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No consensus yet.
All Critics (20) | Top Critics (4) | Fresh (20) | Rotten (0) | DVD (1)
The facts in this pop biography are often hopelessly askew, but the story is carried by the unadulterated power of Gary Busey's original and insightful performance. Apr 22, 2013
The facts in this pop biography are often hopelessly askew, but the story is carried by the unadulterated power of Gary Busey's original and insightful performance.
Michael Sragow
The Buddy Holly Story smacks of realism in almost every respect, from the dramaturgy involving Holly and his back-up band, The Crickets, to the verisimilitude of the musical numbers. Mar 26, 2009 | Full Review…
The Buddy Holly Story smacks of realism in almost every respect, from the dramaturgy involving Holly and his back-up band, The Crickets, to the verisimilitude of the musical numbers.
Variety Staff
This is one rock and roll movie with a chance of being remembered, one with something to say and the style and energy to say it well. Dec 6, 2005 | Rating: 3.5/4 | Full Review…
This is one rock and roll movie with a chance of being remembered, one with something to say and the style and energy to say it well.
Roger Ebert
It's Gary Busey's galvanizing solo performance that gives meaning to an otherwise shapeless and bland feature-length film about the American rock-and-roll star who was killed in a plane crash in 1959. May 20, 2003 | Full Review…
It's Gary Busey's galvanizing solo performance that gives meaning to an otherwise shapeless and bland feature-length film about the American rock-and-roll star who was killed in a plane crash in 1959.
Vincent Canby
Ultimately, the success of the film rests on Gary Busey's performance. Not since we saw the young Montgomery Clift and James Dean in their earliest roles has an actor emerged with so sharp and instantly empathetic a persona. Feb 25, 2019 | Full Review…
Ultimately, the success of the film rests on Gary Busey's performance. Not since we saw the young Montgomery Clift and James Dean in their earliest roles has an actor emerged with so sharp and instantly empathetic a persona.
Bernard Drew
...a better-than-average behind-the-scenes drama that boasts a sterling turn from Busey and a whole lot of memorable music. Nov 1, 2014 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…
...a better-than-average behind-the-scenes drama that boasts a sterling turn from Busey and a whole lot of memorable music.
David Nusair
Gary Busey received a well-deserved Oscar nomination for playing the rock 'n roll legend in this entertaining biopic. Apr 10, 2012 | Rating: B+ | Full Review…
Gary Busey received a well-deserved Oscar nomination for playing the rock 'n roll legend in this entertaining biopic.
Emanuel Levy
[W]hat really puts the movie over is the actor in the title role, Gary Busey. Sep 18, 2010 | Full Review…
[W]hat really puts the movie over is the actor in the title role, Gary Busey.
Richard T. Jameson
An exceptionally good musical biopic with a sensational performancy by Busey Feb 19, 2005 | Rating: 5/5
An exceptionally good musical biopic with a sensational performancy by Busey
Tony Medley
The Buddy Holly Story moves us with the joyfulness of its music and the honest sentiment aroused in us by this gawky, shy rock singer and songwriter. Jan 24, 2004 | Full Review…
The Buddy Holly Story moves us with the joyfulness of its music and the honest sentiment aroused in us by this gawky, shy rock singer and songwriter.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Gary Busey's great performance offsets the fact that the script is about 80 percent fiction. Jul 26, 2002 | Rating: 3/5
Gary Busey's great performance offsets the fact that the script is about 80 percent fiction.
Jeffrey Westhoff
If you want to see the promise and potential of Gary Busey before a drug-induced psychosis enveloped his entire being, this is the film to watch. Busey's portrayal of the legendary rock-n-roll pioneer is absolutely brilliant. He even sings all of Buddy's songs himself. Gary Busey is a walking, talking testament to the belief that the line between genius and madness is a thin one. Much like Buddy Holly himself, Busey is a star that burned out all too quickly.
Super Reviewer
Probably the best work Gary Busey has ever done.
Gary Busey not only did his own singing, but even lost 32 lbs to play Buddy Holly in this sensational musical biography of the singer from Lubbock Texas. Despite reportedly playing fast and loose with facts, the film is extremely entertaining. Busey was rightfully nominated for an Oscar for his effective portrayal.
I couldn't name you a single Gary Busey movie since his fabulous performance as Buddy Holly and yet...why is this guy still popping up every now and again? He may be strange but the story of the Crickets was great.
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