72
Metascore
28 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles TimesIn her first feature, writer-director Gina Prince-Bythewood tells a familiar tale with first-rate acting and an underlying sense of authenticity.
- 88Boston GlobeJay CarrBoston GlobeJay CarrThe cinematic equivalent of a high, arching rainbow of a three-pointer from midcourt.
- 88Baltimore SunAnn HornadayBaltimore SunAnn HornadayThe conventional and the cliche are slam-dunked in favor of a fresh, authentic take on passion, ambition and coming of age.
- 80L.A. WeeklyErnest HardyL.A. WeeklyErnest HardyAlthough the writing and the directing are smart and purposeful, the movie takes flight on the strength of its performances.
- 75Charlotte ObserverLawrence ToppmanCharlotte ObserverLawrence ToppmanAny critic likes to predict the rise of a star, so let me introduce you to Gina Prince-Bythewood.
- 70Chicago ReaderLisa AlspectorChicago ReaderLisa AlspectorThe lush, emotional scenes are enhanced by the sound track.
- 70Washington PostStephen HunterWashington PostStephen HunterThis one has crossover hit written all over it.
- 67Austin ChronicleRussell SmithAustin ChronicleRussell SmithThe fact that the blatantly thumbtacked-on happy ending plays as unvarnished fairy tale adds a definite bittersweet tang of irony.
- 63USA TodayAndy SeilerUSA TodayAndy SeilerOne wishes producer Spike Lee had stepped in to give the dialogue some sass.
- 50New York PostJonathan ForemanNew York PostJonathan ForemanStrong cast is defeated by a labored, screenplay in this overlong, clunky love story.