Beginners (2011)

Semerene calls the film “the real thing,” praising its humble, fragmented approach to a life in grief and love. He particularly admires how it holds human contradictions and the fear of loss within its romance.

Kohn praises the film as a charming, gently sympathetic portrait of a midlife crisis. He singles out Christopher Plummer’s bittersweet performance and the film’s playful visual storytelling as particular strengths.

Sharkey finds the film a continually surprising, amusing and introspective pleasure. She especially praises Christopher Plummer’s performance and the film’s inventive visual style.

Roger Ebert finds the film warmly affecting and thoughtful about love and family. He singles out Christopher Plummer’s performance for praise.

Debruge finds the film deeply poignant, honest, and a major step forward for Mike Mills. He especially praises its revealing autobiographical intimacy and Christopher Plummer’s liberated performance.

The critic finds the film tender, funny, and emotionally genuine in its exploration of love. He especially praises its playful visual devices and the lively performances and chemistry among the cast.

The review suggests the film takes time to make an impression, and the critic initially thought less of it. The available description does not identify a specific element singled out for praise or complaint.

The review finds the film charming and warmly sympathetic, with a strong emotional payoff. It especially praises Christopher Plummer’s performance and the dog’s comic presence.

Smith finds the film entertaining and well made, though too unfocused to be a must-see. She praises Christopher Plummer’s performance and the affectionate, well-observed scenes of Hal’s final days.

Bradshaw finds the film poignant and cerebral, though its subdued tone and Oliver’s passivity sometimes make it hard to engage with. He singles out Christopher Plummer’s warm, intelligent performance for praise.

The accessible page identifies this as a review but provides no verdict. It offers no accessible detail about what the critic praises or criticizes.

The review's verdict is unavailable in the accessible page text. No specific element of praise or criticism can be verified.

The page is inaccessible, so the critic’s verdict cannot be determined. No praise or complaint from the review is available to identify.

Lasker calls the film one of the year’s best and recommends the DVD to fans. He praises the performances and well-defined characters for keeping the romance from becoming clichéd.

Hickman gives the film an enthusiastic verdict, praising its expansive, moving reflections on love. He especially singles out the performances of Ewan McGregor and Christopher Plummer for making the story resonate.

Kermode finds the film an intelligent, profoundly optimistic romance that also explores how family and society shape relationships. She particularly praises its nuanced treatment of gay experience and history as part of the mainstream.

The critic finds the film beautifully told, emotionally rich, and worth its unconventional journey. She especially praises Christopher Plummer’s magnetic performance and the film’s interwoven timelines.