Spinning Plates
Film Arcade | Release Date: October 25, 2013 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
65
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 18 Critic Reviews
Positive:
11
Mixed:
7
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
90
Wall Street JournalJoe MorgensternOct 24, 2013
Joseph Levy's sneakily stirring documentary opens up feelings you would never have expected from the premise — a portrait of three American restaurants. Read full review
90
Village VoiceInkoo KangOct 22, 2013
A love letter to that singular intersection of artistic innovation, cultural legacy, community pride, and family-sustaining (or -straining) commerce known as the restaurant. Read full review
75
Chicago Sun-TimesBruce IngramOct 24, 2013
A surprisingly personal and moving documentary about three very different types of restaurants. Read full review
75
Slant MagazineKalvin HenelyOct 24, 2013
Spinning Plates may inadvertently be one of the year's best films about class differences in America. Read full review
75
The A.V. ClubJosh ModellOct 23, 2013
As separate snapshots of three fascinating businesses, it’s vivid and engaging. Read full review
75
The PlaylistKevin JagernauthOct 23, 2013
Spinning Plates navigates an industry that is more diverse and challenging than ever, but with this simple, fulfilling sampling, we learn that those behind the stove aim for the same kinds of rewards, accomplishments and satisfaction as their predecessors did. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesKenneth TuranOct 24, 2013
What raises this film to a more interesting level is that in addition to the food, each segment presents a personal drama that extends beyond the table. Read full review
63
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Adam NaymanDec 5, 2013
Yet another smoothly produced doc for the foodie set. Read full review
63
Washington PostStephanie MerryNov 7, 2013
The movie doesn’t always feel cohesive, but the stories are unexpectedly touching. Read full review
63
Boston GlobePeter KeoughNov 7, 2013
So here’s a tip: Don’t desert this film before giving it a chance. You might not want seconds, but eventually it dishes up a satisfying slice of life. Read full review
63
McClatchy-Tribune News ServiceRoger MooreOct 7, 2013
Spinning Plates is a surprisingly affecting juggling act, with each story having its compelling third act revelations of the extreme obstacles each eatery and its owners have faced and will face. Read full review
60
The Hollywood ReporterJustin LoweOct 28, 2013
Without a strong thematic throughline, Levy relies on a highly episodic structure, letting the subject matter lead him along, rather than shaping the material into a compelling package. Read full review
60
New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanOct 25, 2013
Given that his subjects are so inspiring, surely Levy could have spiced up his storytelling with a bit more creativity. Read full review
60
The DissolveNoel MurrayOct 23, 2013
Spinning Plates is a slow starter... But the documentary finds more of a rhythm once it moves beyond generalities and starts getting into particulars. Read full review
60
Time OutKeith UhlichOct 22, 2013
The overall effect is not unlike watching a chef de cuisine experimenting in his off-hours; not everything takes, but you still come away with a pleasingly stimulated palate. Read full review
60
VarietyDennis HarveyOct 7, 2013
Little in the way of a unified theme emerges to turn Joseph Levy’s feature into something more than a semi-random survey of restaurant life. Read full review
50
San Francisco ChronicleWalter AddiegoNov 7, 2013
The tales are worthwhile, but it's challenging to find a common thread among them that goes beyond vague generalities. Read full review
50
The New York TimesNicolas RapoldOct 24, 2013
This dully structured film makes its points early and often, treading water before a purposely delayed big finish. Read full review
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