50
Convoluted yet simple-minded, the movie frequently equates verbosity with wit.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
50
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
The film would work better if its story unfolded more swiftly and if its twists were more unexpected. The acting is solid, though.
30
Washington Post by Desson Thomson
Aside from the obviously Australian flavor to everything -- which can be entertaining at times -- there's no X factor to justify the whole exercise.
50
New York Daily News by Jack Mathews
I may be wrong, but I think Guy Pearce is wearing Nicole Kidman's false nose in The Hard Word. Whatever it is that's on his face, it looks like a dead cod and won't win him an Oscar.
40
Wall Street Journal by Joe Morgenstern
Like many dreams that enliven filmmakers' nights, this one derives from other, better films, though it does have a few clever twists.
60
Chicago Reader by Jonathan Rosenbaum
At times the plot developments in this post-Tarantino story seem so random they suggest automatic writing, but the characters and some of the settings kept me interested.
58
Portland Oregonian by Kim Morgan
Though The Hard Word feels flimsy at times, its breeziness and humor, along with Pearce's performance, make it infinitely more amusing than it's got any right to be. You get the feeling that these actors had fun making this film, and that fun is contagious.
75
San Francisco Chronicle by Mick LaSalle
Tense and compelling, with the added charm of a mischievous spirit.
42
Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman
An Australian crime caper that's one part ''Sexy Beast,'' one part ''The Full Monty,'' and three parts very flat soda.
50
Seattle Post-Intelligencer by Sean Axmaker
Even a one-two punch from Australian stars Guy Pearce and Rachel Griffiths, who are wryly good in this crime caper, can't keep it from sinking into a cavern of cliches.