The Current War

  • U (INDIA)
  • 2019


MOVIE IS historical lifeless cinematic original entertaining
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42 %
33 % Rotten
$ 1 Million
See Where to Watch The Current War
Positive Reviews 79
Negative reviews 45
Average Rating 2.9/5
historical lifeless cinematic original entertaining

  • All
  • Positive
  • Negative
2.2
Fashioning it into something this insipid is almost an accomplishment, like shooting yourself in the foot twice. Av Club
3.5
Ultimately, the film sheds light on a fascinating episode in American history; it falls short, however, of being really electric. EW
4.0
Given that this is the only movie about Edison arguably the greatest inventor of the 19th century thats been made since 1940, theres no doubt that stu .. Common Sense Media
1.5
A lavish but utterly lifeless period drama about the rivalry between two of Americas greatest geniuses. Indie Wire
1.5
Westinghouse may not have been born with Edisons prodigious talents, but hes no dummy. Indie Wire
2.5
Not really it seems to signify nothing other than the fact that fisheye lenses look cool. Variety
2.5
Its just a shame Alfonso didnt borrow from the surplus of magic that Nolans magnum opus so wonderfully irradiates. We Got This Covered
2.0
Its all a lot of effort for very little output, sadly. The Current War has lots of flashy lights and whizzy features, but it remains fatally underpowe .. Time Out
3.0
This film is not offering the traditional opposition of Tesla the inspired master versus the boring stuffed shirts of what might be called MSS: mainst .. The Guardian
2.0
But theres an edge of panicky desperation to the film making the lurching, swooping cameras; the skittish editing; the arcing lens flare. The Guardian
1.9
In the end, the film doesnt so much hold Edisons legacy under a microscope as it does his face under a wide angle lens.
2.5
Mostly, The Current War plays like an article in a scientific magazine packed with nuggets of data but mostly devoid of psychological insight.
1.5
Cumberbatchs pinched, steely demeanour in the role might be accurate, but it doesnt give the audience much to warm to. Screen Daily
1.5
Outside of a history class, its hard to comprehend the challenges faced by pioneering inventors. ETimes (TOI)
1.0
Whats constantly frustrating about The Current War is that it has an interesting period of history and three historically important figures, but the f .. Collider
3.5
The new version feels more tuned in to the central conflict and gives the story an immediacy the original version lacked. Collider
3.0
Even with electrocutions and shots in which switches are thrown and towns light up for the first time, it doesnt have the excitement of a good cinemat .. Vulture
1.5
The Current War: The Directors Cut is visually lucid but thematically scattershot. Vulture
2.0
All that show offy technical craft ends up overwhelming the characters and story. The Hollywood Reporter
3.5
Gomez Rejon has dared to make a truly kinetic film about the past, one that never dabbles in creative anachronisms but feels like a truly modern view ..
4.5
Sumptuous sets and handsome costumes fill this period piece. There are also a few smart parallels to todays celebrity entrepreneurs, and to a world un .. The New York Times
2.0
The Current War heaves itself around... but still fails to illuminate its subject at all well squinting at footnotes, and weirdly failing to see the w .. Telegraph
3.0
In lieu of impact, The Current War compensates, perhaps too handsomely, with energy. Gomez Rejons direction never fails to invigorate the film... The Young Folks
3.0
A stylish portrayal of a literal power struggle based on truly interesting historical figures and events.
2.5
As meager as the story may be, Alfonso Gomez Rejons eye for visual and musical flare does make up for some of The Current War Directors Cuts flaws. Cinema Blend
4.5
Inspired by true events, THE CURRENT WAR is one of the most eye popping and engaging features of the year, one that is well worth seeking out. JoBlo
3.5
Outside of a history class, its hard to comprehend the challenges faced by pioneering inventors.
3.8
Gorgeous, witty, well acted and old fashioned period piece given its sparkling due in a new re edit. Rogers Movie Nation
2.5
When Edison experiences a tragedy, it feels more like a footnote than an important moment. ReelViews
2.5
Has the potential to get there with carefully selected incidents, but the production doesnt have the patience to permit historical conflicts time to g .. Blu Ray
4.4
To my eyes, The Current War: Directors Cut is a terrific film, vibrant and constantly crackling, like electricity. Combust Ible Celluloid
2.5
There are multiple stories within the greater tale of how electricity came to the U.S. This movie tries to fit them all into one, rushed narrative. Mark Reviews Movies
3.2
The film does have flaws...but overall it is often dazzling, its lightning pace matched with inventive visuals, sound design and a score fueled by mor ..
1.5
Its so busily shot, and the camera is always trying to do something...the score can feel intrusive...all of that at once was so distracting, and I was .. You Tube
4.5
Thanks to rich visuals, excellent performances, and a solid script, this relevant film shines bright. Gomez Rejon is one of the most interesting direc .. You Tube
2.0
And thats all you need in a film as crisp and observant as this one. The Times
1.0
The films release was duly paused and in the two years since there have been reshoots, five new scenes added and ten minutes cut from the original Tor .. The Times
3.0
To be fair, the film doesnt pick favourites, and theres egotism and greed on both sides, rather than an obvious set of heroes and villains. Radio Times
1.5
While it might appeal to fans of old school science, theres nowhere near enough wattage here to light up the box office. (Full Content Review for Pare .. Screen It
2.0
A movie about its making would be compelling, dynamic and a livewire rush. The thing itself is a dead end. Rolling Stone
3.5
His direct current isnt as efficient as the alternating current developed by George Westinghouse (Shannon), but hes a more charismatic salesman. Shadows On The Wall
1.5
It all leaves a weirdly bitter taste, one that suggests its less cool to want to leave a legacy of good deeds than it is to be famous for being first. The Wrap
2.5
The Current War works well enough as a historical overview but never quite makes us care about the people at its center. News Day
0.5
The acne on Tom Hollands face gives an indication of just how badly The Current War has been delayed. Hindustan Times
4.5
This cut of The Current War packs enough cinematic flash to be a fitting homage to the inventor of the kinetograph. Npr
4.0
An electrifying style lights up this geek adventure of the intersections between science, culture, and capitalism in the 19th century battle to power ..
3.0
Nick Broomfields poignant but overlong documentary left me with two thoughts that the drugs really dont work and that old age is not for cissies. Daily Mail
2.0
Rather like a torch that lights up the way only to flicker and die, The Current War lets its audience down just when we think were getting somewhere. Daily Mail
3.0
A solid, engrossing period drama that never quite finds that vital spark. Flim List
4.5
The Current War builds upon a solid narrative foundation by richly transporting the viewer to a pivotal and prescient time for humankind, offering one .. Film Inquiry
2.5
Despite the star studded cast, this is flaccid film making, lacking tension and energy. Susang Ranger
2.0
Ironically, the film ends with an epilogue mentioning how Thomas Edison was essentially responsible for the invention of motion pictures; he might reg .. Flickering Myth
4.5
The story doesnt quite draw you in emotionally and can get a little confusing as it gets too technical. Book My Show
3.2
Adventure becomes stalled for overwrought melodrama and you feel it every time. The Film Stage
3.2
Hardly a different film, it exists as a stronger variant of what already was. The fact this improvement was made possible at all proves a victory for .. The Film Stage
4.5
Essentially a long Wikipedia rabbit hole could have been punishingly boring and dry. Fortunately, Gomez Rejon recognized this potential, and has there .. Chicago Tribune
3.1
I never saw the earlier version. This one remains a bit of a mess but a pretty interesting one... Chicago Tribune
1.5
The cumulative effect is eye rollingly distracting and made all the more frustrating by Chung Chung hoons luminous photography. Birth Movies Death
2.0
Heres a masterpiece theatre style, almost entirely British cast then. Standard
3.0
...at no time did I believe I was watching anything but a Hollywood movie; only Nicholas Hoult as Tesla rang true. On the plus side, it does explain w .. Tony Medley
0.5
His novel, ramblings, and assorted fictions coalesce at www.burningviolin.com. Pajiba
2.5
The score is at times stirring but The Current War feels like its unsure of itself or the story it wants to tell. It has no spark. Detroit News
1.5
As constructed by director Alfonso Gomez Rejon, the scenes are so short and choppy as to undermine the performances, making the high wattage actors lo .. Cnn
3.0
Equally, its dealing with a long list of heady themes but doesnt quite know how to unpack them. Hey U Guys
2.5
While Gomez Rejon used imaginative visual ideas for that coming of age story he also distinctly let that movie breathe when it needed to.It felt groun .. The Play List
3.2
The figures behind the AC/DC war of the 1880s and 90s were certainly larger than life ... But there is just no getting around the fact that this is a .. The Play List
3.0
Somehow, though, the sparks just dont fly in Michael Mitnicks screenplay. Cine Vue
2.0
Given the subject matter, its a disappointingly unstimulating affair. Lw Lies
2.0
The script is prolix. The science is sometimes opaque. And Alfonso Gomez Rejons film is dressed to kill, though the only murder victim is the movie. Ft
2.5
Even the undoubted talents of Katherine Waterston and Michael Shannon cant save The Current War. Stuff
4.0
As it stands, The Current War ably captures how a 19th century dispute led to how we use electricity today. The story of the people who made that poss .. Ar Kansas Online
3.0
The Current War is an experience evocative of the most inventive decade in history.
3.0
Driven by an intelligent script and agreeable cast, its a fascinating, beautifully designed film, which evokes arguably the most inventive decade in h .. The Arts Desk
3.0
Too many sub plots (The electric chair! Trade fairs!) and weird dream sequences detect from what should have really lit up the screen (ha!). The Sun
4.0
n elegantly realized intellectual thriller which considers not only the eternal struggle between art and commerce, but also the effect of personalitie .. Killer Movie Reviews
3.0
The production and costume design is world class and so is the CGI recreation of a bygone era. The Chicago fair lights up like a fairytale castle when .. FilmFare
3.2
Fortunately, I didnt see the original cut, so I cant judge how much of an improvement has been made, but I can attest that whats here isnt all that ba .. Patriot Ledger
2.5
The Current War is competent, if lacking any verve, but it should be considered a win for the film that its hitting major theaters during a crowded aw .. Big Picture Big Sound
3.0
The screenplay by Michael Mitnick is surprisingly funny, giving all the actors Shannon in particular ample opportunity for dry humor.Mitnicks script a .. Film
3.5
The Current War deserves its second chance, and it deserves to find an audience, however small that audience may be. Film
3.1
Even the likes of Thomas Edison would have to go back to the lab and do some tinkering to make this one shine. Chicago Sun Times
2.5
A fantastic ensemble barrels through the plot like a steam engine of old. The result is a CliffsNotes/Wikipedia portrayal of seminal historical events .. Movie Web
2.0
The actors gave decent performances, but knowing these actors, it is nowhere near their best. We Live Entertainment
2.0
Cumberbatch and Shannon waste their time in this high brow re enactment, directed by Alfonso Gomez Rejon. Straits Times
4.0
Benedict Cumberbatch lights up the screen as Thomas Edison in a smart and entertaining historical drama now getting a second chance to shine. Dead Line
3.5
What The Current War: Directors Cut shows audiences is how far Edison is willing to go to achieve his goals. Solzy At The Movies
2.5
Cinematographer Chung Hoon Chung equips The Current War with a visual riot of gimmicks and splashy effects weird fisheye lens shots, tilted horror fil .. Daily Herald
2.0
Documentarian Nick Broomfield has made a career out of placing himself in the stories hes investigating, but in Marianne & Leonard: Words of Love hes .. Scots Man
2.8
The movie wants very much to look at the past as a window to the future, but not as much as it wants to look at everything from endlessly, fussily can .. Film Avclub
4.5
Its a solid period piece that strives to be something more, and occasionally achieves it. The Verge
3.1
It is entertaining, informative and perhaps the only time you will hear the complaint that a modern film might have benefited from a longer running ti .. Post Gazette
1.5
Perhaps theres a danger, like unregulated alternating current, that a treatment like this denies the story opportunity to breathe or for character nua .. The Ooh Tray
3.0
If you want to watch a boring movie and a bad history lesson, watch The Current War. Lainey Gossip
4.4
The fervor and intelligence Cumberbatch and Shannon bring to their roles make for a gripping experience. Seattle Times
3.5
The film does a great job of bringing these larger than life figures to the screen in a way that doesnt feel as if either is treated unfairly. The Mary Sue
4.5
What so easily could have been a standard account, Alfonso Gomez Rejon uses all components of filmmaking to work in tandem. Its falls first bolt of ci .. Fresh Fiction
2.5
With every scene, the director seems to shoot for the relatability, artistic daring and historical gravitas that Steven Spielberg combined in Lincoln, .. Seven Day Svt
2.5
Overall, the film fails to capture the inciting moments in the lives of the inventors, and thus, despite ending on a stirring note, is tame and unfulf .. News18
3.1
Sometimes curious and frequently interesting a mild recommendation. Third Coast Review
2.0
The film does its best to spark energy and dramatic tension with the score, editing and performances from a superhero powered cast, but the light bulb .. The New Paper
3.8
Director Alfonso Gomez Rejon avoids the too often stuffy quality of prestige historical dramas with refreshingly dynamic camerawork and editing. Movie Mom
3.5
Watching this zippy film, its hard not to get caught up in the events that helped shape our world today. Daily Film Fix
4.5
Its no great shakes, but it is more compelling than youd probably expect from a movie about warring 19th century business interests. Fw Weekly
3.1
This is fascinating material, but its also, perhaps unavoidably, too much material for one movie to adequately tackle. Film Frenzy
3.8
Director Alfonso Gomez Rejon creates a darkly beautiful visual palette, and at the same time sets a snappy pace. Assignment X
4.5
Gomez Rejon shoots this infrastructure origin story like an action movie, complete with heart pounding closeups of old timey technology, and plenty of .. Sf Weekly
4.5
The Current War is an actors showcase and everything is in service to the performances. Culture
3.5
A comeback story like might surprise you, but considering the players involved, the end result shouldnt come as a shock.
1.5
To be sure, THE CURRENT WAR will appeal to those harboring scientific curiosity. For the rest of us who take for granted Edison brainstorms that also .. Kaplan Vs Kaplan
3.8
The Current War probably sounds old fashioned a bunch of guys in Victorian suits talking through giant mustaches with the potential of becoming a Drun .. Heral
2.0
The Current War has been called Oscar bait and, despite its occasional charms, did perhaps fall prey to the flaws of such a movie. But this is only di .. Firstpost
2.0
Ultimately, The Current War finds itself a victim of expectations. Everything on paper should see this film be a rousing success. However, in stylisti .. Geek Girl Authority
3.0
This film could easily be turned into a stage play, but the camerawork doesnt make it feel too rigid. Screen Zealots
3.1
The Current War: Directors Cut starts off pretty engagingly, but that momentum wears off quickly. After the first fifteen minutes or so, the next 90 b .. Hollywood News
4.5
The truly winning aspect of this film is Chung Hoon Chungs cinematography. Kdhx
1.5
The Current War: Directors Cut is impressive in so many ways. Sadly, its not the movie it couldve been. But Ive seen much worse. And so have you. Saportare Port
4.0
A breezy, highly entertaining tour through about 15 years of history Splice Today
1.5
Ultimately, where The Current War ends up with is a story that doesnt have any reason for existing. Entertainment Ie
2.0
There is no getting away from the fact that large stretches of dialogue are taken up with explaining what each inventor was trying to achieve. It take .. Herald Scotland
3.0
Even if the plot is uneven at times... the personal drama, the impressive cinematography, and the historical focus make the movie an attractive projec .. Enfil Me
1.5
Top all that off with a lacklustre script and it doesnt make for a winning combination. Bangkok Post
1.5
If, however, you want see how a Wikipedia page looks when millions of dollars are spent on it, then The Current War is for you. Gq Magazine
2.0
This haunting documentary delves into the beautiful love story behind it. Metro News
4.5
This is a complex story with huge historical repercussions and potentially something to say about our own late stage capitalist moment. Memphis Flyer
1.5
The acting and the cinematic panache are enough to repay your ticket cost, but I was left thinking I would have learned more from a good New Yorker ar .. Daily Public
3.0
A bright idea that delivers more heat than illumination, The Current War: Directors Cut traffics in sensation and sizzle. Insight, not so much. But wh .. Book & Film Globe
3.0
Nicholas Hoults dismally underused Tesla is the third point of the triangle, although hes consistently sidelined by a movie that, much like history, d .. Flickering Myth
4.5
I enjoyed watching it, while I didnt have a deep emotional connection going on with it. Double Toasted
3.8
Cumberbatch and Shannon light up this commendable historical drama about the revolutionary legacy of the late 19th century electrical pioneers.
4.0
If the story doesnt quite gel, and the characters are not given the depth they deserve, at least the performances are strong enough to keep the audien .. Times of Malta
3.8
Director Alfonso Gomez Rejon rides to the rescue with style to spare. Eye catching cinematography (Chung hoon Chung), production design (Jan Roelfs) a .. Time Of India
3.8
Gomez Rejon and scriptwriter Michael Mitnick rely on effective storytelling, interesting characterizations and period opulence to give the movie its c .. Good Times
1.5
Stylish and intriguing with strong performances all round but that light bulb blows and sizzles out. Flavourmag
4.5
Mitnicks script is as focused on moving the plot forward as the inevitable march of progress Edison and Westinghouses competition represents. The Pop Break
4.5
From Being Kidnapped To Teaching English In India, Here Are Some Facts You Dont Know About Benedict Cumberbatch! Latestly
2.0
Safly even after 2 years, a new score, and five altered scenes plus some re edits, the film doesnt improve. Texas Art & Film
1.5
But the odds have been stacked against box office success for this movie from the onset.
4.5
Will I remember it in a year or two Possibly not, but I left the theater with a smile on my face. Boston Hassle
3.0
But, one cant negate the fact that the production design is beyond extraordinary and visually pleasing to look at.
3.0
Not the most mouthwatering of subjects for a movie and, in all honesty, the deliberate pun in the title doesnt help in terms of taking it seriously. The People's Movies
3.0
Overall, The Current War is a robustly acted, if slightly muddled historical drama which could have benefited greatly from a stronger narrative direct ..



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