Critical Thinking
Vertical Entertainment | Release Date (Streaming): September 4, 2020 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
65
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 9 Critic Reviews
Positive:
6
Mixed:
2
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
91
The PlaylistJoe BlessingSep 3, 2020
Critical Thinking shows that Leguizamo makes a good teacher on screen and behind the camera –he’s telling a story that is truly inspiring and educational, but also revealing its relevance and keeping it fun. Read full review
90
SlashfilmEthan AndertonSep 3, 2020
Unlike some movies that feature a group of urban teens inspired by a teacher and their lessons, it doesn’t make it seem like merely winning a chess tournament will make all the problems in their lives go away. It’s one victory that might make everything else feel less overwhelming, at least for a little bit. Read full review
75
RogerEbert.comOdie HendersonSep 4, 2020
I am always game for a movie that makes me reckon with my personal feelings and biases, and I’m glad this one exists because representation will always speak volumes. If nothing else, Critical Thinking reminds you what a chess player can look like. Read full review
75
Film ThreatAlan NgSep 3, 2020
Although a standard story of teacher and students overcoming their environment, Critical Thinking has enough thrills, excitement, and, most of all, hope to recommend. Read full review
70
The New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisSep 3, 2020
Critical Thinking does little to detach itself from genre cliché; yet this heartfelt drama about a rough-and-tumble group of high-schoolers who claw their way to a national chess tournament has a sweetness that softens its flaws. Read full review
67
Austin ChronicleMatthew MonagleSep 7, 2020
Still, even at its most rote, Critical Thinking captures the appeal of chess without defaulting to a white perspective of these students. Read full review
60
VarietyOwen GleibermanSep 3, 2020
It’s still, in the end, a bit of a connect-the-inspirational-dots movie, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be inspired. Read full review
50
Screen DailyTim GriersonSep 3, 2020
Critical Thinking has plenty of heart, which unfortunately can’t make up for its fairly uninspired design and predictable trajectory. Read full review
38
Movie NationRoger MooreSep 3, 2020
Critical Thinking is a cluttered, cliched and ungainly story. Read full review
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65 Critic Reviews

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