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Danielson: A Family Movie (or, Make a Joyful Noise Here)
  • Release Date: Dec 15, 2006
Metascore
59 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 6 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
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  1. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ernest Hardy
    70
    Shot on digital and layered with animated segments, performance footage and clips from Smith family home movies, Family Movie unfolds with a gentle, justified confidence in the power of its subject.
  2. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Michael Ordona
    70
    Aronson's film is a fond portrait, loaded with bizarre, haunting music and Smith's off-kilter inspirations.
  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Dennis Harvey
    60
    There is an undeniable quirky appeal to the creative world of Daniel Smith, though those who hope a behind-the-scenes look will explain his motivation or personality won't find the enigma resolved here.
  4. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Monica Kendrick
    60
    Nonfans may be put off by its relative lack of dramatic tension and soft-focus analog video.
  5. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: Bill White
    58
    One of the strangest things about J.L. Aronson's often fascinating film is the presence of Sufjan Stevens, who recently has become a star in his own right, as Smith's bandmate and protégé. One can only wonder what Stevens, who possesses a pleasant voice and a solid grasp of song craft, found in such a mentor.
  6. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Neil Genzlinger
    50
    This being a film review, the relevant question is whether J L Aronson's documentary about Danielson is worth watching. The answer, for about two-thirds of it, is yes. Though ultimately, alas, the movie has a little too much Danielson in it.
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User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. [Anonymous]
    9
    Its not a perfect film, but it is a lovely portrait of a truly singular artist whose music comes from the heart, and could only be made by him. It is also interesting comparing Danielson's trajectory with that of Sufjan Stevens, who at one point toured with Danielson Famile.… Full Review »
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