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How to Make an American Quilt is a bit of a patchwork from a storytelling standpoint, but a strong ensemble cast led by Winona Ryder helps hold it all together.
All Critics (33) | Top Critics (12) | Fresh (20) | Rotten (13) | DVD (1)
It has its effective moments but it tends to indicate emotions more than deliver them, and is finally more conventional and unadventurous than its elements would lead you to believe. Aug 2, 2016 | Full Review…
It has its effective moments but it tends to indicate emotions more than deliver them, and is finally more conventional and unadventurous than its elements would lead you to believe.
Kenneth Turan
Dramatically, more ultimately proves less, and the jumble feels like it should have been torn apart and rethreaded with stronger material. Mar 27, 2009
Dramatically, more ultimately proves less, and the jumble feels like it should have been torn apart and rethreaded with stronger material.
Leonard Klady
Ryder, as gamine as ever, delivers her most credible performance to date, while the luminous Simmons and imposing Angelou infuse the film with grace and understated charm. Jun 24, 2006 | Full Review…
Ryder, as gamine as ever, delivers her most credible performance to date, while the luminous Simmons and imposing Angelou infuse the film with grace and understated charm.
Karen McCluskey
This exceptional film takes the makings of a limp "women's weeper" and as if by magic, spins them into gold. May 20, 2003 | Full Review…
This exceptional film takes the makings of a limp "women's weeper" and as if by magic, spins them into gold.
Caryn James
Flat out, "How to Make an American Quilt" is a wonderful movie -- soulful, funny, eccentric and filled with a love of female humanity. Jun 18, 2002 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…
Flat out, "How to Make an American Quilt" is a wonderful movie -- soulful, funny, eccentric and filled with a love of female humanity.
Peter Stack
If you love those actresses, you'll probably love the film. Jan 1, 2000 | Full Review…
If you love those actresses, you'll probably love the film.
Eve Zibart
Some of the episodic tales work better than others, but all are interesting and there are splendid characterisations from both young and more senior members of the cast. Aug 2, 2016 | Rating: 3/5
Some of the episodic tales work better than others, but all are interesting and there are splendid characterisations from both young and more senior members of the cast.
Jo Berry
Even rough, tough boys will be seduced by this immensely likeable film. Aug 2, 2016 | Full Review…
Even rough, tough boys will be seduced by this immensely likeable film.
Film4 Staff
Contrived? Sure. Predictable? Mostly. Soapy? You bet. But with a cast like this, who cares? Aug 2, 2016 | Rating: 3/5 | Full Review…
Contrived? Sure. Predictable? Mostly. Soapy? You bet. But with a cast like this, who cares?
Rollicking, soap-like tale of women's love lives. Dec 18, 2010 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Rollicking, soap-like tale of women's love lives.
Heather Boerner
winona spoils the lovely vignettes Apr 27, 2005 | Rating: 2/5
winona spoils the lovely vignettes
Karina Montgomery
The stories are uninvolving, often too brief, and they quickly grow tiresome and repetitive. Jan 8, 2005 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…
The stories are uninvolving, often too brief, and they quickly grow tiresome and repetitive.
Michael Dequina
I watched this years ago and can remember being quite disappointed with it. Enough time has now gone by that I felt like a re-watch. Has it improved with age? Well, yes and no. First of all, it is a little on the dull side. I don't think the story of a young woman, Finn (Winona Ryder), who goes to stay with her older female relatives who are part of a quilting circle would be too many people's idea of riveting viewing. Finn is recently engaged and has cold feet, so she becomes interested in hearing about the romantic lives of her relatives and their friends, which she is also using as a thesis topic. In flashback form, we see the disappointments and hardships these strong women have faced, as well as the parts that made it seem worthwhile. It's sentimental and a little cliched in that way American movies seem to be, but it is nice in its way. I think maybe it's a film that improves with repeat viewings, as there are quite a few female characters here, plus their younger selves, it can get a little confusing as to who is who! The acting is excellent. A really good cast here. I think this is more a movie to appeal to an older female audience. Not one for young girls as they will be bored, as I was first time I watched this, I was not at an age to relate to the older women here. Men also, I think would be bored - even older ones! I recommend it, but with reservations. Maybe one to watch on tv !
Super Reviewer
Winona visits her grandmonther and joins her sewing circle and learns about their relationships. Touching movie.
great actresses but it misses being being great by being too diffuse and ends up unsatisfying
A sewing circle muses about life and love. Now THAT's what I call entertainment...
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