Being the Ricardos (2021)

Gleiberman finds the film’s compressed, fast-paced Sorkinese style intoxicating and its portrait of a marriage deft and romantic. He especially praises Nicole Kidman’s performance, which captures both Lucille Ball’s comic precision and her off-camera glamour and sharpness.

Richards finds the film a compelling biopic and one of Aaron Sorkin’s best works. He praises its layered portrayal of Lucy and Desi’s relationship and the wider television industry.

Latif finds the film energetic but ultimately forced and anticlimactic. She especially praises Javier Bardem’s performance as Desi Arnaz, while criticizing Nicole Kidman’s prosthetic makeup.

The review finds the film delightful, with Sorkin’s script supplying heart and humour. It particularly praises Nicole Kidman’s quick, sharp portrayal of Lucille Ball.

Brody finds the film an ambitious, often inspired portrait, though he says its resolution leaves questions unanswered. He especially praises its depiction of Lucille Ball’s imaginative creative process and physical-comedy genius.

Chang finds the film glibly entertaining but overly tidy and not always convincing in its portrayals. He especially praises Kidman’s assured performance and the scenes showing Ball’s sharp comic instincts at work.

The critic finds the film smart and ultimately successful, despite its overstuffed script. Kidman’s portrayal stands out, with the prosthetics doing little to distract from her performance.

The review finds the film clunky but engaging, with a tone far removed from the sitcom it depicts. It praises the performances and highlights revealing exchanges about the pressures surrounding the show.

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Erbland finds the film an awkward, joyless portrait weighed down by Sorkin’s worst habits. She praises Kidman’s brief flashes of Lucille Ball’s comic genius, especially in the grape-stomping recreation.

The review argues that Sorkin’s formulaic, didactic approach undermines the film. It praises Nicole Kidman’s performance and the scenes showing Ball’s perfectionism at work on I Love Lucy.

The standfirst suggests Sorkin’s drama is less charming than its subject. The accessible text offers no further detail about what the critic praises or faults.

Rooney finds the film engrossing but overly shaped by Sorkin’s familiar habits, which leave it emotionally underpowered. He praises the performances, especially Kidman’s precise portrayal of Lucy Ball’s demanding professionalism and private sorrow.

Hassenger finds the film frustratingly flattened by Sorkin’s familiar storytelling and ultimately centerless. He praises Kidman and Bardem’s charisma, but says the makeup and rigid script limit their performances.

Bradshaw finds the film ingeniously structured but exhausting and mannered, making its comedy feel like hard work. He praises its vehement performances and its recognition that Ball’s strength was physical comedy, while faulting Sorkin’s self-important dialogue.

Bailey finds the film lifeless and dramatically false, faulting its scattered storytelling and Sorkin’s direction. He praises Nina Arianda’s portrayal of Vivian Vance and the supporting cast, especially J.K. Simmons.

The review finds the film an engaging, character-focused account, though it notes some weak production values. It particularly praises Nicole Kidman’s capture of Lucille Ball’s forthright energy and fearlessness.

The review finds the film cleverly written and ultimately admiring of Lucille Ball. It especially praises Nicole Kidman for capturing Ball’s essence, while noting an anachronistic reference to “gaslighting.”

Crump finds the film weighed down by Sorkin’s excessive contextualizing and uneven tone. He praises Nicole Kidman’s confident, sensitive portrayal of Ball, which cuts through the film’s shortcomings.

Kaye finds the film overstuffed and ultimately hard to love, despite its talented cast and sharp dialogue. He singles out the distracting flash-forwards and competing crises for obscuring the story and its characters.

Goldberg finds the film unfocused, overloaded with storylines, and weakened by Nicole Kidman’s portrayal of Lucille Ball. He praises the sharp dialogue and supporting cast, especially Javier Bardem’s charismatic performance.

The critic finds the film exhausting, unfunny, and poorly served by Sorkin’s direction. J.K. Simmons earns praise for his casting and grouchy portrayal of William Frawley.

Miller argues that Sorkin fundamentally misunderstands Lucy and Desi, leaving the film unable to capture what made them special. She particularly faults its treatment of Lucy and its grasp of comedy.

The critic finds the film contrived despite its promising premise and superficial beauty. They praise its visual polish but fault its artificial atmosphere and underexplored themes.

The critic finds the film dreary and overloaded, blaming Aaron Sorkin’s writing and direction despite strong performances from some cast members. They single out the murky cinematography and clumsy pacing as further problems that keep the story from becoming a compelling portrait of the couple.