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Local Color (2006)

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All Critics
Top Critics

Average Rating: 4.1/10
Reviews Counted: 14
Fresh: 5 | Rotten: 9

No consensus yet.

Average Rating: 4.4/10
Critic Reviews: 7
Fresh: 3 | Rotten: 4

No consensus yet.

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Average Rating: 3.6/5
User Ratings: 558

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Movie Info

The challenges of growing up are fused with the discipline of art in this coming-of-age drama from writer and director George Gallo. John (Trevor Morgan) is a shy, introverted teenager from Port Chester, NY, who is fascinated with art and would like to become a painter someday -- an ambition that does not please his father (Ray Liotta), who would prefer his son spend his time playing ball and chasing girls. John is a great admirer of Nicholi Seroff, a little-known but well-respected Russian

R, 1 hr. 39 min.

Drama

Directed By: George Gallo

In Theaters: Apr 29, 2006 Wide

On DVD: Sep 8, 2009

Monterey Media Inc.

Local Color Trailer & Photos

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Cast

Critic Reviews for Local Color

All Critics (15) | Top Critics (7) | Fresh (6) | Rotten (9) | DVD (1)

Kriter-director George Gallo has given the stocky, ever-commanding Mueller-Stahl a heroic, bravura role and has been rewarded by the actor with a towering, complex portrayal that is surely among his finest.

July 31, 2009 Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times

| Comment

Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

Top Critic

I suspect Local Color will lose those unfamiliar with the jargon and subtleties of the art world. Skip it.

July 6, 2009 Full Review Source: At the Movies

| Comment (1)

Ben Mankiewicz

At the Movies

Top Critic

Obviously a passio project for Gallo but he is never really able to translate that importance to the audience. We never really care or connect with these characters.

July 6, 2009 Full Review Source: At the Movies

| Comment

Ben Lyons

At the Movies

Top Critic

Beneath its layers of sentimentality Local Color means what it is says.

June 26, 2009 Comment

Stephen Holden

New York Times

Top Critic

How is it that a film about the love of art can make art seem so detestable?

June 24, 2009 Full Review Source: Village Voice

| Comments (2)

Aaron Hillis

Village Voice

Top Critic

A sweet, autobiographical coming-of-age story set in the summer of 1974.

October 18, 2007 Full Review Source: Arizona Republic

| Comment

Randy Cordova

Arizona Republic

Top Critic

Forget The Karate Kid, make room for The Painting Prot�g�!

September 4, 2009 Full Review Source: NewsBlaze

| Comment

Kam Williams

NewsBlaze

For a purportedly autobiographical work, the events of this labor of love from director George Gallo, fit seamlessly into the fabric of the standard coming-of-age movie.

July 30, 2009 Full Review Source: L.A. Weekly

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John Tottenham

L.A. Weekly

Forget The Karate Kid, make room for The Painting Prot�g�!

July 5, 2009 Full Review Source: Sly Fox

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Kam Williams

Sly Fox

Lacks the quality storytelling and visual beauty needed for all-important critical acclaim and positive word of mouth.

July 2, 2009 Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine

| Comment

Steve Ramos

Boxoffice Magazine

The sweeping landscapes look flawless, but missing from Local Color's canvas is any nuance in its human elements.

July 1, 2009 Full Review Source: Time Out New York

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S. James Snyder

Time Out New York

Local Color is a sappy brick to the audience's forehead.

June 30, 2009 Full Review Source: Slant Magazine

| Comment

Bill Weber

Slant Magazine

Exploring the nurturing and development of artists, this film is more about the performances of Mueller-Stahl and Morgan than anything.

November 30, 2008 Full Review Source: Oscar Guy

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Wesley Lovell

Oscar Guy

Local Color is a sensitive portrayal of a young painter trying to sharpen his gifts and it's also a deeply flawed piece of filmmaking. It's a movie that will have you loving and loathing the world of art, often in the same instant.

October 18, 2007 Full Review Source: eFilmCritic.com

| Comment

Brian Orndorf

eFilmCritic.com

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Audience Reviews for Local Color

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Another Independent Film from Monterey. Amin Mueller-Stahl plays his part nothing short of outstanding. This film is about a your art student who wants to study under the Russian Artist Nicholi Saroff, This is an excellent film based on a true story, John Talia spends the summer and develops a friendship with Saroff. Very Enjoyable 5 Stars

December 27, 2010