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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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