critics consensus

Clint Eastwood succeeds in revealing his softer side in Honkytonk Man, a surprisingly sweet and heartwarming road movie that hums along at a pleasant pace. Read critic reviews

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Honkytonk Man Photos

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Movie Info

A 1930s country singer (Clint Eastwood) tries to reach Nashville sober, with his nephew (Kyle Eastwood), to audition at the Grand Ole Opry.

Rating:

PG
Genre:

drama
Original Language:

English
Director:

Clint Eastwood
Release Date (Streaming):

May 8, 2015
Runtime:

2h 5m
Production Co:

Malpaso Company

Cast & Crew

Clint Eastwood
Red Stovall

Kyle Eastwood
Whit

John McIntire
Grandpa

Alexa Kenin
Marlene

Verna Bloom
Emmy

Matt Clark
Virgil

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News & Interviews for Honkytonk Man

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Critic Reviews for Honkytonk Man

All Critics (14) | Top Critics (6) | Fresh (13) | Rotten (1)

It is a guileless tribute not only to plain values of plain people in Depression America, but also to the sweet spirit of country-and-western music before it got all duded up for the urban cowboys.

October 26, 2008 | Full Review…

TIME Magazine
Eastwood took great pains in telling this story of an aging, struggling country singer...

October 26, 2008 | Full Review…

Variety Staff
Variety
The whole thing veers wildly in quality, and no Eastwood-hater should go within a mile of it; but few lovers of American cinema could fail to be moved by a venture conceived so recklessly against the spirit of its times.

February 9, 2006 | Full Review…

Derek Adams
Time Out
This is a sweet, whimsical, low-key movie, a movie that makes you feel good without pressing you too hard.

October 23, 2004 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
The film comes across sympathetically but unconvincingly, as an attempt by a well-established movie tough guy to reveal his tender side.

August 30, 2004

Janet Maslin
New York Times
Clint Eastwood's dust bowl drama Honkytonk Man is a sensitive road picture about a mostly luckless aspiring country music singer.

September 2, 2003 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review…

Eric Henderson
Slant Magazine
Today it looks much better, and contains one of Eastwood's most openhearted performances.

May 1, 2009 | Full Review…

Jeffrey M. Anderson
Combustible Celluloid
More of a curiosity piece for followers of Eastwood than a truly compelling story.

October 26, 2008 | Rating: 2.5/4 | Full Review…

TV Guide
One of the unnoticed treasures of the '80s.

April 9, 2007 | Rating: 5/5 | Full Review…

Rob Gonsalves
eFilmCritic.com
Quote not available.

June 27, 2006 | Rating: 4/5

Dan Jardine
Apollo Guide
Quote not available.

June 30, 2005 | Rating: 3/5

Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
Surprisingly sweet and mellow piece from Mr. Eastwood.

April 17, 2005 | Rating: 3/5

Scott Weinberg
eFilmCritic.com

View All Critic Reviews (14)

Audience Reviews for Honkytonk Man

Nov 18, 2012

A real gem of a film that's filled with humor and heart, a lot of heart. Clint Eastwood put away his tough guy image for a personal project that delivers in a wonderful way as solid entertainment. Eastwood is absolutely superb, one of best performances, its up there with Million Dollar Baby, Gran Torino and Bronco Billy. Clint and his son Kyle Eastwood shine together in this warmhearted adventure. A beautiful masterpiece. Director, and star, Clint crafts a truly remarkable and magnificent movie that will shine as one of his true classics.

Al S Super Reviewer
Jun 03, 2007

A bittersweet character study, it works remarkably well. You even begin to believe Clint Eastwood in the role. The star's son, Kyle Eastwood, makes an impressive film debut.

Dean M Super Reviewer