Metacritic Movie Ratings
The Words Reviews

A sample of reviews from critics across the country.

• 63

  out of 100

  ReelViewsJames Berardinelli

  The performances, excepting perhaps Olivia Wilde's odd turn, are solid, and the central story never loses our attention, but there's a lingering aftertaste of vague dissatisfaction.

  Read full review

• 63

  out of 100

  Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips

  It's more or less a grown-up picture, and not bad at that, though its muted and patient style has both its merits and its drawbacks. Still, as I say: not bad.

  Read full review

• 60

  out of 100

  The New York TimesStephen Holden

  A clever, entertaining yarn that doesn't bear close scrutiny.

  Read full review

• 50

  out of 100

  USA TodayClaudia Puig

  Ironically, the dialogue in The Words is its chief failing.

  Read full review

• 50

  out of 100

  VarietyRob Nelson

  A literary film that stands to work best for those who don't read, The Words is a slick, superficially clever compendium of stories about authors of uncertain talent and varying success.

  Read full review

• 50

  out of 100

  Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert

  Watching the movie, I enjoyed the settings, the periods and the acting. I can't go so far as to say I cared about the story, particularly after it became clear that its structure was too clever by half.

  Read full review

• 40

  out of 100

  Los Angeles TimesBetsy Sharkey

  It's a snooze.

  Read full review

• 33

  out of 100

  Entertainment WeeklyAdam Markovitz

  Cooper, who looks appealingly wolfish in his expensively tailored suits, plays the whole thing with a dutiful, earnest expression lacquered on his face, his eyes misting on cue at the exact same moments yours will be rolling into the back of your head.

  Read full review

See all The Words movie reviews at Metacritic.com