Hunky Dory 2011

Critics score:
56 / 100

Reviews provided by RottenTomatoes

Stephen Holden, New York Times: At various moments this endearing but sudsy movie, which spills all over the place, evokes "High School Musical," "Glee" and "Billy Elliot." Read more

Rex Reed, New York Observer: Hunky Dory has some pleasant things in it, but unfortunately, the funereal pace makes a snail look like a jackrabbit. Read more

Noel Murray, AV Club: Director Marc Evans and screenwriter Laurence Coriat fumble both the musical side of their movie and the coming-of-age side. Read more

John DeFore, Hollywood Reporter: Heartfelt interpretations of Seventies rock are only part of the appeal of nostalgia-drenched high school drama. Read more

Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times: Golden-hued, feel-good treacle, the sort that the U.K. has tried to export ever since Billy Elliot. Read more

Joel Arnold, NPR: Hunky Dory flits along blithely from number to transporting musical number until it ends - with a sigh - and dodges any authentic engagement with its own ideas. Read more

Elizabeth Weitzman, New York Daily News: Enthusiasm carries the day in this paint-by-numbers period tale, which is just charming enough to coast on its own cliches. Read more

Lou Lumenick, New York Post: The golden-hued cinematography (a filming cliche that really needs to be retired) and the sometimes slack direction by Marc Evans are minuses ... Read more

Ben Walters, Time Out: Driver delivers a characteristic combination of savvy and likeability and the period and sun-dappled photography are nicely handled. Read more

Keith Phipps, Time Out: When it's indulging in glammed-up musical sequences, Hunky Dory comes to life; everything else couldn't seem less inspiring. Read more

Leslie Felperin, Variety: Like a retro version of High School Musical with less charm. Read more

Pete Vonder Haar, Village Voice: Surprisingly, it's not bad. Read more