20
Dull, tacky docudrama
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What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
60
As a mix of nonfiction and wafer-thin drama, however, it's a genial mess in which both elements emerge undercooked
50
Like the melancholy remininces of an old relative who lived through an exciting, even harrowing time, but no longer possesses the mental faculties to really flesh out the tale they're spinning.
50
New York Daily News by Jami Bernard
This movie's attempt to reinvent Mizer as a First Amendment hero isn't as effective as its triumphant display of beefcake, which is, after all, the movie's raison d'etre.
38
New York Post by Jonathan Foreman
A campy docu-drama about the secretly gay world of 1950's muscle magazines.
70
Fanciful and highly entertaining docudrama.
60
Los Angeles Times by Kevin Thomas
An illuminating and engrossing look at the life and times of pioneer Los Angeles physique photographer Bob Mizer
40
Chicago Reader by Lisa Alspector
Ultimately this is a sharp-focus issue movie, decrying intolerance as it explores the effects of labeling, the complexity of fetishizing, and the differences between business and crime.
67
Austin Chronicle by Russell Smith
There's an undeniable energy, originality and -- most hearteningly -- optimism here that makes Beefcake well worth your time, shortcomings and all.