Metacritic Movie Ratings
The Messenger Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 90

  out of 100

  The New York TimesA.O. Scott

  No movie can convey the truth of war to those of us who have not lived through it, but The Messenger, precisely by acknowledging just how hard it is to live with that truth, manages to bring it at least partway home.

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• 88

  out of 100

  Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert

  This is a writer's picture, no less than a visual experience that approaches its subject as tactfully as the messengers do. No fancy camerawork. It happens, we absorb it.

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• 88

  out of 100

  USA TodayClaudia Puig

  This heart-rending tale also is a mesmerizing one because of several superb performances, particularly those of Ben Foster and Woody Harrelson.

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• 83

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman

  There's nothing drab about the tormented place these men take each other to. You'll want to go along.

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• 80

  out of 100

  Los Angeles TimesBetsy Sharkey

  The film belongs to Foster. The actor always makes the most of what is handed him, though he's usually required to find his footings around the margins, as he did as the crazed cowboy in "3:10 to Yuma" or the crazed druggie in "Alpha Dog."

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• 80

  out of 100

  Variety

  Nobody plays angry like Ben Foster, but compassion is something new for the actor, who softens his crazy-man shtick to deliver a complex and moving performance in The Messenger.

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• 80

  out of 100

  The Hollywood Reporter

  Moverman adopts a functional directing style that gives full rein to the actors' impressive performances.

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See all The Messenger movie reviews at Metacritic.com