That Evening Sun
Freestyle Releasing | Release Date: November 6, 2009 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
75
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 12 Critic Reviews
Positive:
10
Mixed:
2
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
Los Angeles TimesGary Goldstein
It's hard to believe, but Hal Holbrook, one of the stage and screen's enduring talents, has never had the solo lead in a feature film. That has been duly rectified with the actor's achingly memorable star performance in the superb That Evening Sun. Read full review
90
Film ThreatScott Knopf
Halbrook absolutely nails the lead role of Mr. Abner Meecham, the headstrong farmer whose lips can’t form the words “give up.” Read full review
90
VarietyJoe Leydon
Deliberately paced, richly atmospheric drama also boasts first-rate work by a splendid supporting cast and impressive production values. Read full review
88
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Watching Holbrook, I was reminded again of how steady and valuable this man has been throughout his career. Read full review
80
The Hollywood ReporterFrank Scheck
A moving if too-leisurely paced effort that benefits immeasurably from the superb performance by its 84-year-old star. Read full review
80
Arizona RepublicBill Goodykoontz
There is a predictability to the story, but that's OK. The acting is superb, Holbrook in particular, making That Evening Sun an understated pleasure. Read full review
75
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
Holbrook makes Abner a shining-eyed, noble crank. Read full review
75
New York PostLou Lumenick
There are a lot of grace notes in That Evening Sun, including Barry Corbin's hilarious work as Abner's neighbor, a vivid sense of landscape and a visually arresting climax. Read full review
70
Village VoiceChuck Wilson
More than once, the director inserts a gooey flashback to a tender moment between the farmer and his late wife (Dixie Carter) that not only extends an already overlong movie, but also fatally undercuts the artful rigor of its leading man. Read full review
70
The New York TimesStephen Holden
Hal Holbrook strips the stereotype of the grumpy old man of sentimental shtick and cutesy old-codger mannerisms. Read full review
40
Time OutStephen Garrett
The grizzled veteran actor, naturally, elevates the material like a pro, yet the entire exercise feels thin and reedy, trading in geriatric sentiment instead of hard-forged emotion. Read full review
40
New York Daily NewsJoe Neumaier
Director Scott Teems' film is as quiet as untilled soil -- not always a good thing -- but Holbrook has a handle on where to dig. Read full review
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