Yahoo News George Clooney's new movie lands disappointing Rotten Tomatoes score
George Clooney's new movie, The Boys in the Boat, has landed a disappointing Rotten Tomatoes score after its first reviews.
Adapted from Daniel James Brown's book of the same name, the film brings to life the true story of the University of Washington rowing team and their "incredible" journey to win gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
The movie marks Clooney's ninth directing credit and boasts a star-studded cast that includes Obi-Wan Kenobi's Joel Edgerton, The Capture's Callum Turner, Pet Sematary: Bloodlines' Jack Mulhern, Little Women's Hadley Robinson and I Still See You's Thomas Elms.
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At the time of writing (December 19), The Boys in the Boat has a score of 48% on Rotten Tomatoes from 40 reviews. While critics praised the movie for its feel-good nature, overall it has been criticised for "predictable plot points" and underwhelming ending.
Here's what reviewers have been saying:
Variety
"The Boys in the Boat is a gentleman's sports movie, with Clooney working hard to make one 'like they used to'. He brings it off, even if there's a lingering quaintness to it all."
The Telegraph
"The Boys in the Boat is autopilot Clooney — a pleasant, coddling watch almost ruthlessly shorn of depth or subtext."
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Globe and Mail
"Nine films into his directorial career now, and it is clear that the guy only operates on two behind-the-scenes wavelengths: he'll either frustrate or bore you to death. Either way, to watch 'A George Clooney Film' is to accept a good, long nap."
The Times
"It's time to ask the question, 'Is there any genre that George Clooney can't direct ... badly?'"
Screen International
"The Boys in the Boat is heartfelt and smoothly executed, but this inspirational drama cannot outrace the filmmaker's staid, undemanding approach, which turns even the most stirring moments into predictable plot points."
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The Guardian
"This feels like an animatronic museum display."
The Hollywood Reporter
"At times The Boys in the Boat could have used more of an edge. But like the Huskies, it gets the job done, stumbling sometimes but mostly assured."
The Daily Beast
"Hits many of the right feel-good notes. Unfortunately, it also strikes a lot of discordant ones, neutering most of its attempts at rousing inspiration."
The Boys in the Boat is released in US cinemas on December 25, 2023, and in the UK on January 12, 2024.
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