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The Black Balloon Review

Other Critics provided by Metacritic.com

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

  • 4.0
    68

    out of 100

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

  • 67

    out of 100

    Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum

    Toni Collette gives it the old "Little Miss Sunshine" try in The Black Balloon as an edge-of-kooky, very pregnant mama presiding over a chaotic household.

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  • 70

    out of 100

    Village Voice

    Within its resolutely mainstream parameters, The Black Balloon courses with a firsthand feel for languorous Aussie summers, the shifting scales of love and hate in sibling relationships, and the earned wit that helps families cope with difficult situations.

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  • 70

    out of 100

    The New York Times Stephen Holden

    Ms. Collette's Maggie is the film's prime mover. This wonderful Australian actress, who hasn't a shred of vanity, virtually disappears into the complicated characters she plays, and Maggie is one of the strongest.

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  • 70

    out of 100

    Variety

    Collette acts as an anchor for the ensemble, but the young leads credibly hold their own onscreen.

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  • 70

    out of 100

    The Hollywood Reporter

    Much has been made of supermodel Gemma Ward's doll-like features, but there's nothing plastic about her debut performance in the charming Australian indie The Black Balloon.

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  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

    Luke Ford's performance as Charlie is a convincing tour de force. You may recall him as Brendan Fraser's heroic son in "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor." Rhys Wakefield, in his first feature role, is a good casting decision, suggesting inner turmoil without overacting.

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  • 75

    out of 100

    Chicago Tribune Michael Phillips

    At its sharpest Elissa Down's feature directorial debut is guided by intense, rough-edged emotional swings that feel authentically alive, even when the script settles for tidiness.

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  • 80

    out of 100

    Los Angeles Times

    For the most part, this unblinking family drama packs a visceral punch. Thomas' journey toward acceptance is blessedly free of noble lessons and filled with real people.

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  • See all The Black Balloon reviews at Metacritic.com

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Fan Reviews provided by

Average Rating: 3.292
Read all reviews Write a review at Fandango
4

Go see this movie... by CPW
Based on the description many people will skip this movie. PLEASE DON'T MISS THIS ONE. The story is engaging, complex and at times uncomfortable, but the acting is outstanding. It is a great "coming of age" film, but also about the emotional roller coaster of a deeply caring family and the relationship of two brothers (one of which is "challenged"). It is moving in so many ways... CW

1

by m1sn0m3r

5

Amazing by FRONT_ROW_
Wow, this is a no holds barred in your face reality check of what it is REALLY like to live with a child in a man's body. The film depicts this sad situation in such a endearing way that you feel sorry for those who find themselves dealt this reality and are impressed by them as well. All the while you are exceedingly thankful this is not your life but you leave with a new respect for those who "look after their own". The story surrounds the one brother and his coming of age. He is forced to deal with his handicapped brother while juggling his attempt at his first love with a very mature classmate. She is endearing and everyone devotes themselves so fully in their part that the movie is haunting long after the credits roll. A real, REAL gem that is not afraid to show it like it is.

Read all The Black Balloon reviews at Fandango
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