Metacritic Movie Ratings
Safety Not Guaranteed Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 100

  out of 100

  USA TodayClaudia Puig

  It's equally endearing as a sweetly funny romance between two likable oddballs and as a low-tech time-travel thriller, and has something profound to say about making the most of the present.

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• 88

  out of 100

  Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert

  Safety Not Guaranteed not only has dialogue that's about something, but characters who have some depth and dimension.

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• 80

  out of 100

  VarietyJustin Chang

  Develops into an endearingly scrappy and romantic romp that serves up some nice soul-searching moments alongside a steady stream of laughs.

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• 80

  out of 100

  The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeFore

  Aubrey Plaza proves she can carry a film with this multiplex-friendly comedy about time travel.

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• 75

  out of 100

  ReelViewsJames Berardinelli

  For the most part, Safety Not Guaranteed is a pleasant viewing experience, but there is a flaw. While Darius is bonding with Kenneth, Jeff is reconnecting with his past. This subplot goes nowhere.

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• 75

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman

  Safety Not Guaranteed is a fable of ''redemption,'' and it's too tidy by half, but it is also very sweetly told.

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• 75

  out of 100

  Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips

  You may buy the ending or not. The filmmakers certainly do, which helps. And the film is modest but skillful and heartfelt, spiced just so by Plaza and company.

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• 70

  out of 100

  The New York TimesStephen Holden

  That time machine - a wonderful-looking gizmo with some lasers stolen from a medical laboratory - really exists. Whether it works or not, you'll have to see for yourself. It's worth the wait.

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• 70

  out of 100

  Village Voice

  A viewer's patience with some of Safety's more rote stretches is rewarded in the film's final 15 minutes, when the plot takes a truly unexpected turn. As a DIY answer to the Spielberg generation's nostalgia for movie magic, the film's fully earnest, fantastic climax beats something like "Super 8" at its own game for a fraction of the cost.

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• 70

  out of 100

  TimeMary Pols

  Touching, generous, sweet, this little slip of a movie puts you under some kind of spell.

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