Unlocking the Cage
First Run Features | Release Date: May 25, 2016 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
63
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 15 Critic Reviews
Positive:
9
Mixed:
6
Negative:
0

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
58
The A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloMay 25, 2016
In short, this is yet another doc that would make a first-rate book or lengthy article, gaining almost nothing from its chosen medium apart from (maybe) greater exposure. There’s no legitimate taxonomic reason for this material to be designated a film. Read full review
50
The Seattle TimesSoren AndersenJul 7, 2016
The picture is essentially a brief for Wise’s case. And as such, it’s as dry and uncinematic as a dusty legal document. Read full review
50
New York PostFarran Smith NehmeMay 26, 2016
The film is impeccably shot and paced, but the radical real-world implications of Wise’s agenda are never fully explored. Read full review
50
VarietyPeter DebrugeMay 25, 2016
Wise is plenty eloquent on the complex legal issue, but remains vague about how the status he seeks will practically impact animals (could animal weddings be far behind?) or why he’s the “person” best qualified to represent them in court. Read full review
50
IndieWireDavid EhrlichMay 25, 2016
Qhile the 90-year-old Pennebaker doesn't appear to deviate from the observational aesthetic that has defined his life's work, Unlocking the Cage is nevertheless an ill-fitting first for he and his partner: an issue-based film. Read full review
50
Slant MagazineClayton DillardMay 20, 2016
The problem here isn't necessarily the tension between emotion and rationality, but that the doc does little to explore these dimensions as they arise. Read full review
More From This Movie

63 Critic Reviews

tbd User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 77 Project Hail Mary
2 75 Send Help
3 73 Hoppers
4 71 The Sheep Detectives
5 68 Crime 101
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL