Critic Reviews

• Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times

  We see an art form bridge generations with a strange mixture of grace, joy and melancholy.

• G. Allen Johnson, San Francisco Chronicle

  Like the singer himself - smooth and classy.

• Lou Lumenick, New York Post

  Like with any great singer, it's often the telling pauses of the man born Anthony Benedetto that say the most in "The Zen of Bennett."

• Dennis Harvey, Variety

  These elements leave the documentary hanging somewhere between a glorified making-of album promo and a more in-depth portrait of the artist.

• John DeFore, Hollywood Reporter

  Friendly doc offers plentiful guest stars but only one perspective on the singer's career.

• Stephen Holden, New York Times

  The way Mr. Bennett talks is the way he sings. There is no subtext, only the song conveyed with knowledge, heart, a sophisticated sense of swing and a positive attitude.

• Mike Scott, Times-Picayune

  It feels a bit like a classed-up infomercial at times, but it's still as much a treat to witness Bennett's process as it is to see him interact with today's young stars.

• David Guzman, Film Journal International

  As simple as Tony Bennett's life is, his magic could've used a documentary less simple-minded than The Zen of Bennett to explain it.

Read all 8 critic reviews