Metacritic reviews

Although the impressively acted ensemble piece occasionally gets tripped up by Peter Elkoff's overtly literate script, it travels in some unexpected, thoughtful directions.

Ritter, who's like the young Ethan Hawke on a bender of violence, is an actor to watch.

Probes class consciousness with rather more sensitivity than originality.

A film that succeeds at being good without really succeeding in being worthwhile.

Too often Durst's direction is overly earnest, heavy in long takes, atmosphere wise but scene foolish.

There's enough sweetness, and enough just-under-the-surface intelligence, in The Education of Charlie Banks to suggest that Durst may have a future as a filmmaker.

What doesn't work so persuasively is Elkoff's script, particularly the overuse of voice-over.

Durst and Elkoff deliver a nuanced scenario of class assimilation and resentment, then flub the ending.

Another nicely understated performance from Jesse Eisenberg anchors this shambling drama.