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The Talent Given Us
Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 17 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 17
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 17
  3. Negative: 0 out of 17
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  1. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Lisa Schwarzbaum
    91
    A film of uncommon originality.
  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    88
    A brave, funny, affecting film.
  3. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Jeremy Mathews
    80
    A cross between a road movie, a documentary and a therapy session.
  4. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ella Taylor
    80
    A painful, hilarious and immensely moving rumination on mid-life angst.
  5. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Manohla Dargis
    80
    The strange and delightful Talent Given Us is a movie that shouldn't work but does rather remarkably.
  6. Variety
    Reviewed by: Scott Foundas
    80
    Brutally truthful, funny and touching in nearly equal measure.
  7. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Jessica Reaves
    75
    One fears, however, that not every uncomfortable scene was scripted, and that we have just been privy to some awfully private moments. It makes for uneasy viewing, sure, but it's one of the most compelling rides around.
  8. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    75
    This isn't a movie, it's a thingamajig - frequently as off-putting as can be, but unassailably one of a kind.
  9. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Lou Lumenick
    75
    Limps to a fairly lame conclusion, but until then its remarkable candor is like spending a memorably hilarious, harrowing and unforgettable weekend with your wacky in-laws.
  10. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Michael Rechtshaffen
    70
    An engaging portrait of a functionally dysfunctional family.
  11. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Dennis Lim
    70
    Raw, fascinating, often unpleasant film.
  12. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: J.R. Jones
    70
    The most poignant performance comes from Allen, a retired stock analyst who clings to his masculine pride even though his body's falling apart on him.
  13. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Jami Bernard
    63
    It's weird and wonderful.
  14. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: Sean Axmaker
    58
    Autobiographical or not, the frankness and family hysteria of this rolling therapy session gets awkwardly intimate and at times tough to endure, as much for its raw candor as for its confessional contrivance. Too bad the revelations of past mistakes are more interesting than the story played out screen.
  15. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Walter Addiego
    50
    Occasionally funny and touching, but often embarrassing and cringe-inducing.
  16. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Ken Fox
    50
    This curious blend of fact and fiction is ultimately worth the trip -- just don't forget to pack the Advil.
  17. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Thomas
    50
    It's difficult, though, to see how this picture -- essentially chronicling a long car trip -- could mean much to anyone but the Wagners and their friends and relatives.
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User Score
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No user score yet- Awaiting 1 more rating

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. CourtneyB.
    8
    At first I thought, Whaaaat have I gotten myself into! From the first listing of the actors...most of whom had the same last name, it was readily apparent that The Talent Given Us was not your ordinary film. But I was immediately drawn in by the quirky interactions of this complex, contentious, ultimately loving family on their Pilgrim's progress from New York to LA. I highly recommend this film.… Full Review »
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