrayal arouses viewer emotions. And this is where this predictable fare does poorly. It does not have enough warmth at even the best of times.

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Ben Lewin

Director

Dakota Fanning

Wendy

Toni Collette

Scottie

Alice Eve

Audrey

Patton Oswalt

Police Officer Frank

Michael Stahl-David

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Please Stand By: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Wendy sees things differently: she's fiercely independent, with a brilliant mind and a mischievous sense of hilarity. Wendy also has autism. To her, people are an indecipherable code and the world's a confusing place. Inspired by her no-nonsense caregiver, Wendy comes of age and escapes from her care home on the road trip of a lifetime to deliver her 500-page script to a writing competition.

Director: Ben Lewin
Producer: Daniel Dubiecki, Lara Alameddine, Todd Wagner
Screenwriter: Michael Golamco
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures
Production Co: 2929 Productions, Magnolia Pictures
Rating: PG-13 (Brief Strong Language)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 26, 2018, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 26, 2018
Runtime: 1h 33m

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