Metascore
44 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 10 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 10
  2. Negative: 4 out of 10
  1. 83
    You'll suspect, and even hope, that what's on screen is a hoax, but it seems to be at the very least one version of the truth.
  2. 83
    Still, no matter how Grebin and Nigro are selling it, American Cannibal isn't about the horrors of reality TV. It's about guys like Roberts and Ripley, who convince themselves that ANY job in show business would be preferable to waiting tables.
  3. Reviewed by: Ken Fox
    75
    Whatever the project's "reality," it's insightful as well as entertaining, and the inclusion of real interviews with people both inside and outside the business means it functions as both an intelligent critique and a dire warning.
  4. The writers act shocked at how low they are stooping, but given their desire to write sitcoms, you have to wonder.
  5. The documentary illustrates the premise that if you lie down with dogs, you wake up with fleas. Until everything collapses, and the filmmakers are left grasping at straws, it's absorbing in a sick way.
  6. Reviewed by: Jay Weissberg
    40
    Fails to draw any conclusions and, thanks to legal issues, leaves too many questions unanswered.
  7. What's here is a glimpse not into how far people will go to win a reality TV show, but how far greedy writers and producers will go to degrade, debouch and enrich themselves.
  8. Reviewed by: Rob Nelson
    30
    American Cannibal, something like the (mock-)doc equivalent of "The Producers," really, really should've been funnier.
  9. Reviewed by: Michael Ordona
    30
    Audiences probably often wonder when the reality genre is finally going to eat itself. American Cannibal stands ready for that moment with a bib and vinegar.
  10. 0
    The ineptly made Animal Cannibal isn't remotely convincing as reality, and worse, isn't remotely entertaining as fiction.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. ToddS
    10
    Funny film, VERY META! I wondered what happened to the girl all week until I saw it again. Thanks god for late night cable tv! I get it and it's good. Great film -- check it out, it's way underrated. Full Review »
  2. DaveDave
    9
    Too many people didn't get this film. It's brilliant and meta on so many levels.
  3. ChrisC>
    10
    LOL... Awesome! I hope everybody got what they deserve.