Beyonce: Life Is But a Dream
  • Network: HBO
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 16, 2013
User Score
6.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 55 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 36 out of 55
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 55
  3. Negative: 16 out of 55

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User Reviews

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  1. LadeeLibra
    Feb 17, 2013
    2
    This was nothing but a full-on Beyonce infomercial. It really didn't reveal anything about her that we didn't already know. The best part of this "documentary" was the last 5 minutes or so. That's it. It's the same song and dance of many other celebrity docs--"Woe is me. Why was I given this life? My life is not perfect. Even though I'm a celebrity I have feelings like everyone else." BlahThis was nothing but a full-on Beyonce infomercial. It really didn't reveal anything about her that we didn't already know. The best part of this "documentary" was the last 5 minutes or so. That's it. It's the same song and dance of many other celebrity docs--"Woe is me. Why was I given this life? My life is not perfect. Even though I'm a celebrity I have feelings like everyone else." Blah blah blah. This was nothing but smoke and mirrors, giving us nothing but the Beyonce that she wants the public to see, not what's actually there. I'm waiting to see a deeper Beyonce. But it does bring up the question: Is there a "deep" Beyonce? Probably not. If we scratch beneath that surface, there's probably nothing but more surface. Sad, really.… Expand
  2. smokesouljah420
    Feb 20, 2013
    0
    this is utter trash, the message stop turning young girsl into money grubbing whores,beyonce is garbage, who's real motives are pay my bills, and ppl watch this trash, her husband is a gangsta rapper, so lets have a kid, i mean don't you ppl get it you've been lied 2, these ppl are just rich spoiled ppl, and please beyonce put some clothes on i don't wanna look at your nasty jigglythis is utter trash, the message stop turning young girsl into money grubbing whores,beyonce is garbage, who's real motives are pay my bills, and ppl watch this trash, her husband is a gangsta rapper, so lets have a kid, i mean don't you ppl get it you've been lied 2, these ppl are just rich spoiled ppl, and please beyonce put some clothes on i don't wanna look at your nasty jiggly loose body, please wear clothes, yuck… Expand
  3. Trendsetter
    Feb 16, 2013
    9
    The documentary portrays work ethic, perserverance passion...Its a plateau for fallin back in love with the root/core...just wish she wouldve done it sooner. #Beyhive
  4. moviemaker10
    Feb 17, 2013
    10
    Never saw a doc that made me laugh and cry so much. Enjoyed it immensely and I highly recommend people to watch it even if they're not Beyoncé fans. A must see!
  5. FredBRM
    Feb 17, 2013
    10
    GAME CHANGER!
    This documentary film is one of its kind. It portrays Beyoncé in an unprecedented, genuine and artistic way. A brave move by Beyoncé!
  6. filmr
    Feb 17, 2013
    10
    Beautifully executed film! Very emotional and raw. The story is very engaging and revealing. I was surprised to see how far she went with this. Left me impressed and connected to her, even though I'm not a fan.
  7. beyoncetan
    Feb 20, 2013
    10
    This movie is amazing, it's emotional, quite truthful at the same time. The performances from the film are so incredible, it deserves much more than 5.1 points...
  8. allmotion
    Feb 20, 2013
    10
    I really believe this is one of the deepest and most honest portraits of a superstar like Beyoncé. I cried three times during this film and I am not a sap.
  9. eddie1987
    Feb 23, 2013
    10
    Its was really beautiful and amazing documentary from Beyonce, most important Beyonce is REAL artist and human. She's shows what I love the most: behind the scenes, hard work, confessions, perfomances... #beyhive
  10. codyJarrett
    Feb 21, 2013
    1
    Reality? Really? Can We Just Get This Girl to Nevada Already!
    They Need Another Vegas Act
    Ellington,Waller,Armstrong,Holiday and Etta are Rolling over in their Graves.
    Stop With The sales Pitch Beyonce, you Already made it
  11. Vsantos
    May 13, 2017
    10
    Amanzing... I love everthing in this.. And the people saying that this is was fake, even watch. She talks about how she felt bad herading people saying bad things about her baby.. And now i know that she cares about what a media or hater talks about to people that she loves.
  12. cheiry4
    Apr 17, 2019
    10
    Love this documentary! Loved see all the work Beyoncé does all while being a normal human being!

Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Most Discussed TV Season of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
57

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 14
  3. Negative: 2 out of 14
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Gerrick D. Kennedy
    Feb 15, 2013
    70
    Ultimately, Life Is but a Dream remains a victory for her fans. Casual viewers will most likely glean the same sense of the superstar's life as one might from a magazine feature. But for serious fans of the fiercely private superstar, this remains a window into her life.
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  2. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Feb 15, 2013
    30
    It’s an oddly unnecessary piece of work, a vanity production from top to bottom with very little that feels genuinely candid.
    Read full review
  3. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Linda Stasi
    Feb 15, 2013
    63
    Life Is But A Dream is a vanity project that could have been a helluva film--if she had given up control and let the story tell itself.
    Read full review
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