Metacritic Movie Ratings
Winter Passing Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 88

  out of 100

  Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert

  This is the kind of movie routinely dismissed as too slow and quiet by those who don't know it is more exciting to listen than to hear.

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• 70

  out of 100

  Los Angeles TimesCarina Chocano

  Harris, of course, is in a different league from the rest, and his depiction of the tortured writer is remarkably well-realized, considering the nonspecific yet somehow overly familiar inscrutability of the character. Despite its limitations, there's something appealing about the world Rapp has created.

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• 70

  out of 100

  Wall Street JournalJoe Morgenstern

  I found the film borderline bleak, and borderline predictable, at least in its resolution, yet admirable as well. Winter Passing almost always operates on the right side of the border, the full-of-life side where compelling characters live with urgency and intensity.

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• 58

  out of 100

  Entertainment Weekly

  Winter Passing is also being called ''the serious Will Ferrell movie,'' but he's not especially serious in it. Put it this way: His character Corbit is one of those movie types who's into ''kar-a-tay,'' which is a joke that must officially die.

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• 50

  out of 100

  The New York TimesStephen Holden

  Its familiar story of an embittered child's homecoming and confrontation with a parent throws off dramatic sparks, but they never flare into a blaze.

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• 50

  out of 100

  The Hollywood ReporterSheri Linden

  With the exception of a few unpredictable moments from Zooey Deschanel and Will Ferrell, Winter Passing finds only cliche as it reaches for profundity.

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• 40

  out of 100

  VarietyRobert Koehler

  Family drama appears content to present the situation without going for anything remotely close to the emotional jugular. Result is unsatisfying and even dreary, despite some fine work from Zooey Deschanel and a becalmed Will Ferrell.

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See all Winter Passing movie reviews at Metacritic.com