The storytelling is mostly linear, with some confusing back-and-forth in the chronology, and it's a long slog. The Brown who emerges from this film has a monstrous ego to go with his monster talent.
– Peter Rainer,
Christian Science Monitor,
1 Aug 2014
rotten:
More often, the film skates along the surface of Brown's contradictory character. Now if it skated like Brown's dance moves glided onstage, that really would have been something.
– Lisa Kennedy,
Denver Post,
1 Aug 2014
fresh:
Somewhat sanitized and over-directed biopic saved by Boseman's electric performance.
– Richard Roeper,
Richard Roeper.com,
1 Aug 2014
fresh:
In Boseman's hands - and his feet, and his entire body, for that matter - he demands and earns our attention.
– Christy Lemire,
ChristyLemire.com,
6 Aug 2014
fresh:
Chadwick Boseman gives a startling and galvanic performance.