Chicago Sun-Times

Loach's realism always carries a distinct sense of humor, volatility and, most alarmingly in this hypercapitalist new century, a socialist passion for The People.

Chicago Sun-Times by Steven Boone

Loach's realism always carries a distinct sense of humor, volatility and, most alarmingly in this hypercapitalist new century, a socialist passion for The People.

New York Post by Farran Smith Nehme

At age 76, Loach also decided to offer his characters, and audience, some hope — at the bottom of a glass.

USA Today by Claudia Puig

Brannigan is terrific as Robbie, and the entire supporting cast is superb.

Portland Oregonian

Although some of the accents are so thick it's difficult to understand the dialogue (where are the subtitles when we need them?) the performances feel genuine.

Portland Oregonian by Grant Butler

Although some of the accents are so thick it's difficult to understand the dialogue (where are the subtitles when we need them?) the performances feel genuine.

Total Film

For all its bleak edges, The Angels’ Share warms like a sip of the good stuff.

New York Magazine (Vulture) by David Edelstein

The Angels’ Share is a rare upbeat Ken Loach comedy — and a wee dram of bliss. Set in Scotland, it has a blessedly funny overture.

The Guardian by Peter Bradshaw

Ken Loach's latest collaboration with screenwriter Paul Laverty is warm, funny and good-natured. It's a freewheeling social-realist caper – unworldly and at times almost childlike.

Total Film by Staff [Not Credited]

For all its bleak edges, The Angels’ Share warms like a sip of the good stuff.

New York Daily News by Elizabeth Weitzman

The setting and themes are pure Loach, and he’s handled comic scenarios with skill before. But he and his longtime screenwriter, Paul Laverty, have added a lighthearted buoyancy — enhanced by a spirited if obvious soundtrack — that might lead some to call this a feel-good crowd-pleaser.

The A.V. Club by Mike D'Angelo

The cast is immensely appealing, the heist is ingenious, and the collision of hardscrabble working-class kids and Sideways-style alcohol snobs generates steady laughs, though somewhat predictable ones.

NPR by Ella Taylor

Leaving this improbably feel-good movie, you'll wish Robbie all the luck in the world, and the mentors to go with it.

The Hollywood Reporter

A few clumsy touches do not seriously diminish the charm of a film that is ultimately a heart-warming celebration of kindness, friendship and forgiveness. Like a fine whisky, the angry old man of British social realism seems to be mellowing with age. It suits him.

Variety by Leslie Felperin

An amiable comedy about young Glaswegian roughnecks discovering the world of whisky, The Angels’ Share finds helmer Ken Loach and long-term screenwriting partner Paul Laverty in better, breezier form than their rebarbative prior effort, “Route Irish.”

Empire by Kim Newman

Like good whisky, Loach is mellowing and becoming subtler with age — though a swift chug still has a bit of a kick.

Slant Magazine

Ken Loach's breezy scribble about lowlife redemption and drunken buffoonery isn't so much heavy-handed as it is charmingly weightless.

The Playlist

Some good laughs and a passable air of bonhomie do nothing to cover up the fact that The Angels’ Share is totally lightweight and distractingly underdone.