OT: Our Town
Film Movement | Release Date: August 15, 2003 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
75
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Critic Reviews
Positive:
13
Mixed:
0
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan
A whole world can be fit into 76 minutes, and that's what the splendid documentary OT: our town manages to do. Read full review
90
The New York TimesDana Stevens
At the end, when they have created a vibrant new theater program for their school, their sense of triumph is infectious. " 'Our Town' Is Ghetto!" one of them exults. Thornton Wilder, wherever he is, would understand and take it as a compliment. Read full review
90
L.A. WeeklyErnest Hardy
A smart, seamless commentary on race, class and the expectations (or lack of) that are often attached to them. Kennedy is helped greatly by deep currents of heart and humor that pull you into the unfolding tale, and to the edge of your seat as the countdown to opening night begins. Read full review
80
Village VoiceLaura Sinagra
Kennedy takes pains to illuminate aspects and insights that buck cliché. Read full review
80
VarietyRonnie Scheib
The evolving drama of the amateur, crisis-strewn production creates its own tensions, internal structure and time frame. Pic constantly surprises. Read full review
78
Austin ChronicleMarc Savlov
Backed by a soundtrack of hip-hop and edited to within an inch of its life, Kennedy’s film has sleek gutter charm to spare. Read full review
75
Boston GlobeAshlea Deahl
Director Scott Hamilton Kennedy finally gives us a reason to feel warm and fuzzy about Compton, Calif. It's not an easy feat. Read full review
75
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Kennedy documents their efforts with skill and compassion, almost entirely avoiding the pitfalls of sentimentality and victimology. He and his likable "cast" deserve a standing ovation. Read full review
75
Portland OregonianKim Morgan
Watching the teachers whip these kids into Wilder recitations is especially intriguing, particularly when their personalities come out during the sometimes-arduous process. Read full review
70
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
"We're not that different, but we're different from what you think we are," says 16-year-old Ebony, and no playwright could have said it better. Read full review
70
The A.V. ClubNoel Murray
It's the most obvious point that actually rings truest: that Wilder's sketchy vision of life, love, and death is as funny and moving as it ever was. Read full review
63
New York Daily NewsElizabeth Weitzman
Surely no other has done it quite like this group. Read full review
63
PremiereSharon Allen Burke
At opening night, with every seat in the cafeteria filled, you realize that the students have not only carved out a fledgling drama department in this sports-mad place, they’ve updated Grover’s Corners to Compton. Read full review
38
New York PostMegan Lehmann
Seems to exist solely to drive this observation home in the most heavy-handed way. Read full review
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