70
Metascore
15 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- As always, the tale is in the telling, and Standing Up tells it well.
- 75Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreJokes, sparkling bits of dialogue, a few touching third act twists and laughs in surprising places.
- 75San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleSan Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleA small, independent comedy-drama that does a number of things very well. It does them all quietly. The scenes don’t swing for the fences. The emotional work is true, not pushed, and by the end, the movie ends up giving the sense of a world.
- 75TheWrapTodd GilchristTheWrapTodd GilchristFunny and honest in equal measures, like a good stand-up routine, Standing Up, Falling Down uses a light touch to teach us there’s always more to learn.
- 75The Film StageJared MobarakThe Film StageJared MobarakThe plot’s obviousness melts away because we’re having a genuinely great time as these flawed men grow ever so slightly with each passing minute. They feel real.
- 70Los Angeles TimesMichael RechtshaffenLos Angeles TimesMichael RechtshaffenWhile the template may be familiar, the nicely balanced blend of comedy and pathos still hits the mark.
- 70Screen RantScreen RantIn the end, Standing Up, Falling Down is all the better because of Schwartz and Crystal. Their comedic delivery is effortless and their personalities beautifully mesh together. Even as the story becomes more somber, they dive into dramatic elements with ease, turning this story's familiar plot into an interesting meditation on regret and the way it takes its toll.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterStephen FarberThe Hollywood ReporterStephen FarberAlthough there is nothing groundbreaking about the story told in Standing Up, a series of small grace notes help to freshen this dissection of lost souls searching for second chances.
- 70SlashfilmHoai-Tran BuiSlashfilmHoai-Tran BuiDespite some storytelling stumbles, Standing Up, Falling Down manages to stay upright thanks to knockout performances from Schwartz and Crystal.
- 60VarietyDennis HarveyVarietyDennis HarveyThanks largely to the performers (and Crystal in particular), the end result is diverting enough if unmemorable.