28
Metascore
18 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 50Slant MagazineChuck BowenSlant MagazineChuck BowenThe premise might make sense, if only hypocritically, but the film abandons this already flimsy parody of macho pride disastrously at the last minute.
- 50The DissolveJen ChaneyThe DissolveJen ChaneyThe Bag Man is always teetering on the edge of amateurish absurdity, before being tugged back from the edge by its actors.
- 50Entertainment WeeklyChris NashawatyEntertainment WeeklyChris NashawatyThe only one having any fun in this dead-on-arrival noir is Robert De Niro.
- 40Village VoiceNick SchagerVillage VoiceNick SchagerThe trouble is that Grovic's attempts to generate suspense by keeping character identities and motivations unknown leaves the proceedings feeling vague and slapdash.
- 40Los Angeles TimesBetsy SharkeyLos Angeles TimesBetsy SharkeyIt is the most nonsensical crime caper to make it on screen in a while.
- 30The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenAt least Mr. De Niro, who disappears from the movie until the end, seems to be enjoying himself. The force of his bonhomie gives this murky-looking, empty conceit of a film a desperately needed lift of facetious humor.
- 25New York PostSara StewartNew York PostSara StewartThis blathery, misogynist indie from first-time director David Grovic — which seems to be aiming for “Pulp Fiction” territory with its blend of crime, banter and the mysterious contents of a bag — falls far short, rife as it is with noir and gender clichés.
- 25The A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloThe A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloThe Bag Man plays like a film from the years right after "Pulp Fiction," when the indie market was suddenly flooded with quips, guns, and hollow affectation.
- 20New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanNew York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanSo do the minutes. They stretch on as one tiresomely quirky sadist after another appears. Cusack is typically likable and De Niro is amusing in his brief scenes. But unlike Jack, you’re too smart to make big sacrifices for so little return.