Irene in Time (2009)

Critic Reviews

• Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times

  Mr. Jaglom displays an endearing lack of cynicism but an equal lack of discipline.

• J. R. Jones, Chicago Reader

  With its sappy musical vignettes and encounter-session dialogue, the movie consistently overplays its insights, though all three leads contribute thoughtful and genuine performances.

• Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times

  It offers certain pleasures, but suffers from an inability to structure events or know when to end a shot. And it has an ending that is simply, perhaps ridiculously, incomprehensible.

• Peter Hartlaub, San Francisco Chronicle

  There's some sharply written dialogue, and a few strong performances in supporting roles. But much of the action onscreen doesn't ring true.

• Sheri Linden, Chicago Tribune

  Like its central character, Henry Jaglom's 16th feature is gangly and graceful, awkward and tender, a jumble of astute observation and clunkily heightened reality.

• Scott Foundas, Village Voice

  There can be no denying that the filmmaker has an ear for a certain brand of self-absorbed discourse often overheard in restaurants and bars in the shadow of the Hollywood sign.

• Mike Miliard, Boston Phoenix

  Henry Jaglom has been making indie movies for decades. He's a devotee of unadorned camerawork and semi-improvised dialogue -- but some actors are better at improv than others.

• Tom Keogh, Seattle Times

  A disappointingly monotonous weepie.

• Armond White, New York Press

  Against this Judd Apatow era, Jaglom's exploratory filmmaking requires a personal response unhindered by TV formula. His semi-improvised vignettes go in unexpected places, often profoundly emotional directions...

• Ben Kenigsberg, Time Out New York

  [Jaglom's] closing dedication -- "For my daughter" -- turns this into something actively creepy, as opposed to merely brainless, boring and inept.

• Avi Offer, NYC Movie Guru

  Too contrived, sophomoric and unmoving, despite a lively soundtrack and a radiant performance by the genuinely beautiful Tanna Frederick.

• Andrew Schenker, Slant Magazine

  For some girls, when it comes to men, there's just no one quite like daddy.

• Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com

  Further evidence that Henry Jaglom's filmmaking career is on its last gasp, "Irene In Time" is an all too prosaic story...

• Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews

  Somehow, for all of her flaws, Irene slowly and surprisingly worked her way into my heart. Because of this, I found the film's ending particularly effective and poignant.

• Mark Keizer, Boxoffice Magazine

  A near-insufferable, low-budget, pity party that combines the occasional poignant insight with slack storytelling.

• Betty Jo Tucker, ReelTalk Movie Reviews

  Tanna Frederick's charismatic appeal reaches out from the screen, drawing us deeper into 'Irene's world' with each successive scene.

Read all 16 critic reviews