59
Metascore
6 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 70L.A. WeeklyErnest HardyL.A. WeeklyErnest HardyShot on digital and layered with animated segments, performance footage and clips from Smith family home movies, Family Movie unfolds with a gentle, justified confidence in the power of its subject.
- Aronson's film is a fond portrait, loaded with bizarre, haunting music and Smith's off-kilter inspirations.
- 60Chicago ReaderChicago ReaderNonfans may be put off by its relative lack of dramatic tension and soft-focus analog video.
- 60VarietyDennis HarveyVarietyDennis HarveyThere is an undeniable quirky appeal to the creative world of Daniel Smith, though those who hope a behind-the-scenes look will explain his motivation or personality won't find the enigma resolved here.
- 58Seattle Post-IntelligencerBill WhiteSeattle Post-IntelligencerBill WhiteOne of the strangest things about J.L. Aronson's often fascinating film is the presence of Sufjan Stevens, who recently has become a star in his own right, as Smith's bandmate and protégé. One can only wonder what Stevens, who possesses a pleasant voice and a solid grasp of song craft, found in such a mentor.
- 50The New York TimesNeil GenzlingerThe New York TimesNeil GenzlingerThis being a film review, the relevant question is whether J L Aronson's documentary about Danielson is worth watching. The answer, for about two-thirds of it, is yes. Though ultimately, alas, the movie has a little too much Danielson in it.