Calle 54
Metascore
84 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 22 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 21 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Peter Travers
    100
    A landmark musical tribute.
  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: David Stratton
    100
    Looks and sounds wonderful, and while more information about these giants of African-Latin music might have been welcome, the music's the thing.
  3. Mr. Showbiz
    Reviewed by: Kevin Maynard
    90
    A must-see for avid fans and a welcome primer for nascent hip-shakers everywhere.
    All this critic's reviews
  4. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Hazel-Dawn Dumpert
    90
    Trueba reveals his subject organically, letting the music speak for itself.
  5. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: A.O. Scott
    90
    Even better on a second viewing because the film is such a pure expression of the director's love for the music, a love so infectious it should leave you elated.
  6. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Joe Morgenstern
    90
    A magnificent concert film of Latino jazz.
    All this critic's reviews
  7. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Fernando Gonzalez
    90
    This is one fan's valentine to the music he loves. It just happens that the fan is a terrific filmmaker and the music loves him back -- and we get to see it and hear it all. What a treat.
  8. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marrit Ingman
    89
    The result is total immersion in the moment of the music, sure to send jazz fans over the moon.
  9. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Wilmington
    88
    Scene after scene in Calle 54 just knocks you out.
    All this critic's reviews
  10. Miami Herald
    Reviewed by: Rene Rodriguez
    88
    The rapturous power of music has rarely been captured as purely and joyously as it is in Calle 54.
    All this critic's reviews
  11. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Elizabeth Weitzman
    88
    Some of the artists appear ecstatically transported as they play. Others are just having one hell of a good time. Believe me, it's contagious.
  12. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Mike Clark
    88
    The result is almost enough to make an audience levitate.
  13. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: Sean Axmaker
    83
    It lacks history, background and cultural roots, but it's undeniably infectious.
  14. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Steve Simels
    80
    This is one of the most infectiously joyous celebrations of musicmaking ever committed to film. See it and be ennobled.
  15. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Thomas
    80
    Visually as pleasing as it sounds.
  16. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Lou Lumenick
    75
    A film that fans of Latin jazz won't want to miss.
    All this critic's reviews
  17. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Bob Graham
    75
    It is a spellbinding hour and 45 minutes of pure music, Latin jazz to be specific.
  18. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Jay Carr
    75
    Filled with affection and verve and will do very nicely until the next shipment of Latin jazz comes along.
    All this critic's reviews
  19. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Ed Morales
    70
    A dazzling, long-overdue tribute to the true stars of Latin music.
  20. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Mark Mohan
    67
    For those unschooled in Latin jazz, though, it might be best to just pick up the CD.
    All this publication's reviews
  21. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Carrie Rickey
    63
    Trueba's movie is nearly undone by its shapelessness. Because the filmmaker imposes little in the way of form (or drama) on his subject, his film is a good listen without being a particularly good watch.
    All this critic's reviews
  22. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Charles Taylor
    60
    Calle 54 doesn't have that coherence or vision of the "Buena Vista Social Club."

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