69
Metascore
12 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100San Francisco ChronicleG. Allen JohnsonSan Francisco ChronicleG. Allen JohnsonIf you thought you didn’t like William Shatner, see this movie to have your mind changed. And if you already like him, get ready to love the guy.
- 91Original-CinOriginal-CinIf you’re a fan of the man, William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill is an easy sell.
- 83ColliderEmily BernardColliderEmily BernardWhile fans might wish for a more traditional “follow me around” documentary that dives deep into all things Captain Kirk, this softer, more contemplative side is just as profound as the legacy he will leave behind.
- 83IndieWireChristian BlauveltIndieWireChristian BlauveltThere’s a candor and a rawness here that’s inherently compelling.
- 80Wall Street JournalKyle SmithWall Street JournalKyle SmithWho doesn’t love Bill Shatner? The theatrical documentary “William Shatner: You Can Call Me Bill” reminds us why, stylistically channeling what became the actor’s signature: a dedication to sustained gravitas so portentous that it becomes absurd, then keeps going until it emerges, triumphantly, into the realm of the genuinely spellbinding.
- 75RogerEbert.comClint WorthingtonRogerEbert.comClint WorthingtonAt the ripe age of ninety, Shatner remains as alive as ever—his eyes wild with curiosity and humor, his honeyed voice barely worn down by years of voiceover and soliloquy. But he remains deeply aware of his own numbered days, which makes “You Can Call Me Bill” feel like something of a self-administered cinematic eulogy.
- 70VarietyOwen GleibermanVarietyOwen GleibermanThe documentary captures how Shatner, as he began to make a career out of performing his public legend, merged his very identity with that of the hambone thespian inside him.
- 60The New York TimesBen KenigsbergThe New York TimesBen Kenigsberg"You Can Call Me Bill" is fundamentally a case of an actor presenting himself as he wants to be seen.
- 50The PlaylistChristian GallichioThe PlaylistChristian GallichioYou Can Call Me Bill isn’t a travesty; hearing Shatner discuss his life is always fascinating. But instead, the film’s a missed opportunity to unpack one of the more enigmatic figures in our public consciousness.
- 50CNNBrian LowryCNNBrian LowryFor an actor known for having led his crew as it boldly explored humankind’s final frontier, “You Can Call Me Bill,” somewhat disappointingly, takes its extensive access to Shatner and doesn’t go much of anywhere.