68
Metascore
13 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 88Boston GlobeBoston GlobeEarnhart's fundamental compassion toward his subjects elevates a riveting work that feels like a hybrid of ''Crumb'' and ''Nashville,'' with maybe a side of ''King of the Hill'' tossed on the barbecue.
- 75Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittAs deliciously eccentric as the real-life characters it chronicles.
- 70New Times (L.A.)Luke Y. ThompsonNew Times (L.A.)Luke Y. ThompsonStephen Earnhart's documentary lovingly covers the process -- veering between pathos, inspiration and mockery
- 70Chicago ReaderTed ShenChicago ReaderTed ShenOnly the epilogue, a happy ending tacked on to counter the cascading disappointments, seems contrived.
- 70TV Guide MagazineFrank LoveceTV Guide MagazineFrank LoveceThis is as powerful a set of evidence as you'll ever find of why art matters, and how it can resonate far beyond museum walls and through to the most painfully marginal lives.
- 70The New York TimesDana StevensThe New York TimesDana StevensIt might be tempting to regard Mr. Andrew and his collaborators as oddballs, but Mr. Earnhart's quizzical, charming movie allows us to see them, finally, as artists.
- 63Chicago TribuneJohn PetrakisChicago TribuneJohn PetrakisThere's nothing more uplifting than a documentary that celebrates a man's capacity to dream, and nothing more depressing than one that mocks those dreams. Stephen Earnhart's Mule Skinner Blues walks the razor's edge between these approaches.
- 63New York PostMegan LehmannNew York PostMegan LehmannVery funny. It's also heartbreakingly sad.
- 60Village VoiceVillage VoiceEarnhart's auteurs are better adjusted, integrating their art into the daily routine of their (equally fucked-up) lives.
- Comes uncomfortably close to mocking these unlikely filmmakers, raising questions about its director's intentions and his respect for the subjects' humanity.