If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front
Oscilloscope Laboratories | Release Date: June 22, 2011 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
65
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Critic Reviews
Positive:
6
Mixed:
6
Negative:
2
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
60
New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanJun 24, 2011
Despite their efforts to address most sides of this complex story, each new interview leaves us wanting to know even more. Of course, that's the sign of a compelling film - but in this case, not an altogether satisfying one. Read full review
60
Time OutSam AdamsJun 21, 2011
Considering its incendiary subject, Curry's approach is disarmingly tame; perhaps reframing the debate in less volatile terms is some kind of lukewarm triumph. Read full review
60
The Hollywood ReporterJustin LoweJun 18, 2011
Curry and co-editor Matthew Hamachek assemble the wide-ranging material into an informative, compelling story line, although details about McGowan's upbringing and early years in the environmental movement slow the narrative down and some of the footage of McGowan puttering around his sister's apartment proves too mundane to hold much interest. Read full review
60
Boxoffice MagazineSteve RamosJun 18, 2011
Instead of a topic documentary, If a Tree Falls becomes the personal story of a well-intentioned man whose passion for the environment leads to serious consequences. Read full review
50
Boston GlobeMark FeeneyJul 28, 2011
The problem is that the heart of the movie is McGowan. He's just not a very compelling figure. He's a bit doughy and inert. Read full review
50
VarietyJohn AndersonJun 18, 2011
Lacks the passion of previous Marshall Curry films ("Racing Dreams," "Street Fight") -- something mirrored in his principal character, but also something that keeps the documentary from being as sharp as it might have been, or as up-to-date. Read full review
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