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No consensus yet.
All Critics (9) | Fresh (7) | Rotten (2) | DVD (1)
A spectacular failure. Aug 31, 2018 | Full Review…
A spectacular failure.
Pat Padua
'Absolute Beginners' ranks as one of David Bowie's greatest songs, and it's just a shame the frustrating movie of the same name doesn't come close to matching its glory. Jul 4, 2015 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…
'Absolute Beginners' ranks as one of David Bowie's greatest songs, and it's just a shame the frustrating movie of the same name doesn't come close to matching its glory.
Matt Brunson
Though the film is flawed, it's still underrated as an exploration of a crucial era of London's pop culture, and the eccentric cast (including David Bowie) adds a lot of color. Jul 29, 2007 | Rating: B | Full Review…
Though the film is flawed, it's still underrated as an exploration of a crucial era of London's pop culture, and the eccentric cast (including David Bowie) adds a lot of color.
Emanuel Levy
More interesting for what it attempts than for what it accomplishes. Mar 18, 2003 | Rating: 3/5
More interesting for what it attempts than for what it accomplishes.
Ken Hanke
Going to be honest and admit I was only watching for David Bowie. Wish I hadn't bothered. He's in it about 15 minutes and it's certainly not a career highlight for him when he is. Very hammy, but so is the rest of it. There is some mildly interesting bits and London looks bright and pretty, but it's a pretty crappy story honestly. The main character is uncharismatic and Patsy Kensit always struck me as a bit cheap, so I guess the money hungry Suzette she plays is good casting. The best part of the movie is when the credits roll and the theme song comes on. Can't believe such a great song got lumped in with this mess. I'd rather watch my David Bowie greatest hits DVD next time.
Super Reviewer
On the box for this movie, a critic says it's a splashy musical or something, but that doesn't mean it's good, so I wondered why they put that on the box. If you ask me this movie is too splashy and doesn't focus on the story enough. Overall, it's okay.
Just re-watched this, having seen it in the theater when it came out and on VHS several years ago. Sure it's not a GREAT film...but as musicals go (I generally hate them) this is one that I don't mind. Which I'm sure is a testament to the historical aspects of it's story and the fact that it is riddled with cameo's (Sandie Shaw) and musical "numbers" performed by some really great musicians (Bowie, Ray Davies, Sade).
Probably a case of "you had to be there". First, in the time this musical is set in, at the edge of the 1960s, and then in the 80s, when this film was made. The songs and story just don't work that well anymore, some parts feel entirely pointless and are hard to refer to. With David Bowie's appearance the movie picks up some speed and takes a rather entertaining turn in the last 30 minutes. Still, nothing to write home about. Only Bowie's title song is really awesome, the rest of the music doesn't really stick with the listener.
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