50
Metascore
11 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75Boston GlobeJoan AndermanBoston GlobeJoan AndermanEarle's song introductions, like those of his mentors Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, are as meaty, pointed, and touching as the tunes themselves, and his spoken words -- full of humor and humanity -- are the heart of the film.
- 63New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanNew York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanIn performance, Earle comes across as a successor to Woody Guthrie or Johnny Cash. In this fawning portrait, however, he seems more like music's Michael Moore.
- 60The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenA crude but stirring video documentary filmed over last year and this by Amos Poe, while Mr. Earle and his band were on tour.
- 60Chicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumChicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumProvides an interesting introduction to a compelling figure in contemporary pop music.
- 50Village VoiceVillage VoiceLooking puffier than he did in New York last month, Earle gets his band together, rewrites his play about executed Christian Karla Faye Tucker on the eve of opening night, defends his patriotism (and yours), and flogs the current LP. And then he rocks some more.
- 50New York PostLou LumenickNew York PostLou LumenickA mediocre music documentary about veteran country rocker and activist Steve Earle, who created a furor with a song sympathetic to American Taliban John Walker Lindh.
- 50Chicago TribuneChicago TribuneMight have struck a deeper chord with fans who are still looking for the Steve Earle who exists behind the music.
- 50The Hollywood ReporterThe Hollywood ReporterWill best be appreciated by those who are already firmly in Earle's camp.
- 38PremiereLaine EwenPremiereLaine EwenEarle fans might see this film as a satisfying portrayal of a man they know and love, but those unfamiliar with the man and his music will likely leave the theater without much more interest in him than when the movie began.
- 30TV Guide MagazineKen FoxTV Guide MagazineKen FoxAsk New York-based filmmaker Amos Poe, who badly botches this profile of the artist with a sloppy structure, careless editing and amateurish optical effects that detract from what's actually good about the film: Earle's music.