61
Metascore
36 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenReconfirms the filmmaker's talent as an acutely observant chronicler of upscale bohemian subcultures.
- 75Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittThe story of Laurel Canyon doesn't ultimately live up to the technical polish Cholodenko brings to it, but it's worth a visit if you want to check out the latest emotional vibes emanating from the Hollywood Hills.
- 75New York PostMegan LehmannNew York PostMegan LehmannBale, one of the most intriguing actors of his generation, plays a young man rebelling against his liberal upbringing with a mix of bemusement and lost-puppy anguish, making this film as much about mothers and sons as struggling couples.
- 67Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam ArnoldSeattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam ArnoldThe cast is as likable as it is improbable (especially Nivola, who all but steals the movie as the charmingly decadent rocker).
- 60Washington PostAnn HornadayWashington PostAnn HornadayMcDormand is the best thing about Laurel Canyon. She's also the most unfortunate victim of a film that seems unable or unwilling to give even its most intriguing and compulsively watchable character her due.
- 60Village VoiceJ. HobermanVillage VoiceJ. HobermanThe spectacle of pretty people floating languidly across the screen notwithstanding, Laurel Canyon is short on conviction and long on contrivance. McDormand, however, has a ball.
- 60Dallas ObserverLuke Y. ThompsonDallas ObserverLuke Y. ThompsonLaurel Canyon lacks the sense of risk that "High Art" had, and in doing so, emasculates its apparent protagonist in Sam.
- 60TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghTV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghThe story is less a sustained narrative than a series of scenes. But personal dynamics are the main event, and McDormand's powerhouse performance alone compensates for many minor deficiencies.
- 50Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertNot a successful movie--it's too stilted and pre-programmed to come alive--but in the center of it McDormand occupies a place for her character and makes that place into a brilliant movie of its own.
- 50New York Daily NewsJack MathewsNew York Daily NewsJack MathewsAn underdevelopment of a bad idea that is entertaining, so far as it is, because of McDormand's totally unselfconscious performance. This wonderful actress is never less than interesting, and even as a caricature of a stereotype, she's fun to watch.