It's the fall of 1985. The intertwining tales of three 5th grade friends, Chris, Joe and Ted, unfold in the suburban paradise of Palo Alto, as the threat of a mountain lion looms over the community.
Although evocative and nicely observed, the coming-of-age drama "Yosemite" ultimately proves too low-key and elliptical to make much of an impression. "Stand by Me" it ain't.
– Gary Goldstein,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Jan 2016
fresh:
The movie succeeds on its own quiet terms, binding the three parts together with assurance and tonal consistency to cast a lingering spell.
– David Rooney,
Hollywood Reporter,
7 Jan 2016
fresh:
Franco gives one of his most subtle performances yet as a recovering-alcoholic father, and the three young newcomers' performances are honest and affecting.
– Devan Coggan,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Jan 2016
fresh:
A sobering, evocative drama.
– Randy Myers,
San Jose Mercury News,
7 Jan 2016
rotten:
The material aspires to powerful terseness, but its seemingly conscientious refusal to ramp up too much drama ultimately renders it thinly anecdotal.