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New York Doll
Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Ken Fox
    88
    This might be the only documentary that will appeal to punks and Mormons alike.
  2. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Ty Burr
    88
    You're left with the bewilderment and joy on Kane's face as he plays the old songs, and the sense of ghosts just behind his back.
  3. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Shawn Levy
    83
    So rich, moving and surprising that a familiar story starts to feel new again. The details, the personalities and the final twist grab you until you're left truly shaken and inspired.
  4. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: F. X. Feeney
    80
    Overall, Whitely's debut film may just fill you with an unexpectedly deep elation.
  5. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kenneth Turan
    80
    Though it is small in scale and lasts only 78 minutes, New York Doll, like any documentary, goes places we expect it to and places we do not. As journeys go, this is one to treasure.
  6. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Lou Lumenick
    75
    Kane was nicknamed "Killer" because of his playing style -- and New York Doll has a killer surprise ending that may leave even hard-core punkers reaching for the Kleenex.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    75
    This makes for a modestly touching journey, but New York Doll, in its wafer-thin way, is an oxymoron: a hagiographic tribute to a rocker with more passion than talent.
  8. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Sheri Linden
    70
    A tender take on life after stardom.
  9. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Andrew O'Hehir
    70
    As sad stories go, this is a happy one.
  10. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Nathan Rabin
    70
    Unexpectedly heartwarming documentary.
  11. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Robert Christgau
    70
    In the end, this is less a film about a rock and roller than a film about a Mormon. And Napoleon Dynamite it ain't.
  12. Dallas Observer
    Reviewed by: Robert Wilonsky
    70
    No matter how well you think you know this tale, you do not know it at all. It offers the oldest clichés polished up like some brand-new thing by director Greg Whiteley.
  13. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Stephen Holden
    70
    Greg Whiteley's small, tender documentary portrait New York Doll looks at life after rock 'n' roll as experienced by Arthur (Killer) Kane, the original bassist for the legendary glam-punk band the New York Dolls.
  14. Variety
    Reviewed by: Dennis Harvey
    70
    A charmer whose lack of profane language or images renders it unexpectedly viable for general broadcast.
  15. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Jami Bernard
    63
    The film paints an affectionate portrait of a wry, somewhat addled man whose hard-partying past was in stark contrast with his later life - a fluffy cat nestles in his guitar case while he explains his nickname.
  16. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Pete Vonder Haar
    60
    Overall, New York Doll is an affectionate (occasionally too much so) look at Arthur Kane.
  17. Empire
    Reviewed by: Anna Smith
    60
    A fascinating portrait of a broken rock star picking up the pieces, this misses a few tricks but still entertains.
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User Reviews

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User Score
8.7 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. ChristopherJ.
    7
    An interesting film, especially for the LDS community. I was excited to see how the faded rock star would react to a temporary resurrection of his old, gaudy culture. I wasn't blown away, but I was satisfied.… Full Review »
  2. NancyW.
    10
    Truth is stranger than fiction. Fame at a young age has come to many a musician, only to have drugs and alcohol take down the band. Not many get a 2nd chance for musical redemption. And many who got lost along the way never find their way. I was very touched by this documentary. I was a Dolls fan but never knew what became of them, other than the obvious David Johanssen. Rent this for sure!… Full Review »
  3. KevinS.
    9
    An absolutely wonderful movie. A wildly delightul combination of rock and roll and the Mormon church. The story is marvelously stranger than fiction.
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