Critic Reviews

• Jim Schembri, 3AW

  In a surprisingly strong performance, [John] Cleese puts a sharp spin on his portrayal as mentor to Spud [Troye Sivan], whose rites-of-passage journey avoids the usual cliches.

• Ed Gibbs, The Sun Herald

  A hugely entertaining coming-of-age tale, grounded in realism. Sivan's note-perfect portrayal of the diminutive hero is matched by a razor-sharp Cleese.

• Julie Rigg, MovieTime, ABC Radio National

  If there was satirical intent, it is leached from the film.

• Margaret Pomeranz, At the Movies (Australia)

  I think largely because of the completely innocent-seeming performance of Troye Sivan, it won me over and I found myself actually quite moved by the end.

• Scott Murray, The Age (Australia)

  This is a film most will like - especially fans of last year's Submarine.

• Sandra Hall, Sydney Morning Herald

  You and your kids will have seen it all before but, if you're looking for a less brutal take on the ordeals of adolescence than the one offered by The Hunger Games, this could work.

• Leigh Paatsch, Herald Sun (Australia)

  Teens will find much to like about Spud but older audiences may find it familiar.

• Cara Nash, FILMINK (Australia)

  A touch more quirky than the average coming-of-age tale, there's a bit of schmaltz here, but this also brims with humour, heart and honesty.

• Andrew L. Urban, Urban Cinefile

  The film struggles to find an even tone, swinging from overstatement and farcical to sentimental and earnest. But it strives to be a faithful adaptation of this popular novel and comes together well in the second half

Read all 9 critic reviews