Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close

The Observer“A hollow, calculated, manipulative film...” It uses the events of 9/11 not as a narrative armature on which to build a structure of ideas relating to an important juncture in modern politics and culture, but as a trapeze on which to perform pleasing emotional displays...

Film4“It feels like a film uncertain of itself...” A mixed bag of intelligent tragedy and poor choices, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close has the ability to tug at the heart strings - it just gets them a bit tangled...

The Independent“Extremely long and in need of a good slap...” Those who actually lost loved ones on the day would be justified in feeling that the film-makers have piggybacked their grief – the film has nothing of use to say otherwise...

Little White Lies“Which ever way you fall, this will provoke a strong reaction...” If you enjoy brazen emotional pornography, then you may have a good time...

Empire“Some degree of credibility would be nice...” It’s just too tempting to dismiss it as extremely long and incredibly disappointing. It’s challenging, divisive and has moments of beauty but leaves you cold...

Time Out“Daldry's reliance on voiceover is unsatisfying...” Ultimately offers a cutesy fantasy of New York and a platitudinous account of trauma and bereavement. Less a film about communication, in the end, than one with its fingers in its ears...

Total Film “An adroitly involving, emotionally intense experience...” Prestige source, tragic yet uplifting subject and award-winning cast and director – this feels like prime Oscar-bait. Moving, if heavy-handed, it’s an emotional walkabout with real heart...

Guardian“Wilfully obtuse and depoliticised adult-infantilism...” A meaty whiff of phoney-baloney rises from this extremely contrived and incredibly preposterous movie, a mawkish, precious and bizarre fantasy of emotional pain...

The Telegraph“Gloopily sentimental and suffocatingly middlebrow...” While Oskar may have been a charming narrator in Foer’s intentionally rambling novel – and even that’s up for debate – on screen he’s an almighty nuisance, who chunters on endlessly and is routinely vile towards his grieving mother...

Evening Standard“This movie has no genuine take on 9/11 whatsoever...” Right from the start you can't miss how intent this film is on working you over emotionally. The situation is wrenching in too many ways at once. You sit there, first cringing, then fighting back, out of primitive self-respect...