X
  • 2009
  • R
  • Peace Arch Releasing
  • 1 h 27 m
  • 2009
  • R
  • Peace Arch Releasing
  • 1 h 27 m

Summary In the harsh streets of Philadelphia, the lives of strangers intersect in a bold and moving semi-autobiographical tale that crosscuts between the many people (adults, teenagers, and children alike) who struggle in the face of poverty, drugs and the human connection. (Peace Arch Entertainment)

Directed By: Mark Webber

Written By: Mark Webber

  • 2009
  • R
  • Peace Arch Releasing
  • 1 h 27 m
  • 2009
  • R
  • Peace Arch Releasing
  • 1 h 27 m

Explicit Ills

Metascore Mixed or Average Based on 8 Critic Reviews
54
User Score Available after 4 ratings
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Summary In the harsh streets of Philadelphia, the lives of strangers intersect in a bold and moving semi-autobiographical tale that crosscuts between the many people (adults, teenagers, and children alike) who struggle in the face of poverty, drugs and the human connection. (Peace Arch Entertainment)

Directed By: Mark Webber

Written By: Mark Webber

Where to Watch

Top Cast

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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 8 Critic Reviews
54
38% Positive
3 Reviews
63% Mixed
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews

Critic Reviews

 View All
Metascore
Mixed or Average Based on 8 Critic Reviews
54
38% Positive
3 Reviews
63% Mixed
5 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews

  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
70
Webber's way with his young cast is as unforced as the movie itself, which easily could have been overwrought and maudlin but is instead oddly affirming.
FULL REVIEW
67
Webber has a knack for bringing out actors at their showiest, but he palms off too much first-draft sketchiness as ''ambiguity.''
By Owen Gleiberman FULL REVIEW
63
There's a lot of rambling and shambling going on in these overlapping stories, often to the point where Explicit Ills no longer feels like it has a point.
By Steven Rea FULL REVIEW
60
A tender ensemble slice of inner-city Philly life.
FULL REVIEW
60
As a look at the disenfranchised of America, Explicit Ills could use some work. As a debut, however, it's quite promising. I'm looking forward to seeing what Webber comes up with next.
By Pete Vonder Haar FULL REVIEW
50
It's a beautiful message: surely there's no arguing with "Hey, hey, ho, ho, poverty has got to go!" But there is much to argue with, and much to regret, about a film whose director thinks he needs to drop an anvil on our heads when art would suffice.
By Manohla Dargis FULL REVIEW
40
Undone by a deadly twofer: lack of trust in characterization coupled with single-minded faith in spelled-out messages.
FULL REVIEW

User Reviews

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Details

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Production Company Mangusta Productions, Bluhammock Productions, Exoskeleton, Film 101 Productions, Riker Hill Films
Release Date Mar 6, 2009
Duration 1 h 27 m
Rating R
Genres
Tagline One voice will change everything.
View All Details

Awards

SXSW Film Festival
• 3 Wins & 4 Nominations

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