71
Metascore
15 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenThe dialogue and the ensemble acting maintain a near-perfect pitch.
- 90Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasMike Armstrong's relentlessly downbeat script allows Demme to develop an ensnaring camaraderie coupled with a dark destructiveness that recalls Eugene O'Neill.
- 80Village VoiceVillage VoiceUnder Ted Demme's accomplished direction, the film unfolds with a kind of ruthless simplicity, observing, rather than stating, the neighborhood's intricate social connections.
- 78Austin ChronicleMarc SavlovAustin ChronicleMarc SavlovLeary, Demme, and screenwriter Mike Armstrong have come up with a brilliant, harrowing portrait of misplaced loyalties and savage valor that may be one of the best character-driven ensemble pieces to come around in some time.
- 75Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertThere is a whole genre of films about childhood friends still living in the old neighborhood and going down the drain of crime and drugs. Few of them capture the fatigue and depression, and the futility, as well as this one, in which the characters hold on to their self-respect by obeying the very rules that are grinding them down.
- 75ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliWith fresh dialogue and a willingness to show his protagonists in a less-than-favorable light, Demme has found a way to make this entry memorable.
- 75San Francisco ChroniclePeter StackSan Francisco ChroniclePeter StackDirector Ted Demme (with a terse script by Mike Armstrong) keeps it darkly funny while exposing raw nerves in a buildup to unexpected tragedy.
- 70Chicago ReaderLisa AlspectorChicago ReaderLisa AlspectorSet in an expressively underlit environment, this rivetingly moody drama is enhanced by the restrained use of incidental music.
- 67Entertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumEntertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumBut where would these lads be without the pop-culture-happy language of Quentin Tarantino to fuel their bull sessions? Nowhere, that's where.
- 50Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittThe story has some chillingly suspenseful episodes, although it's marred by overfamiliar themes and weak dialogue.