41
Metascore
6 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 63Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreThe ending is entirely too pat, considering what’s come before. But Burson has channeled her dark memories of freshman year into something that occasionally touches and often tickles, but stings with familiarity, start to finish.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckArquette is charmingly endearing as the frustrated Jeanne, Wilson movingly conveys his character's vulnerability as well as his bluster and McLean is terrific as the beleaguered young girl desperate to have a mane like Farrah Fawcett's.
- 50RogerEbert.comSheila O'MalleyRogerEbert.comSheila O'MalleyThe film has a good comedic rhythm, and there's a rambunctious bickering energy in every scene. It's often quite funny. But Permanent feels like a short film stretched to feature length. It never quite rises above the level of its premise.
- 40The New York TimesGlenn KennyThe New York TimesGlenn KennyAs the parents, Mr. Wilson and Ms. Arquette seem just about as tired as the characters they’re playing. As Auralie, Ms. McLean is appealing and fresh-faced and could do well in a better coming-of-age movie in a few years.
- 40VarietyPeter DebrugeVarietyPeter DebrugeApart from casting (which is just OK here, as Wilson resorts a bit too much to shtick, while Arquette reaches for sincerity), regionally- and period-specific details are the ingredient that make otherwise-interchangeable stories like this appealing.
- 30Los Angeles TimesSheri LindenLos Angeles TimesSheri LindenWhatever affection the filmmaker might have for her characters, she does her actors no favors, leaving newcomers as well as seasoned talents flailing.