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Audiences may attend to witness Peter O'Toole's Oscar-worthy performance, but they'll also be treated to a humane, tender exploration of maturing with both dignity and irreverence.
All Critics (151) | Top Critics (41) | Fresh (134) | Rotten (17) | DVD (7)
O'Toole spent so many years being better than the little material that he was offered that it's heartening to see him sprint toward the finish of his career with such a flourish. If this is his curtain call, it's a glorious one. Feb 9, 2007 | Rating: 5/5
O'Toole spent so many years being better than the little material that he was offered that it's heartening to see him sprint toward the finish of his career with such a flourish. If this is his curtain call, it's a glorious one.
Roger Moore
If only [director] Michell's film actually said something about aging, and didn't feel the need to include Grumpy Old Men shtick and bland bossa nova-inflected pop. Feb 3, 2007 | Rating: 2/6 | Full Review…
If only [director] Michell's film actually said something about aging, and didn't feel the need to include Grumpy Old Men shtick and bland bossa nova-inflected pop.
Joshua Rothkopf
Venus belongs to O'Toole. This is, hands down, my favorite performance of the year, largely because I love the way O'Toole (and the filmmakers) refuse to yield to the all-too-pervasive idea that it's 'icky' for old people to even think about sex. Feb 3, 2007
Venus belongs to O'Toole. This is, hands down, my favorite performance of the year, largely because I love the way O'Toole (and the filmmakers) refuse to yield to the all-too-pervasive idea that it's 'icky' for old people to even think about sex.
Stephanie Zacharek
Venus is a fine reminder of the wonders we're presented with every day. Jan 26, 2007 | Rating: B+ | Full Review…
Venus is a fine reminder of the wonders we're presented with every day.
Tom Long
Venus is emotionally affecting, not because O'Toole's Maurice is coping with mortality, but because of the honest way he confronts it. Jan 26, 2007 | Rating: 3/4
Venus is emotionally affecting, not because O'Toole's Maurice is coping with mortality, but because of the honest way he confronts it.
Terry Lawson
Because it's built around theater people, Kureishi's script offers ample opportunities for amusing repartee, and the performances are strong ... Jan 26, 2007 | Rating: B
Because it's built around theater people, Kureishi's script offers ample opportunities for amusing repartee, and the performances are strong ...
Robert Denerstein
A starring vehicle for an aging star who receives deafening awards buzz not so much for the performance than, it seems, for simply being alive. Jan 20, 2012 | Rating: 2/4 | Full Review…
A starring vehicle for an aging star who receives deafening awards buzz not so much for the performance than, it seems, for simply being alive.
Michael Dequina
It's a pleasure to have Peter O'Toole's company here - likely for the last time in a role of such magnitude & majesty, bangs still swept back in boyish wisps and his sky-blue eyes vibrant and hungry. A loving, lyrical, eloquent sonnet to elderly sunsets. Nov 22, 2010 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…
It's a pleasure to have Peter O'Toole's company here - likely for the last time in a role of such magnitude & majesty, bangs still swept back in boyish wisps and his sky-blue eyes vibrant and hungry. A loving, lyrical, eloquent sonnet to elderly sunsets.
Nick Rogers
Worth seeing for O'Toole's incorrigible twilight jesting Aug 28, 2009 | Full Review…
Worth seeing for O'Toole's incorrigible twilight jesting
Fernando F. Croce
While age may have devoured O'Toole's youth, it has been utterly unable to touch his blistering talent, or his eyes which still sparkle with rakish light. Feb 28, 2008 | Rating: 7/10 | Full Review…
While age may have devoured O'Toole's youth, it has been utterly unable to touch his blistering talent, or his eyes which still sparkle with rakish light.
Brandon Fibbs
The only thing that resonated with me was O'Toole, who is at his playful best playing a role made to order for him of the boozer rascal who could charm a snake. Feb 22, 2008 | Rating: B- | Full Review…
The only thing that resonated with me was O'Toole, who is at his playful best playing a role made to order for him of the boozer rascal who could charm a snake.
Dennis Schwartz
Zinger lines, wonderful performances and a profound emotional authenticity distinguish a film about the relationship between an old actor and a young woman. Nov 2, 2007 | Rating: 4/5 | Full Review…
Zinger lines, wonderful performances and a profound emotional authenticity distinguish a film about the relationship between an old actor and a young woman.
Peter Calder
A beautiful and striking meditation on aging, living and facing mortality with a superb performance by the incomparable Peter O'Toole. Exceptional performances by veteran Phillips and newcomer Whittaker. Excellent performances all around with a uniquely inspiring script. An excellent movie in every way. A film that should not be missed.
Super Reviewer
A touching, heartfelt drama as two old semi retired actors lives are turned upside down upon the arrival of the niece of one of them. Peter O'Toole becomes infatuated with her and has a strange friendship with her. A film with a certain charm, if a bit odd at times, but the acting talent on show steals the day.
Not at all what I expected, but that's a good thing since this movie had me laughing almost nonstop. Peter O'Toole had his heart broken again by just missing out on finally winning Best Actor for his role as a dirty old man who falls in love with his best friend's daughter's niece, whom he affectionately calls Venus. Maurice is a veteran actor who is somewhat rapidly dying, though you wouldn't know it from how young Jessie makes his feel. A very good movie with a lot of funny, albeit dirty dialogue.
Venus is the story of how two aging actors (Peter O'Toole and Leslie Philips) lives are turned upside down by a teenager relative of Philip's character Ian. O'Toole plays Maurice, a seventy-something how becomes infatuated with her, but not really to the point of lust. Maurice sees her as a work of art, in some cases perfection and in others a piece that needs to be molded some more. O'Toole's performance is fantastic and dare I say he should have gotten the Oscar for this one. The film isn't on par of Lawrence of Arabia, but his performance certainly is- a haunting look at an actor that's become a legend on stage but has failed in the other aspects of his life. He is a stranger to himself and "Venus" is a means to introduction. In the middle of this veteran cast you have Jodie Whittaker playing Jessie a.k.a. Venus. Whittaker takes the role and runs with it (she was 25 at the time of the film) and her past career has her following in the shadowy footsteps of O'Toole and the other veteran cast members. Even though the script for Venus can be a little ho-hum at times, the acting is what really makes this into a superior film that I would recommend seeing. Is it Peter O'Toole's swan song? I certainly hope not.
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