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Once In The Life (2000)

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Top Critics

Average Rating: 4.7/10
Reviews Counted: 25
Fresh: 7 | Rotten: 18

Once in a Life is a promising directorial effort by Laurence Fishburne. But the story is too conventional and similar to the many ghetto action/dramas that come before it.

Average Rating: 4.6/10
Critic Reviews: 14
Fresh: 5 | Rotten: 9

Once in a Life is a promising directorial effort by Laurence Fishburne. But the story is too conventional and similar to the many ghetto action/dramas that come before it.

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Average Rating: 3.1/5
User Ratings: 1,145

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Movie Info

Actor Laurence Fishburne makes his debut as a director in this urban drama adapted from his one-act stage play Riff Raff. 20/20 Mike (Fishburne) and his half-brother Torch (Titus Welliver) bump into each other under less than ideal circumstances -- both are in jail, Mike on parole violation and Torch for theft. Torch is a heroin addict who has trouble financing his habit, so when Mike says he has a plan to make some quick money, Torch is more than eager to help. Mike and Torch try to swindle

R, 1 hr. 47 min.

Mystery & Suspense, Drama

Directed By: Laurence Fishburne

Written By: Laurence Fishburne

In Theaters: Feb 1, 2001 Wide

On DVD: Nov 6, 2001

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Once In The Life Trailer & Photos

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Critic Reviews for Once In The Life

All Critics (28) | Top Critics (14) | Fresh (7) | Rotten (19) | DVD (6)

Billy's meltdown provides a real-time reality check, but for most of the time we're waiting for the payoff, and when it comes, I'm afraid, it's not very satisfying.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times

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Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Top Critic

Without a coherent story to hold our attention, the mood of somber, lower-depths desperation soon becomes monotonous.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: New York Times

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A.O. Scott

New York Times

Top Critic

Talky in the best sense.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Entertainment Weekly

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Owen Gleiberman

Entertainment Weekly

Top Critic

Serves only to demonstrate that Fishburne, a talented, inventive actor, is, unfortunately, not ready to write and direct motion pictures.

January 1, 2000 Comment

Kirk Honeycutt

Hollywood Reporter

Top Critic

Would easily qualify for an Oscar nomination if it were in a movie that was a bit less like canned theater and more cinematic.

January 1, 2000 Comment

Lou Lumenick

New York Post

Top Critic

Absorbing and edgy.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times

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Kevin Thomas

Los Angeles Times

Top Critic

It reeks of staged theater: three men in one room talking endlessly.

August 16, 2002 Full Review | Comment

Jeffrey Westhoff

Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL)

The pingpong repetition of dialogue is more precious than poetic and heavy silences and actorly asides draw out a slim story that packs few dramatic surprises.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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Sean Axmaker

Seattle Post-Intelligencer

Despite some pacing missteps, this well-acted and colorfully photographed film is a gripping, gritty look at a hard-knock Life.

January 1, 2000 Full Review Source: E! Online

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E! Online

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Audience Reviews for Once In The Life

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I had a small part in this film as the desk clerk at the apartment building. Had alot of great conversation with Lawrence. Great direction. Made me feel comfortable. Thanks Lawrence!

January 16, 2007