59
Metascore
19 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 83The Film StageThe Film StageBercot is able to craft a believable arc within her protagonist, allowing for a gradual character progression rather than one that is abrupt and difficult to reckon with.
- 70Screen DailyJonathan RomneyScreen DailyJonathan RomneyStanding Tall can’t be faulted for energy and for seriousness - and offers a rare case of a troubled-teen drama in which the justice system is seen as entirely benevolent, and a source of succour to troubled souls.
- 70VarietyPeter DebrugeVarietyPeter DebrugeBercot studiously avoids the sort of catharsis-oriented pop psychology the genre so often peddles.
- 60The GuardianPeter BradshawThe GuardianPeter BradshawIt is a high-minded, often touching movie which replaces the nihilism and miserabilism often to be found in social realism, and replaces them with a positive vision of what the state can – and can’t – do to help.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterJordan MintzerThe Hollywood ReporterJordan MintzerThe powerful turns don’t necessarily build towards a satisfying conclusion, in a film that starts off strong but can’t always decide whether it wants to keep it real or give viewers the sort of movie moments found in less-inventive dramas.
- 60The TelegraphRobbie CollinThe TelegraphRobbie CollinThe film has a scrappy optimism about it that’s often very winning, but it never draws itself up to its full height.
- 58HitfixGregory EllwoodHitfixGregory EllwoodWhile Bercot's intentions are admirable, she and co-screenwriter Marcia Romano have conjured up too many moments that play out like thousands of courtroom scenes you've seen before.
- 50The PlaylistOliver LytteltonThe PlaylistOliver LytteltonBercot's setting out to make both a character study of a troubled young man wasting his potential, and an examination of a system trying desperately to do right by its charges, despite the immense difficulties and occasional bureaucratic red tape that tie their hands. It's more successful at the latter than at the former.
- 38Slant MagazineClayton DillardSlant MagazineClayton DillardThe film quickly devolves into a contemptible, exploitative presentation of sociological matters.