Film Threat by Simone Cromer

This period drama may be a bit slow during some scenes, but the devious dark plot is such a pleasant surprise the payoff is worth it. On top of that, The Critic has a beautiful score, excellent set design, and great cinematography.

Collider by Isabella Soares

A film filled with intensity, this is a worthwhile, deliciously vile watch.

Variety by Joe Leydon

The film is a heady brew of period thriller, compelling melodrama and jet-black comedy, and the second most remarkable thing about it is how seamlessly these diverse elements gel.

Austin Chronicle by Kimberley Jones

McKellen – now in his mid-Eighties, still sporting – hasn’t brought this kind of twinkling malevolence to the screen since his starring role in 1995’s Richard III, which coincidentally transposed its story of power grabbing and backstabbing to 1930s, fascists-rising England, the very same milieu of this acidic drama.

TheWrap by Steve Pond

The movie leans into the melodrama, taking its time and milking the situation for all its worth.

Washington Post by Ty Burr

At 85, Ian McKellen doesn’t have many performances left in him, so any movie that lets the actor carve ham with such exuberant relish as “The Critic” is worth his time and ours.

Original-Cin by Liz Braun

This critic says The Critic is an imperfect film saved by a terrific cast. In particular, Sir Ian McKellen steals the show as a preening newspaper god in 1930s London.

RogerEbert.com by Nell Minow

McKellen is the reason to see “The Critic.” This extraordinary actor could not wish for a character better suited to his depth of understanding and experience.

ReelViews by James Berardinelli

Although the movie disappoints late in the proceedings by pandering to cliches, few will be so bored as to leave before the curtain comes down.

The Associated Press by Lindsey Bahr

Theater critic as tyrant is a juicy premise; “The Critic” just can’t live up to the promise.