A subversive tale that interlaces five stories set in Los Angeles, where no taboo is left unexplored as each character careens toward a dark and often comic fate
Burning Palms is too sick to attract the masses, but he's onto something subversively valid, and the film is never boring.
– Rex Reed,
New York Observer,
12 Jan 2011
rotten:
Making his directorial debut, screenwriter Christopher Landon struggles so mightily to offend that he forgets to supply a rooting interest in his characters.
– Peter Debruge,
Variety,
13 Jan 2011
fresh:
Landon's sardonic view of human nature and deft filmmaking skills - plus a raft of sharp portrayals - keep the viewer from pondering the preposterousness of certain situations and instead encourages going along with the fun.
– Kevin Thomas,
Los Angeles Times,
13 Jan 2011
rotten:
Christopher B. Landon's sordid anthology film never quite achieves the balance of melodrama and dark comedy for which it's aiming.