Byrd and Jenkins earn the film its critical points, but the screenplay has too many moments that feel network-TV-bland.
– Joel Brown,
Boston Globe,
25 Oct 2011
fresh:
There's something sweet about Jonathan Segal's modest high school drama, "Norman," despite the contrivances of its protagonist's predicament and its stacking of the emotional deck.
– Andy Webster,
New York Times,
21 Oct 2011
fresh:
There's a winning emotional truth in the father-son scenes in this Spokane-shot sleeper, directed with skill and sensitivity by Jonathan Segal.
– Lou Lumenick,
New York Post,
21 Oct 2011
fresh:
For first-time screenwriter Wingate and Segal, in only his second feature (2004's "The Last Run), it's impressive work - they never overplay the pity card, opting for insight into the complexities of growing up instead.
– Betsy Sharkey,
Los Angeles Times,
20 Oct 2011
fresh:
The director, Jonathan Segal, skillfully builds on the tension that this situation creates, though he can't quite make Wingate's ending click. Still, Segal is so good with his actors that you may not mind.