Dean
CBS Films | Release Date: June 2, 2017 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
58
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 19 Critic Reviews
Positive:
9
Mixed:
8
Negative:
2
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
88
Chicago Sun-TimesRichard RoeperMay 31, 2017
Writer-director Martin does a stellar job of balancing sketch-comedy style laughs with genuinely touching moments. Read full review
75
The PlaylistAndrew CrumpJun 2, 2017
It’s missing bite, but you’ll appreciate its tender humors all the same. Read full review
75
Rolling StonePeter TraversJun 1, 2017
Martin excels in the title role. Read full review
75
Boston GlobeTom RussoMay 31, 2017
Stay patient through those Seinfeldian stretches in which Martin isn’t so much acting as performing, and you’ll be treated to the bonus of some surprising emotional depth and poignancy. Read full review
75
The Film StageJordan RaupJan 16, 2017
by staying true to his offbeat brand of comedy, Martin has something compelling to say about moving on amidst — or perhaps because of — the humor of life. Read full review
70
The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeJan 16, 2017
Martin's Dean is more than funny enough to earn its keep, a gentle misfit tale that only gets baldly therapeutic at the very end. Read full review
67
Entertainment WeeklyChris NashawatyJun 1, 2017
As a result, the movie comes across like a bunch of “bits” when it really should be getting at deeper emotions and truths. Then again, Woody Allen, another comedian-turned-writer/director, ran into that same problem back at the beginning of his career. And he ended up doing okay. Read full review
63
Washington PostStephanie MerryJun 1, 2017
Dean has its moments. The cast is solid, and the story moves along smoothly. Slight though it may be, it’s a sweet enough tale, while it lasts. Read full review
63
Chicago TribuneMichael PhillipsJun 1, 2017
Martin's a smooth enough director to make fuller and more ambitious pictures than Dean. This one's a promising start. Read full review
60
The New York TimesNeil GenzlingerJun 1, 2017
If Mr. Martin’s take on grief is facile, the movie overall is a pleasant trip, and Dean’s doodles — by Mr. Martin himself — are a treat. Read full review
60
Arizona RepublicBill GoodykoontzJun 1, 2017
I liked Dean. And I liked Martin’s direction. I just hope his next outing is a little more ambitious. Read full review
58
The A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloMay 31, 2017
Dean turns out to be quite touching, in retrospect. If only it were funny, clever, or in any other way particularly inspired from moment to moment. Read full review
50
RogerEbert.comGlenn KennyJun 2, 2017
A movie with which it is easy to find fault, and if you’re a particular kind of person, you’ll find fault with it without even trying too hard. Read full review
50
San Francisco ChronicleWalter AddiegoMay 31, 2017
Kline is good in a role that suits him perfectly, and his scenes with Steenburgen are among the film’s most affecting. Jacobs is pretty good, too, really pouring on the Southern California “charm.” Read full review
50
Slant MagazineKenji FujishimaMay 29, 2017
One has to wade through a lot of eye-rolling comic marginalia to get to the film's pained beating heart. Read full review
50
VarietyScott TobiasJan 16, 2017
Martin stays within his comfort zone as a New York-based illustrator still processing his mother’s death, but the tyro helmer struggles to square his distinct minimalist charm with the second-hand influence of standard-bearers like Woody Allen and Wes Anderson. Read full review
40
Los Angeles TimesRobert AbeleJun 1, 2017
It’s almost afraid to invite true messiness or insightful belly laughs, and remains content to cruise on a wispy likability. Read full review
33
ConsequenceNico LangJan 16, 2017
Although the movie is warm and affectionate enough, Dean is not very good, and at its worst the film treats its audience as if it is fairly stupid. Read full review
30
TheWrapAlonso DuraldeJun 1, 2017
The loss doesn’t hit, and the comedy doesn’t land, leaving Dean a wasted opportunity that offers a few talented artists the chance to do fine work in the service of an empty vessel. Read full review
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