Lovely & Amazing
User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 0 out of 7

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  1. ChadS.
    Aug 3, 2002
    9
    Nicole Holofcener pulls off a lot of brilliant moments in her amazing second film, but let me highlight one. Michelle (Keener) isn't a bigot, but there's a self-awareness about Annie's(Raven Goodwin) skin color when she explains the irrelevance of sunscreen to her mother's adopted daughter. The audience sees the black skin too because we're not sure what to make of Annie until the relationship is explained to us. But to Elizabeth, Annie is simply her sister, and she introduces the girl as such to strangers without explanation. She loves Annie unconditionally. Holofcener is a very good writer. She points mirrors. Blethyn, Mortimer, and Goodwin are all good, but Catherine Keener shines a little brighter. The scene at the fast-food restaurant, played out with a minimum of dialogue is incredible. We come to understand that her sister was right about who Michelle hates. Keener is great here. Michelle will soon be introducing Annie as her sister in due time. "Lovely and Amazing" is, well, lovely and amazing. … Expand
  2. TNgo
    Nov 23, 2005
    10
    It's just a beautiful film. Only a woman can write and direct this particular film - and I mean that as a compliment. I look forward to Nicole Holofcener's next work.
  3. Richard
    Dec 5, 2002
    10
    A big surprise. Observant but not showy about it, and splendid performances all around. Even the men come off better and more human than their "chick flick" counterparts. Special mention must be made of Goodwin, who's a marvel at suggesting all sorts of things going on in her mind without showing them to you, and especially Keener, who starts off as a hateful bitch and becomes ever-so-slowly sympathetic and even likeable by the end. … Expand

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 29 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 31
  3. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    75
    This trio is like a looser, funnier version of the family of wrecks in Woody Allen's ''Interiors.''
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  2. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Steven Rea
    88
    Lord knows how Holofcener got the performance she did out of Goodwin, but the child actor's Annie, rude and unmanageable, is an extraordinarily rich and complicated figure.
    Read full review
  3. Wall Street Journal
    Reviewed by: Joe Morgenstern
    80
    Lovely & Amazing goes to the heart -- and face, and skin -- of a subject that's sure to ring true with women, and may even educate men.
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