40
When it’s indulging in glammed-up musical sequences, Hunky Dory comes to life; everything else couldn’t seem less inspiring.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
40
There's lo-fi charm in the musical numbers and heartfelt turns from the young cast but the story drifts along without offering much that we haven't seen before.
70
The Hollywood Reporter by John DeFore
When rehearsals finally give way to full, unconventional production numbers, it's hard to imagine any way Hunky Dory could get much better.
40
The picture draws only slight entertainment value from the spectacle of youngsters warbling 1970s pop tunes, like a retro version of “High School Musical” with less charm.
42
It’s too broad in both its humor and its melodrama, and there are so many narrative threads that none of them aside from Driver’s really get their due.
60
Village Voice by Pete Vonder Haar
Hunky Dory isn't blazing any trails, but if you're not wholly burned out by the genre and/or look back fondly on the Glam era, you'll find musicals haven't yet completely gone to the (diamond) dogs.
60
The Guardian by Peter Bradshaw
Marc Evans's Hunky Dory is sentimental, sweet-natured and daft as a brush.
50
The result is not without a few moments of exhilaration, although the overall effect is more like the Bard of Avon meets "Glee."
50
As emblematic of the film’s general indifference as anything is Driver’s central, perfectly fine performance.