California Schemin'
| Release Date: November 30, -0001 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
63
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Critic Reviews
Positive:
8
Mixed:
6
Negative:
0

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
60
The GuardianRichard LawsonSep 11, 2025
California Schemin’ is, in the end, a kindhearted film about integrity, about art for art’s sake, about embracing one’s roots. Read full review
60
Time OutPhil de Semlyen
McAvoy gets good performances from his cast, with Ross a boyish yet broken presence as the spiralling Bain, but ultimately the journey is more satisfying than the destination. Read full review
60
The Travers TakePeter Travers
Until predictability seeps in from the edges, first-time director James McEvoy offers an invitation to a rap party that’s hard to resist as two Scottish MCs fake their way to the hip-hop top as Americans. Read full review
60
EmpireLeila Latif
Familiar biopic beats hold it back, but strong performances and McAvoy’s sincere direction make it a promising debut, balancing humour and heart. Read full review
50
Little White LiesDavid Jenkins
There’s an interesting metaphor here for McAvoy’s own career as a Scottish man who earns a crust by perfecting a range of accents and character types. Yet its feelgood arc is all a little predictable and soft-edged. Read full review
40
Next Best PictureJ Don BirnamSep 11, 2025
In its attempt to create extreme good vs. extreme evil characters, California Schemin’ schemes one click too far. Read full review
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