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Bend It Like Beckham Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

Critics scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more favorable reviews.

  • 4.0
    66

    out of 100

    Metascore®
    Generally favorable reviews
    based on a weighted average of all
    critic review scores.

  • 100

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Owen Gleiberman

    The most exhilarating movie so far this year. It's made up of many familiar elements -- think ''Monsoon Wedding'' meets ''My Beautiful Laundrette'' meets ''Personal Best'' -- yet before long, you catch on to how buoyant and funny and original it is.

    Read Full Review

  • 50

    out of 100

    The New York Times Dana Stevens

    Its cheery inoffensiveness, though, is in some ways disappointing.

    Read Full Review

  • 60

    out of 100

    Variety Derek Elley

    Writer-helmer Gurinder Chadha assembles a gallery of broadly played stereotypes into a movie about social attitudes that's more rooted in small-screen sitcom than anything deeper.

    Read Full Review

  • 80

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times Kenneth Turan

    Smart, lively and altogether warmhearted dramatic comedy.

    Read Full Review

  • 80

    out of 100

    Wall Street Journal Joe Morgenstern

    I'm still smiling as I recall Jess, the soccer star-to-be, standing behind her straitlaced mother in the kitchen and casually bouncing a head of lettuce on her knee.

  • 88

    out of 100

    USA Today Claudia Puig

    The juxtaposition between the fast-paced plays on the soccer field and the color-drenched, music-infused wedding party is a highlight of this captivating film.

    Read Full Review

  • 88

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    I saw more important films at Sundance 2003, but none more purely enjoyable than Bend It Like Beckham, which is just about perfect as a teenage coming-of-age comedy.

    Read Full Review

  • See all Bend It Like Beckham reviews at Metacritic.com

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For Families provided by Common Sense Media

OK for kids 13+

Superb tale of a girl's struggle for her dreams.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know there is an implied sexual situation between a couple committed to marrying each other. Homosexuality is discussed. Several of the under 21-year-old characters do have a beer or a glass of wine, however they drink responsibly and are of legal age in the UK/Germany, where the scenes take place. Jess hides her soccer playing from her family and lies to protect her secret.

  • Families can talk about why Jess feels she cannot talk to her family about her love of sports and how she defends her subterfuge.
  • How does her father's cricket experience impact his view of Jess' soccer playing?
  • What might be the common bond between Irish Joe and Indian Jess?

The good stuff
  • message true3

    Messages: The main characters work hard and overcome obstacles to achieve their goals.

  • rolemodels true3

    Role models: Strong female characters who are smart and athletic.

What to watch for
  • violence false0

    Violence: Not an issue

  • sex false2

    Sex: References to homosexuality and premarital sex.

  • language false3

    Language: Some strong language.

  • consumerism false0

    Consumerism: Not an issue

  • drugsalcoholtobacco false2

    Drinking, drugs and smoking: Social drinking and smoking.

An independent nonprofit dedicated to providing families the information they need to help kids thrive in a world of media and technology.

© Common Sense Media Inc. 2010. All rights reserved.

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Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 3.836
Read all reviews Write a review at Fandango
4

by geoelevation25

4

by tkscooby

3

by curtisa

Read all Bend It Like Beckham reviews at Fandango
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