66
Metascore
15 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90Village VoiceSerena DonadoniVillage VoiceSerena DonadoniThe Phenom unfolds as a series of quiet, incisive conversations that showcase subtle, insightful performances.
- 83The PlaylistKevin JagernauthThe PlaylistKevin JagernauthThe picture’s strength is in its honesty.
- 75Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreA sensitive, unconventional baseball tale rendered in the muted tones of dread, a young player’s fear of letting everyone down.
- 75Slant MagazineChuck BowenSlant MagazineChuck BowenNoah Buschel shows that formula can be repurposed to serve empathetic ends without losing its self-actualizing appeal.
- 75The Film StageJared MobarakThe Film StageJared MobarakInventiveness, creativity, and complete disregard for mainstream sensibilities are what make the director so captivating.
- 75New York PostKyle SmithNew York PostKyle SmithWritten and directed with compassion by Noah Buschel, the film is a low-key chamber piece better suited to television. But don’t let its restraint fool you: As unshowy as it is, The Phenom has an impressive collection of tools.
- 70New York Daily NewsEthan SacksNew York Daily NewsEthan SacksIf there’s an MVP, it’s Simmons. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” alum tosses off another subdued performance, a good counterpart to Hawke’s more over-the-top coiled rage.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckThe Hollywood ReporterFrank ScheckSlow and talky but suffused with insight and intelligence, the film is another noteworthy effort from the writer/director of such intriguing if unfortunately little-seen dramas as Glass Chin and Sparrows Dance.
- 70Arizona RepublicRandy CordovaArizona RepublicRandy CordovaWriter-director Noah Buschel (he was behind the Corey Stoll boxing drama “Glass Chin”) has crafted an odd little film that is sometimes compelling, sometimes maddening.
- 67The A.V. ClubJesse HassengerThe A.V. ClubJesse HassengerThe Phenom is merely well-acted and well-made, rather than heart-stopping. There are worse fates for a sports movie, to be sure.