Towelhead
User Score
6.5 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 21 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 21
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 21
  3. Negative: 5 out of 21

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  1. JoeZ.
    Sep 19, 2008
    10
    This filmed is loaded with so much emotional content that you will cringe watching it. Rarely does a film move you in your seat so often.
  2. RichardB.
    Sep 13, 2008
    10
    This movie pulls no punches. Summer Bishil is and amazing actress. This will be one of the best of the year.
  3. JenniferK
    Jan 6, 2010
    9
    Funny, sad, disgusting, rivetting, nauseating, feel-good movie- Summer Bashil is definitely the star of the movie- One of the best movies I have seen in a long time- at times I didn't know wheter to vomit, cry shout or laugh- some consider this movie to be an unrealistic after school special on the dangers of inappropriate touching, for me the movie seemed very real-to-life.
  4. JH
    Feb 3, 2009
    9
    This is an important and entertaining movie that involves some very unsettling issues. Although the main character has a Middle Eastern background, that particular fact is not the crux of the matter. This movie is really about teenage sexuality, and it is certain to disturb almost everyone to some degree. All you have to do is look at the negative reviews to see how much some people were offended. Despite all that, this is a very good movie that should be viewed and seriously contemplated. I encourage you to watch it, and before you judge harshly, think back to your own adolescence and ask yourself, "is this movie an accurate and authentic depiction of teenage sexuality?" I think Alan Ball is courageous for making this movie, and I think that it is authentic to a degree that will make most religious people hopping mad.… Expand
  5. SM
    Jan 25, 2009
    9
    Although a real drama, it is definitely worth watching.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
57 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 13 out of 31
  3. Negative: 4 out of 31
  1. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Zack Haddad
    100
    Racism, teen sex, and war are all hot button issues. When you are a young person these things can seem new and confusing. In Alan Ball’s genius Towelhead, all of those above mentioned subjects go hand-in-hand in a truly wonderful cinematic experience.
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  2. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    75
    Ball may not have the answers but he eloquently and forcefully explores some of the potential ramifications. The ending may be too pat, but the journey to get there - bitter, spicy, and poignant - more than compensates for any last-minute fumbles.
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  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: David Edelstein
    60
    The film is superbly acted (especially by Macdissi, who makes the father a borderline hysteric), but it's hard to know what to feel except, "How can any girl navigate this oversexualized culture?"
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