67
Metascore
15 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 83Entertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanEntertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanSteel City could have used more rhythmic drive, but if Jun keeps weaving together characters this compelling, he could be a major film artist in the making.
- 80The Hollywood ReporterJames GreenbergThe Hollywood ReporterJames GreenbergThe only misstep Jun makes, and it's hard to fault him given the budget, is the mediocre and at times heavy-handed use of music. Still, it's an unqualified success from the heartland.
- 70Chicago ReaderChicago ReaderJun, a downstate native, has an ear for plainspoken dialogue and neither glamorizes nor patronizes his characters.
- 70New York Magazine (Vulture)David EdelsteinNew York Magazine (Vulture)David EdelsteinIt has vivid characters, a strong sense of place, and a free-floating hopelessness that never precludes the possibility of meaningful action.
- 70VarietyDavid RooneyVarietyDavid RooneyIts honest, unshowy performances and textured depiction of life in a working-class community in a nowhere Southern Illinois town make this modest indie feature an affecting experience.
- 70The New York TimesNeil GenzlingerThe New York TimesNeil GenzlingerMostly Mr. Jun's script is sharp, and Laurie Metcalf, James McDaniel, America Ferrera and Raymond J. Barry in supporting roles help keep the tale mesmerizing, in a small-scale sort of way.
- 63New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanNew York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanA shaky but promising debut, Brian Jun's downbeat family drama is likely to make you feel a whole lot better about your own life.
- 60Film ThreatPete Vonder HaarFilm ThreatPete Vonder HaarThe movie's strength is in the performances. And they're enough to make Steel City worth a look.
- 50Village VoiceVillage VoiceWhatever Steel City lacks in oomph or even originality, it at least breaks even with its working-class authenticity and unexpectedly well-rounded ensemble.
- 50New York PostLou LumenickNew York PostLou LumenickExcellent performances by a good cast and a fairly authentic look at working-class struggles go only so far.