66
Metascore
9 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 83The PlaylistChristian GallichioThe PlaylistChristian GallichioEven if Story Ave occasionally dips into a well-worn narrative, it nevertheless features two powerful performances and acts as a showcase for its first-time director.
- 83IndieWireChristian ZilkoIndieWireChristian ZilkoStory Ave approaches the challenges faced by a talented artist in underprivileged circumstances with a clear head, always pivoting away from simplistic narratives and towards reality.
- 75RogerEbert.comGlenn KennyRogerEbert.comGlenn KennyStory Ave is a portrait of an artist as a young man, a not-quite-coming-of-age tale, a narrative of escape but not abandonment. The outlines of the movie’s story are familiar, but Torres has resourcefulness, energy, and imagination to burn in how he tells it.
- 70Screen RantMae AbdulbakiScreen RantMae AbdulbakiIt’s a lovely, heartfelt movie that is also gritty and deep and evocative, with outstanding performances that ground the story in every possible way.
- 70VarietyLisa KennedyVarietyLisa Kennedy[An] affecting debut feature.
- 63Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreThe debut feature of commercial director Aristotle Torres, it’s immersed in street life, a vivid portrait of gangs — “crews” — that spread their name and mark their turf with “bubble letter” art and logos, and occasionally defend it with pistols.
- 60The New York TimesBen KenigsbergThe New York TimesBen KenigsbergStory Ave is marred by late revelations that appear designed, in a studio-notes sort of way, to clarify motivations. What’s unspoken — and what’s seen — does enough.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterJordan MintzerThe Hollywood ReporterJordan MintzerThe movie often toes the line between inner-city clichés and a vision that’s more stylish and unique, never quite landing on the proper balance between the two. But as a touching portrait of an outer-borough New Yorker whose talents are just waiting to be harnessed, it shows some true potential.
- 50Wall Street JournalWall Street JournalAttempting to keep so many stories aloft, the film ends up making them all seem superficial.