Critic Reviews

• Gary Goldstein, Los Angeles Times

  For a movie literally about "finding the funny," it's ironic that director Jim Pasternak too rarely does in his fitfully lively but mostly awkward mockumentary "Certifiably Jonathan."

• Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

  Jonathan Winters is a fine and funny fellow, and deserves better than this.

• Lou Lumenick, New York Post

  Fortunately, Winters' legendary inventiveness as a comedian has not diminished with the years.

• Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times

  Observing his subject both on and off medication (Mr. Winters says he is bipolar), Mr. Pasternak has produced a film that feels depressingly exploitative.

• Frank Scheck, Hollywood Reporter

  Faux documentary about the legendary comedian squanders the rich potential of its subject.

• Ronnie Scheib, Variety

  Winters deserves better.

• Joseph Jon Lanthier, Slant Magazine

  Jim Pasternak's documentary is a sophisticated appreciation of Winters as an unsung multi-talent.

• David Noh, Film Journal International

  There's a trove of laughs to be found here, courtesy of the ineffable Jonathan Winters, which somewhat override the labored mockumentary gimmick.

• Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice

  A whimsical documentary about the elderly comedian Jonathan Winters and his quest to have his paintings exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art.

• Nathan Rabin, AV Club

  Would seem inconsequential under any circumstances, but feels especially threadbare coming on the heels of Joan Rivers: A Piece Of Work.

• Elvis Mitchell, Movieline

  It's got a great subject -- the extraordinarily voluble comedian Jonathan Winters, whose constant rush of words can be like a blizzard: beautiful, maddening, exhausting and finally beautiful again. But it's not a great film.

Read all 11 critic reviews