Why is A Most Beautiful Thing must-see viewing? Because it is a message of hope when hope is needed most.

Full Review | Original Score: 8.5/10 | Dec 4, 2020

Mary Mazzio, writer/director of "A Most Beautiful Thing," takes us on an inspiring 'call to action' voyage - her sharp lens brings us one of the Best documentaries of 2020.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Nov 20, 2020

This is a very compelling film and a very timely one.

Full Review | Sep 5, 2020

I thought it was extraordinary. It would be extraordinary even if it weren't timely.

Full Review | Sep 5, 2020

While it has the heart of a fairy tale it isn't really one: It's a dream realized, American folklore that is alive, because the Manley Crew Team never would've known what magic they could create with a boat until they were introduced to one...

Full Review | Aug 13, 2020

[It] couldn't be more topical or inspirational in light of the current Black Lives Matter movement and calls for police accountability and reform.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Aug 7, 2020

It's like a fairy tale -- only real -- and healing.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Aug 7, 2020

Rowing docu offers powerful messages of teamwork, gratitude.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 4, 2020

Although the steering is erratic at times, the heartfelt sincerity of this crowd-pleasing documentary drives it to the finish line.

Full Review | Aug 1, 2020

We can feel our hearts hurting and soaring at the same time.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jul 31, 2020

This is a film that every child in the city of Chicago needs to watch because we are all in the same boat.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 31, 2020

Its humanity and optimism remain powerful.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 31, 2020

[The] men from Manley High have a couple of lessons for us all: First, don't assume that everyone who's not on your side is your enemy. And second, it's possible to find common cause with just about anyone, even if you have to keep them at oar's length.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 31, 2020

Director Mary Mazzio doesn't do much in terms of filmmaking, but she doesn't have to.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 31, 2020

An evocative hip-hop score, poetic narration by Common and crisp graphics appropriately underline the timeliness of the film.

Full Review | Jul 31, 2020

The film's fast-paced editing makes it difficult to get to know individual members, but the men register powerfully as a collective, just like a real rowing team.

Full Review | Jul 30, 2020

Powerfully demonstrates the healing potential of sports and the ways it can help bridge societal divides.

Full Review | Jul 7, 2020