46
Metascore
14 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 70Boxoffice MagazinePete HammondBoxoffice MagazinePete HammondReiner has crafted the perfect summer film in The Magic Of Belle Isle. No, not one with a lot of noise and battles and comic book heroes, but rather a wonderfully laid back family story set around a gorgeous lake, about the everyday problems of real people from 7 to 70.
- 70The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenMs. Madsen, radiant and tousled, without a trace of narcissism, conveys maternal devotion, undaunted courage and a serene sensuality. Real, if idealized, grown-ups: We haven't seen them much in the movies lately, but here they are.
- 60Time OutKeith UhlichTime OutKeith UhlichThough the story's wrapped-with-a-bow finale is never in doubt-ol' Meathead remains a populist, pandering Hollywood man through and through-Belle Isle still manages to cast enough of an enchanting spell.
- 50Slant MagazineSlant MagazineThis gooey reteaming of Rob Reiner and Morgan Freeman is crammed tight with baldly manipulative elements, its tearjerker quota busting at the seams.
- 50Village VoiceNick SchagerVillage VoiceNick SchagerWith graceless melodramatist Rob Reiner at the helm, it's predictably ironic that The Magic of Belle Isle champions the unparalleled power of imagination while displaying absolutely none of its own.
- 50Entertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumEntertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumA crotchety, alcoholic, wheelchair-bound coot played on cruise control by Morgan Freeman learns these recycled lessons in a pastel-colored, embroidered wall-hanging of a drama directed by Rob Reiner.
- 50Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles TimesIt has some heartfelt performances and a nice, nondescript vibe, but it's largely unmemorable.
- 50New York PostLou LumenickNew York PostLou LumenickEven in an underwritten role, the delightful Madsen shines in her best performance since her comeback role in "Sideways."
- 50Christian Science MonitorPeter RainerChristian Science MonitorPeter RainerAlmost every scene is pitched for dewy sympathy. Madsen, a strong actress who might have matched Freeman, is portrayed in varying shades of blandness. Even Freeman, good as his is, is held back here. His rock bottom isn't very rocky, and far from bottomless.