Movie Review: ‘The Critic’ | Moviephone
Ian McKellen in ‘The Critic’. Photo: Lionsgate.
Opening in theaters September 13th, ‘The Critic’ adapts Anthony Quinn’s novel ‘Curtain Call’ for the story of a legendary (and legendarily difficult to please) theater critic who seeks to avoid irrelevance by concocting a blackmail scheme.
Yet despite boasting a quality cast anchored by British National Treasure Ian McKellen, the movie that revolves around them feels like a futile attempt at home compared to the big-screen thrillers on PBS.
What are the things to write about in the ‘critic’?
The world of theater criticism is one of what you would think is the potential for intrigue, infighting and –– at least in this case –– the Faustian pact between those who walk the stage and those who judge their work for the public.
Sadly, despite that compelling setup, ‘The Critic’ rarely rises above the level of a cool, quirky TV movie. And it even delivers good work as the lead with the likes of Ian McKellen, Gemma Arterton and Mark Strong.
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Scripts and instructions
(L to R) Ian McKellen and Gemma Arterton in ‘The Critic’. Photo: Lionsgate.
The weakest link here might be the screenplay, and that’s a real shame. With source material from a novel by Anthony Quinn and a script by Patrick Marber (who was behind even more impressive films like ‘Closer’ and ‘Notes on a Scandal’), ‘The Critic’ charts its course in the deadliest of fashions. imaginable
There’s nothing wrong with a film made almost entirely of scenes of actors talking in rooms if the dialogue cracks and there’s real wit or energy on display. Yet the cast struggles with some genuinely uncomfortable moments, with the entire movie draped around them like a thin sheet.
While we’re not expecting car chases or big action set-pieces from the leading man (though we’re not sure what his excuse is given that 93-year-old June Squibb went Thelma in this year’s ‘Mission: Impossible’), here’s the show. There really needs to be more emotion.
Director Anand Tucker, meanwhile (a veteran of movies like ‘Hilary and Jackie’ and ‘Shopgirl’) just couldn’t find the right tone to make this one work. Visually, the film is impressively staged, and a few scenes make good use of light and shadow, but that doesn’t stop the whole thing from being flat and uninspired.
performance
McKellen is our focus here, but he’s not alone in performing well, rather than the script.
Ian McKellen
Ian McKellen in ‘The Critic’. Photo: Lionsgate.
McKellen can knock off this type of character in his sleep, and there are times when he really brings the script to life. Erskine is an interesting enough character –– a vivacious and influential before the word was actually used, he is a faded peacock of a man, accustomed to the limited level of his power and when circumstances change, struggling with his place in society the homophobia of the time creeps into him.
Gemma Arterton
Gemma Arterton in ‘The Critic’. Photo: Lionsgate.
Arterton may not be on McKellen’s level, but she certainly has some eloquence and captivating emotion as Nina Land, the actress seemingly resigned to a less-than-satisfying career in the theater at the mercy of critics like Erskine. He plays better than McKellen and Strong, but rarely gets enough opportunities to shine on his own terms.
Mark Strong as David Brooke
Strong has always been a reliable character actor, and here he’s given a slightly charming role as a media mogul who finds his feet after the death of his father, who gets caught up in Erskine’s scheme. With her conflicted nature, she is more than just a victim.
Alfred Enoch as Tom Turner
(L to R) Alfred Enoch and Ian McKellen in ‘The Critic’. Photo: Lionsgate.
Playing Erskine’s secretary and lover, Enoch doesn’t have as much to do as the rest, but he does get a few decent scenes, mainly playing McKellen, but is given a chance to make his mark later on in the movie.
Supporting cast
Tucker certainly loaded the film with good actors in small roles; Lesley Manville is good as Nina’s mother, Annabel, while Ben Burns and Romola Garai play David Brooks’ son-in-law and daughter, who have their own drama going on. The only downside is that the script never makes room for all the characters it needs to push, so they’re often underserved.
final thought
(L to R) Ian McKellen and Gemma Arterton in ‘The Critic’. Photo: Lionsgate.
Given the talent involved, especially in front of the camera, you’d expect better than this film, which falters as you raise your pulse. There are some minor joys to be found –– McKellen in particular is entertaining, but most critics probably wouldn’t give it a glowing review.
‘The Critic’ received 5.5 out of 10 stars.
“Ambition seduces. Power corrupts.”
Showtimes and tickets
London, 1934. Jimmy Erskine (McKellan) is the most formidable theater critic of the age. He lives as flamboyantly as he writes and takes pleasure in savagely taking… Read the plot
What is the story of ‘The Critic’?
Jimmy Erskine (Ian McKellen) is London’s most famous and feared theater critic of the 1930s. But his decades of dominance are under threat: The outlet he works for, The Daily Chronicle, is under new ownership following the death of its owner.
The new boss, son of the previous owner, David Brooke (Mark Strong) is looking to make sweeping changes, adjusting the paper’s political outlook and removing some old writers. And Jimmy’s outspoken behavior and gay lifestyle don’t fit the “family values” image that Brooke is trying to portray.
But when Jimmy notices that Brooke is particularly taken with bringing actress Nina Land (Gemma Arterton) to a performance, he hatches a plan: He’ll help Nina with her career if she lures Brooke into a blackmail scheme to secure Jimmy’s job. can But as the twists and turns pile up, things turn dangerous –– and then tragic.
Who else is acting in ‘The Critic’?
Also starring Leslie Manville, Ben Burns, Romola Garai, Alfred Enoch and Beau Gadson.
‘The Critic’ opens in theaters on September 13 Photo: Lionsgate.
