Rolling Stones Peter Travers agrees.
No film this year has moved me more with its humor, heart and humanity, his reviewreads.
Engrave the name Casey Affleck on the Oscar for Best Actor right now… His tendency to be mumbly and awkward and withholding fits his character perfectly.
Credit: Claire Folger
If all of this makes Manchester sound like a three-hankie bummer, it isnt.
There are unexpected moments of humor, redemption, and grace.
Lonergan has given us a masterpiece.
Claire Folger
Because life doesnt spare us any rest stops, maybe movies shouldnt either.
WithManchester, Lonergan transforms a formulaic scenario into something far more understated.
The result is something that feels more akin to a full meal than the usual cinematic popcorn.
David Edelstein (Vulture)
Affleck proves he can convey suffering as well as any actor alive.
His trebly voice is cracked with pain.
He comes with his own chill fog.
But that fogginess can also make his acting seem vague and generalized.
His Lee is too far beyond reach to have stature although that might, admittedly, be Lonergans intent.
Not everyone can rise to the level of a tragic hero.
