40
Metascore
11 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 70Film ThreatMerle BertrandFilm ThreatMerle BertrandDirector Mike Bencivenga takes what could so easily have been a trite, cliche-riddled melodrama and instead, somehow turns it into...well, a wry and moving melodrama.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterSheri LindenThe Hollywood ReporterSheri LindenTerrific performances by Anthony LaPaglia, Eric Stoltz and Caroleen Feeney infuse this well-written comic drama with a realistic ease.
- 70TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghTV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghShot on location in Manhattan, the film is steeped in understated New York City ambiance and discreetly tinted by Jeffrey M. Taylor's subtle score.
- 50VarietyRobert KoehlerVarietyRobert KoehlerFortunately bypassing a re-run of "Days of Wine and Roses" but finding little inspiration to freshen an old concept, this tragedy about a lover and a friend helplessly watching the writer's fade-out comes up short of its potential impact.
- 50Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittThe first hour is eloquent and true. Once the story takes its big turn toward tragedy, though, it becomes predictable and sentimental.
- 50New York PostV.A. MusettoNew York PostV.A. MusettoIf only its characters weren't such stereotypes.
- 50L.A. WeeklyChuck WilsonL.A. WeeklyChuck WilsonLaPaglia is a fine actor, but not even he can redeem such bathos.
- 38New York Daily NewsJack MathewsNew York Daily NewsJack MathewsUnfortunately, what you'll remember most about the movie is its banal script and dialogue so ripe it almost laughs at itself.
- 20Village VoiceVillage VoiceEvery alkie downward-spiral cliché from "The Lost Weekend" to "Leaving Las Vegas."
- 20The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenThroughout Happy Hour, observations that mean next to nothing are presented as nuggets of profound enlightenment.