CODA

Apple TV+ | Release Date: August 13, 2021

7.6	USER SCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 202 Ratings

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livinmediocreNov 17, 2021

I really wanted to love this. And I like it, I do. But it’s just too… Disney Channel for me. Not that that’s a bad thing. I **** with some Disney Channel movies, especially the older ones which this feels like.

I don’t know it just feelsI really wanted to love this. And I like it, I do. But it’s just too… Disney Channel for me. Not that that’s a bad thing. I **** with some Disney Channel movies, especially the older ones which this feels like.

I don’t know it just feels like a normal movie, just with the deaf twist. Which I thought would be amazing. But I wish we were in the perspective of the family more than Ruby. We only really get a couple moments of that. The concert and in the end. I would have loved a more Sound of Metal approach to the family perspective. I feel like it would have helped that little bit more.

Overall I think this is a good movie that takes tropes from movies like it, but embraces and builds on them. It’s just not for me, and that’s ok. Pretty sure Apple bought this, so when it comes out on Apple TV+, you should check it out. I do still recommend it!… Expand

4 of 4 users found this helpful40

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bertobellamySep 23, 2021

This is better than what I expected, but still far from what I would call an award-winning film. There's an inspiring story here about family union and breaking the bubble to go see the world — not conforming with what you get —, but it allThis is better than what I expected, but still far from what I would call an award-winning film. There's an inspiring story here about family union and breaking the bubble to go see the world — not conforming with what you get —, but it all feels very generic and too happy for my taste. A film about a teenage girl who has to decide if she goes to pursue her dreams or if she stays at home to look for her deaf family ends just the way you'll expect; if you're looking for risks, you'll have to go somewhere else.

Sure, the deaf parents/hearing daughter has plenty of comedic and emotional moments, but none that'll truly connect with you. Acting is good, though — except for Derbez, who's totally in another tone here —; it's the screenplay and its clichés that don't work for me.

The Disney-esque plot is redundant, and sometimes it'll make you feel like you're watching a more grown-up version of 'High School Musical.' If only director Sian Heder explored more of the struggles of deaf people, like those scenes when the father and the brother got themselves in trouble with the authorities, this would've turned a little more interesting. I get it, this film gravitates more towards dramedy, but a more somber tone wouldn't have hurt.

'CODA' is not terrible; actually, is very entertaining, but it all fades away when you stop watching. If you're looking for a more engaging music-themed coming-of-age movie, go see 'Sing Street.' Fact: the little boy from that film appears here all grown up!… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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Brent_MarchantDec 29, 2021

“CODA,” an acronym for “Child Of Deaf Adults,” is the kind of film that’s designed to make viewers feel bad if they speak ill of it. However, after screening it, I can’t help but say that this manipulative, cloying, cliché-ridden,“CODA,” an acronym for “Child Of Deaf Adults,” is the kind of film that’s designed to make viewers feel bad if they speak ill of it. However, after screening it, I can’t help but say that this manipulative, cloying, cliché-ridden, saccharin-encrusted offering lives up to every one of those guilt-inducing traps. Writer-director Siân Heder’s second feature outing tells the story of a Gloucester, Massachusetts high school senior who’s the only hearing member of a family of deaf individuals. She’s torn between pursuing her passion for singing and staying with her parents and brother to help them sort out the family’s troubled fishing business. At its heart, it’s narrative terrain that’s been covered a number of times before, albeit with different particulars. That in itself would be fine if it weren’t for the trite way in which the material is presented here, a production laden with the aforementioned calculated, derivative qualities that make it ordinary instead of outstanding. The picture also suffers from a screenplay and direction riddled inconsistent character development, left-field plot twists, underdeveloped story threads and over-the-top quirks, making this an often-frustrating watch. Admittedly, the film has some genuinely heartwarming moments, such as a number of heart-to-heart conversations between the protagonist and her family members, as well as fine performances by Emilia Jones and Marlee Matlin, but those attributes are hardly enough to give this one a ringing endorsement. This might not be an awful film, but its premise certainly lends itself to a more engaging treatment than is present here.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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garmonboziaAug 31, 2021

It is a heartfelt family movie. But at the same time it is so generic and calculated in its approach. The whole music career thing has been done in hundreds of other teen comedies and dramas. The new thing here is that it is used as aIt is a heartfelt family movie. But at the same time it is so generic and calculated in its approach. The whole music career thing has been done in hundreds of other teen comedies and dramas. The new thing here is that it is used as a metaphor for any decision people make and are misunderstood by their loved ones. Ruby's family can't here her voice so literally they don't know what's her passion is all about. It is touching at times, but also almost too sweet and cheesy. The audition to Berklee College is such an emotionally manipulative fake scene. I don't know why people praise this movie so much. It is an OK film. Is it about inclusion of deaf actors in the production? Yes, they were great, but if we want to be honest and equal - this kind of storytelling in a different movie would make everybody roll their eyes and describe it as a Hallmark movie.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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JLuis_001Aug 15, 2021

Yesterday, I read on Indiewire, that CODA could potentially turn out to be an Academy Award contender, and I couldn't help but laugh.
I just couldn't believe it, because the film has nothing especial. It's well made, but Oscar material? HellYesterday, I read on Indiewire, that CODA could potentially turn out to be an Academy Award contender, and I couldn't help but laugh.
I just couldn't believe it, because the film has nothing especial. It's well made, but Oscar material? Hell no.

If you read other reviews, and bypass the inclusion theme, you will realize The Bélier Family, the film of which CODA is a remake, seems to be ignored or looked down upon.
Also if you see the difference in rankings on Rotten Tomatoes, you will realize The Bélier Family, has lower ratings. Even though it's the same thing.

This movie is basically 90% the same stuff. The changes are slight, and don't matter in the overall concept, so I'm surprised, I'm really surprised that it's being so praised and recognized for something the original film already did.
I mean, The Bélier Family was released barely seven years ago, it's not that old, and it was very successful, so I don't get why CODA all of the sudden is a better film.

It's incredible too see that the story of a triumphant but inconsequential French film ended up becoming for the US press, an academy award contender once the Americans remade it. I'm baffled.

I just can remember the words the great Bong Joon-Ho said: "Once you get past the subtitle barrier, you will see much more amazing movies."
Especially the original ones.… Expand

6 of 9 users found this helpful63

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MetacriticOnurSep 6, 2021

admirable
[ ad-mer-uh-buhl ]

adjective
worthy of admiration; inspiring approval, reverence, or affection.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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FadeBlackAug 13, 2022

Decent...well made on a technical basis, but hard to really get engaged with what was happening. Just ok at the end.