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The United States of Leland
User Score
6.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 21
  3. Negative: 5 out of 21

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  1. LarryJ
    Sep 30, 2005
    8
    [***SPOILERS***] Professional critics, for the most part, missed the point of this movie. Why did Leland do it? In the first part of the movie we are led to think that there might have been a motivation akin to what we might find in Camus' "The Stranger": I just wanted to see what it'd feel like. However, as the movie progresses, and we are given more insight into Leland's psyche, we discover that he is deeply troubled. His perceptions of the world as full to the brim of profound sadness reveal his inadequate grasp of reality. His comiseration with some of the afflicted is what leads him to do it. Leland's killing is a mercy killing. He took himself to be helping, not hurting. When Leland perceives the kid eyeing a woman, Leland knows that the desire will go forever unsatisfied. When Leland sees the kid trying to ride through the tree, he sees that though the kid may want to progress, there are obstacles that will never allow it. Leland commits a mercy killing. Has he done something wrong? Of course. Does he deserve our pity? Yes. Have any critics who panned this movie understood it's subtle take on the complexity of desire and motivation? No!… Expand
    • 1 of 2 users said yes
  2. EarlD.
    Feb 15, 2005
    3
    Not even worth a rental-pretentious drivel.
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  3. RobertA
    Mar 2, 2005
    3
    Well, i really wanted to like this film. But, it just isn't good. Written like a bad book.
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  4. HollyC.
    Dec 27, 2005
    5
    I understand the bad reviews of this film, as the dialogue, various outskirt characters and plot points fell apart. This film feels very writerly--like a good short story or novel (indeed, writer themes/characters are everywhere)--but it was ultimately adapted very poorly into a motion picture. Regardless of these problems, I do find that Ryan Gosling and Don Cheadle did remarkably well. The moral debate going on in this film--while engaging, is quite sophmoric in the end, which is too bad. The comparison one user review made to Donnie Darko, I think, is a bit generous as Darko was very well written, acted and directed. This film had some great actors--the direction was ok but the writing and plot devices fell through. The story, in the end, did seem muddled--and possibly better looking on paper then screen.… Expand
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  5. MiguelG.
    Nov 28, 2006
    3
    The film does not tell anything, does not have any insight in any particular issue and it definitely has no complexity. Nothing to save apart of Kevin Sapcy's acting.
    • 1 of 1 users said yes
  6. BrittanyF.
    Feb 13, 2005
    10
    This is the most amazing movie i have ever seen. It made me think so much, and has changed how i look at life. Matthew Hoge is an amazing writer and this movie was an amazing idea. Everyone that is giving it bad reviews must either not be open to new views on things or is an idiot.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  7. StaceyG.
    Dec 22, 2004
    9
    Amazing and brutaly honust.
    • 0 of 2 users said yes
  8. Dr.BeverlyM.
    Apr 6, 2004
    0
    Who has any understanding of the autistic child and his parents in this film. This is autism as object which is an inhuman idea. The inhumanity exhibited here should be prosecuted.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  9. AndrewD.
    Dec 28, 2005
    10
    Absolutly fantastic film....will make you think
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  10. LindseyL.
    Feb 1, 2005
    10
    This movie was awesome! A lot of deep thoughts and interesting views. If you like donnie darko you'll like this movie.. except it's easier to follow.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  11. elizabethm
    Aug 18, 2005
    8
    This was a great movie! Yeah a little confusing, but still really great. And so was Ryan Gosling in this movie. USL was also a learning experience!
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  12. IsaacF.
    Apr 13, 2004
    9
    The world is pretty inhuman, Doctor.
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  13. KuoT.
    Jun 23, 2005
    8
    The United States of Leland is, at the very least, full of talented actors that made their characters come to life, especially Leland. Other characters, even with brief parts, are well-developed. The movie raised many questions but did not provide answers for them. It does get you think about life in a different way. There are some memorable scenes in the movie that I can definite replay again and again.… Expand
    • 0 of 1 users said yes
  14. folk_tylore
    Sep 30, 2010
    9
    Ryan Gosling is drawn to flawed characters; Believer, Fracture, the Slaughter Rule, Lars and the Real Girl, Stay, all these movies portray a flawed character but one that the audience can sympathize with U.S. of Leland is no different a very thought provoking movie, with quality acting, and an excellent original soundtrack by Jeremy Enigk of Sunny Day Real Estate. Outside of the story and acting there are no other exceptional film making characteristics.… Expand
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Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
37 out of 100

Generally unfavorable - based on 27 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 14 out of 27
  3. Negative: 10 out of 27
  1. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Eric Campos
    80
    Thoroughly entertaining and will possibly get you thinking about certain choices you've made in your life.
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Kirk Honeycutt
    60
    A complex and often compelling melodrama, at times almost verging on soap opera.
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  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: David Rooney
    40
    Hoge shows no particular directorial style, bringing a bland, anonymous look to the generic Southern California suburban locations.
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