36
Metascore
28 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 45MovielineMichelle OrangeMovielineMichelle OrangeI found myself forgetting The Art of Getting By as it unfolded, as though the Looney Tunes art department were two steps behind the characters, rolling up the scenery like so much carpeting.
- 40Boxoffice MagazineRay GreeneBoxoffice MagazineRay GreeneA formula picture made by someone who doesn't even believe in the formula - he knows it all has to work out, we know it all has to work out, and he can't even muster an ironic wink for our trouble.
- There's just not enough going on behind actor Freddie Highmore's eyes to convince us this kid's existential angst is real.
- 40Time OutDavid FearTime OutDavid FearUgh! For a movie devoted to an alleged geek-rebel underdog, this coming-of-age flick couldn't be more conformist, from its familiar faux quirk to the interchangeable emo-pop songs peppering each sugary montage.
- 40Village VoiceMelissa AndersonVillage VoiceMelissa AndersonCrafted not to give the slightest offense, The Art of Getting By makes the great - and even the mediocre - teen movies of 30 years ago, like "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," "Fame," and "Foxes," look even more radical in comparison, with their depiction of obnoxious, horny, property-destroying teens.
- 38Orlando SentinelRoger MooreOrlando SentinelRoger MooreA screen romance that echoes its title. It gets by. Barely.
- 25Tampa Bay TimesSteve PersallTampa Bay TimesSteve PersallThe Art of Getting By is enough to drive a movie critic to drink. The next round's on the kid in the overcoat.
- 12Slant MagazineNick SchagerSlant MagazineNick SchagerIf not for its lack of self-awareness, The Art of Getting By would seem to be a spoof of ennui-inflicted teen dramas, because how else to explain the fact that Gavin Wiesen's debut is comprised of only clichés of clichés?