The Education of Charlie Banks
Metascore
50 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 9 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
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  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Michael Rechtshaffen
    70
    Although the impressively acted ensemble piece occasionally gets tripped up by Peter Elkoff's overtly literate script, it travels in some unexpected, thoughtful directions.
  2. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Owen Gleiberman
    67
    Ritter, who's like the young Ethan Hawke on a bender of violence, is an actor to watch.
  3. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Scott Mendelson
    60
    A film that succeeds at being good without really succeeding in being worthwhile.
  4. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Jeannette Catsoulis
    60
    Probes class consciousness with rather more sensitivity than originality.
  5. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by: Liam Lacey
    50
    What doesn't work so persuasively is Elkoff's script, particularly the overuse of voice-over.
  6. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Stephanie Zacharek
    50
    There's enough sweetness, and enough just-under-the-surface intelligence, in The Education of Charlie Banks to suggest that Durst may have a future as a filmmaker.
  7. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Robert Abele
    50
    Too often Durst's direction is overly earnest, heavy in long takes, atmosphere wise but scene foolish.
  8. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Joe Neumaier
    40
    Another nicely understated performance from Jesse Eisenberg anchors this shambling drama.
  9. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Vadim Rizov
    40
    Durst and Elkoff deliver a nuanced scenario of class assimilation and resentment, then flub the ending.

User Reviews

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User Score
6.7 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. NicoDaFlagburna
    5
    A good solid piece that starts with a bang but unfortunately fails to develop. The opening party scene is enjoyable but the rest of the film lacks dynamics. Durst and Eisenberg are positively unspectacular which benefits our perception of Ritter's sociopath but the director is guilty of boring his audience and ultimately nothing happens which leaves me feeling unfulfilled. 59/100… Full Review »
  2. JayH
    6
    Good story, appealing performances from Jesse Eisenberg and Eva Amurri. It does lack focus sometimes but overall the film works.
  3. KathyS.
    8
    This is a thoughtful, sometimes witty, sometimes tense little movie with a slight sense of foreboding that kept me on the edge of my seat. I'd like to see a lot more from Jesse Eisenberg. I loved him in this and in "Adventureland." I hope he gets a lot of roles in different movies like this. Jason Ritter was a revelation.… Full Review »
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