46
Metascore
12 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75New York PostKyle SmithNew York PostKyle SmithKilling Bono begs to be remade with A-list stars but, given Neil's history of near-misses, probably won't be.
- This cleverly conceived, behind-the-scenes tale features fine lead performances and enough nods to the epic group's early days to interest fans outside the U.K.
- 70MovielineMovielineIt's that mean edge to Killing Bono's storytelling, none of it directed at the famous figure of the title, that makes it more than the film equivalent of someone's prize bar anecdote about the celebrity he knew (and could have been - nay, should have been) back in the day.
- 60Time OutJoshua RothkopfTime OutJoshua Rothkopf"Amadeus" it's not, but as light transitional music, the film-which has Pete Postlethwaite's final performance, as a swishy landlord-is tuneful enough.
- 60New York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierNew York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierDirector Nick Hamm's movie is sparky and fun, and full of affectionate pokes at the '80s music scene. It's also, in terms of music biopics, probably better than the real thing.
- 50VarietyLeslie FelperinVarietyLeslie FelperinTaking liberties with journalist Neil McCormick's memoir to create narrative tension, screenwriters Simon Maxwell and prolific scribe team Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais ("The Commitments") overstuff the story with subplots and trite character arcs.
- 42The A.V. ClubNoel MurrayThe A.V. ClubNoel MurrayThere's a difference between "funny" and "comedy," and the movie adaptation of Killing Bono tries way too hard to be nutty, at the expense of just getting across what McCormick knows.
- 40EmpireEmpireA clever idea that can't find its feet on the bigger stage.
- 38Slant MagazineJesse CataldoSlant MagazineJesse CataldoRather than organically develop its characters, it charts their evolution via silly outfit changes, treating the early '80s as a costume bin for flavor-of-the-week aping gags, with the band going from Gary Numan style shirts and skinny ties to lavish glam-rock costumes.
- 30Village VoiceMichael AtkinsonVillage VoiceMichael AtkinsonThe migraine of a story arc needed sharp comedy reflexes or, at least, a live-wire/slummy star turn and got neither.