The Critic

Definitely enjoyable. It blends a murder mystery vibe with pre World War 2 English stuffiness, poking fun at the latter. Ian McKellen is great and while none of the other characters shine much there is a reason for the title (duh).

A total bore that wastes the talent involved. Wish we could have seen the darker original cut.

Written like it couldn't decide what it was, what it was saying,,and why it was saying it. At every turn you thought "what is it going to be about". As a piece of melodrama it would have played if the cast hightened their performances.It seemed to think it was a serious film. A thankless role for Manville, some excruciating lines for Arterton, and a completely 'meh' plot. I didn't care for anyone. Waste of time.

Art deco set compliments this Elizabethen tale of revenge and blind ambition . McKellen superbly twisted,

Why spend so much time making the sets, costumes, hair, props etc look authentic for 1934 (which were great) to then have a story more relevant to modern times with modern casting ideals. Top London theatres were not multicultural in 1934 FACT Otherwise very average.

An incredible performance by Ian McKellen elevates this crime drama as it veers into melodrama. The Critic's storytelling is uneven and almost falters in the middle, but luckily, a cast of talented actors who all deliver great performances save it from going off the rails.

Yeah, not one of his best. Watchable though.

Ian McKellen is amazing. He keeps getting better, and he is captivating and horrifying in this soapy, scheming tale of London’s depression era world of theater and newspapers.

The Critic" stars Sir Ian McKellen in the titular role as the drama critic for a fictional newspaper in 1934 London. McKellen's acerbic reviews and a run-in with the police soon get him sacked by the new owner of the paper (Mark Strong). But McKellen soon develops a plan to return his job at the paper (and take revenge) by blackmailing the beautiful Gemma Atherton who is an actress that Strong's character has designs on. Ben Barnes also stars as Atherton's married lover. I don't want to say more to avoid spoilers. The movie is well acted, particularly, of course, by the great Sir Ian McKellen whose delivery of sardonic (and sarcastic) comments is wonderful. The rest of the cast all do a credible job. The production values and recreation of 1930's London are very good. Direction by Anand Tucker is adequate but not extraordinary. Although the plot strains credulity at times, I would still recommend the film for fans of drama (and McKellen's performance is worth the price of admission!). A solid 7/10.

Why do we expect evwry movie to be a masterpiece, to be perfect?! This is a glimpse, a short cut of life from the perspective of the artistic and media world. And some people are melodramatic and react in such a way, particularly in the old days when the perception of honour was different. Ian McKellen is brilliant. Truly enjoyed it.