Rock the Bells
Metascore
70 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 10 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 10
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 10
  3. Negative: 0 out of 10
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  1. Premiere
    Reviewed by: Aaron Hillis
    88
    Rock the Bells doesn't just delve behind the scenes; it makes a showstopping guest-MC out of each crazy new obstacle.
  2. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Andrew O'Hehir
    80
    Tense, hilarious and totally serendipitous.
  3. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Nathan Lee
    80
    An electrifying, occasionally terrifying documentary.
  4. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Frank Scheck
    70
    For connoisseurs of stories of show business near-disasters, "Bells" is compelling viewing.
  5. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ernest Hardy
    70
    In a film that quickly reveals itself to be a love letter to Wu, some of the best moments have nothing to do with that legendary hip-hop collective: Sage Francis taunting the unruly, increasingly tense crowd with his cerebral, political performance-art hip-hop; Redman playfully admonishing his young son to be good and then giving the boy a kiss when the paternal command wounds.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Michael Ordona
    70
    Stressful to watch, but its entertaining stage performances and document of people under pressure should interest even non-rap fans.
  7. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Jeannette Catsoulis
    70
    A fascinating glimpse of a dreamer and a music culture that has always depended on dreams.
  8. Variety
    Reviewed by: Ronnie Scheib
    70
    At several points, Chang is the only thing standing between his event and total chaos, as frustrated ticket-holders rush the gates.
  9. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Maitland McDonagh
    63
    It's a show we don't see, presumably because of issues with music rights, and while "much ado about nothing" might be overstating things, after more than an hour and a half of buildup, it would have been nice to see Wu-Tang perform.
  10. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Peter Margasak
    60
    This isn't about the verities of hip-hop so much as the chaos and confusion of mounting a big production with a slew of stoned MCs.

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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 2 more ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. ClaudeS.
    10
    First and foremost, I think it is a nice little film, I've always loved the concerts, and as a hard-core hip-hop music fan myself, it hits me in the spot for it intrigues me and provides new insight into the music business and I like the music.… Full Review »
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