63
Metascore
31 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80Chicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumChicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumSubtle and graceful directorial debut.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterRay BennettThe Hollywood ReporterRay BennettThe movie is filled with small moments of tenderness, insight and considerable wisdom.
- 80VarietyDavid RooneyVarietyDavid RooneyMaterial that might have turned to standard dysfunctional family treacle in other hands is given stirring poignancy, warmth and emotional insight in Shona Auerbach's assured first feature.
- 75Rolling StonePeter TraversRolling StonePeter TraversWhat could have been a sentimental train wreck emerges as a funny and touching portrait of three bruised people.
- 70Film ThreatRoss WilliamsFilm ThreatRoss WilliamsWhile the film isn’t completely perfect, director and cinematographer Shona Auerbach shows that she’s a great new filmmaking talent.
- 70The A.V. ClubKeith PhippsThe A.V. ClubKeith PhippsOn its own terms, Dear Frankie works much better than it really has any right to. Auerbach tells a small, contrived story, but gives it the weight of life.
- 70The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen Holden"Miramax porn." The term refers to manipulative tearjerkers like Dear Frankie whose sensitive performances, along with a light dusting of grit, allow them to be marketed as art films. This one is clever enough to fool a lot of people.
- 63ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliThe end result is an unremarkable, unmemorable movie that deserves neither praise nor approbation.
- 50Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittWell acted, capably directed, not as substantial as it might have been.
- 40L.A. WeeklyElla TaylorL.A. WeeklyElla TaylorThe movie’s glib trafficking in illness, death and pinched little faces to jury-rig our emotional responses (Gibb was inspired by the equally likable, equally pandering Czech film "Kolya") lost me at hello.