Critic Reviews

• Lael Loewenstein, Variety

  The kind of plodding, conventional fare usually reserved for TV movies.

• Sandra Contreras, TV Guide's Movie Guide

  Its heart is in the right place, but this sweet drama just doesn't build enough true drama from its slender premise. That said, it's not bad enough to merit the kind of stealth release its studio has imposed on it.

• Dragan Antulov, rec.arts.movies.reviews

  Could have been much better with slightly tighter pacing and with less drowning in sentimentalism.

• Clint Morris, Moviehole

  Good things come in small packages

• Dan Lybarger, Pitch.com

  While the movie deals with the issues of single parenthood in a believable manner, director John N. Smith's handling borders on pedestrian.

• Tim Cogshell, Boxoffice Magazine

  The film devolves into trite melodrama. But on the strength of several good performances, the authenticity of emotion remains intact.

• Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

  Offers much food for thought on single parenting and the deep ties between fathers and sons.

• Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com

  Despite some solid acting by Vaughn, Potter, and Adams, there is no escaping the movie-of-the-week trappings.

• Brian Webster, Apollo Guide

  A Cool, Dry Place is not a memorable film, but you could do a lot worse if you're looking for an honest human drama.

• Urban Cinefile Critics, Urban Cinefile

  The gorgeous Vince Vaughn makes the most of his role as everybody's dream dad -- flaws and all -- while Bobby Moat, as his young son, is little short of miraculous.

• Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com

  Amazing that with a talented cast, the movie (plot: Single father.) just sits there like a stuffed monkey.

Read all 11 critic reviews