70
It’s an exciting movie filled with plenty of action, adventure, beautiful cinematography and best of all, terrific performances.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
60
The New York Times by Dana Stevens
The storytelling is choppy and abrupt, and the filmmakers rely heavily on voice-over narration to announce themes that are never brought to dramatic life on screen. Mr. Ledger, his heartthrob charisma camouflaged behind a heavy beard, gives a stiff, hesitant performance.
50
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
The cast works hard, but Jordan's directing is too ponderous and slow to build dramatic energy.
80
An impressively staged, dark-toned revisiting of the life and times of Australia's boldest and most charismatic outlaw.
70
Dallas Observer by Jean Oppenheimer
Despite the idealized portrait of Kelly and the very predictable plot, the film proves engaging, thanks in large measure to Ledger's sympathetic and believable performance.
70
Village Voice by Jessica Winter
The film marks a welcome departure from the usual rah-rah machismo of the semi-nationalist action adventure, but Jordan never escapes the mighty shadow of "The Thin Red Line"--from the grace-note inserts of exotic birds, snakes, and foliage to Ledger's laconic, sometimes haiku-like voice-over to Klaus Badelt's embarrassingly Zimmer-derivative score.
50
Los Angeles Times by Kevin Thomas
Since Ned Kelly -- which is not terrible, just too often dull -- has a no-expense-spared feel to it, this Focus Features release can be regarded only as an opportunity missed.
67
Entertainment Weekly by Lisa Schwarzbaum
A boggy mix of fact, fiction, and changeable wigs and beards worn by Heath Ledger in the title role, manages to shrink the grandness of the myth without clarifying our understanding of the man.
50
The whole movie is curiously distant and flat, like a museum object encased in extra-thick glass.