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The Forty-Year-Old Version
2020
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The Forty-Year-Old Version
Positive Reviews
65
Negative reviews
8
Average Rating
3.8
/5
relevant
hilarious
exciting
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Positive
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4.4
So, Radha finds herself increasingly drawn to a less collaborative, less commercial art form, something that doesnt rely on critics or gatekeepers.
Rogerebert
3.5
The 40 Year Old Version doesnt overcome all of its rough edges, but theyre so closely tied to the personality of the creator that its hard to shake th ..
Indie Wire
4.5
Blanks first feature is an earnest, honest, often hilarious testimonial from a gifted writer about what it means for someone in her position to reinve ..
Variety
3.0
This is a very unhurried film (I wondered if it might have been better to lose 20 or so minutes) but it has a distinctive language of its own, and a f ..
The Guardian
4.0
Its a sharply observed comment on the ways women of colour are encouraged to contort their creativity in order to be consumed by white audiences.
The Guardian
3.8
Radha Blanks remaking of herself contains an uplifting, unpretentious truth about aging: Its never too late to make a new start.
3.8
But that tough talking wake up call may be the point for a filmmaker who clearly understands that satire can be useful in communicating painful truths ..
1.5
Radha isnt bad at rapping, but she isnt the kind of instant phenom that record execs are going to be chasing down.
Vulture
4.5
With a carefully crafted visual language, an inventive Greek Chorus composed of characters who reflect New Yorks diversity and a funny yet thought pro ..
The Hollywood Reporter
4.5
As a performer, Blank finds a perfect balance of dignity and ridiculousness, of insecurity and strut.
The New York Times
4.5
The sly achievement of The Forty Year Old Version is to turn a critical eye on the very idea of success (by whose standards), and to ponder exactly wh ..
4.0
The film is never more jaw droppingly astute than when Radha is spitting bars as her alter ego, RadhaMUSPrime.
4.5
Genuine, laugh out loud at times, sexy and tense in the best way, The Forty Year Old Version serves as a grand entrance for Radha Blank not to be miss ..
Cinema Blend
3.8
She doesnt preach, preferring instead a combination of self deprecation and standup.
ReelViews
5.0
The 40 Year Old Version deftly offers a fresh and exciting perspective on a tired film trope.
Chicago Reader
4.5
Its really really entertaining, but tells a story that rings true. It doesnt look like any other films in cinema right now, and its really worth seein ..
You Tube
3.0
The films own escape from stale conventions with the middle aged protagonist taking up rapping is a rather too leisurely amble, but it does give us so ..
The Times
4.0
A star is born, albeit at the ripe age of 44, as the writer, director, producer and actress Radha Blank seizes her moment, often hilariously so, as th ..
The Times
4.0
Grief isnt what primarily drives Netflixs The Forty Year Old Version a comedy written, directed and starring Blank.
Independent
1.5
Despite Radha being embedded in an industry of make believe, Blank needed to make the story seem real. And she does.
The Wrap
4.5
Blank clearly delights in skewering the tone deaf condescension of white men who fancy themselves cultural gatekeepers. But one of the reasons The For ..
Npr
4.0
Radha Blank, making her feature film debut as writer, director, producer and star, has crafted a compellingly touching and funny story about race, mid ..
Daily Mail
5.0
Blanks voice feels distinct and vital; shes gone and given us one of the most exciting debuts of the year.
Flim List
4.0
In every scene, Blanks work shines as a writer, a director and as an actor. Her relentless charisma and authenticity tinged with wit carry every scene ..
Flim Threet
4.5
Blanks vigorous and insightful writing comes to life in performances that, even when broadly comedic, ring true; the film is a treasure chest of voice ..
New Yorker
1.5
If you dont get the confirmation within 10 minutes, please check your spam folder.
Time
3.8
An often hilarious and heartfelt autobiographical tale of reinvention.
The Film Stage
4.4
approaches these heavy duty questions about art and identity with featherweight touch, and her voice is so cutting, compassionate, and clear, its like ..
Chicago Tribune
3.8
Lets hope we dont have to wait another 40 years for the next one.
Boston Globe
4.2
The Forty Year Old Version is a cause for celebration, better late than never. Stand up and cheer.
Detroit News
3.8
Not only as an actor (to say shes an on screen discovery isnt hyperbolic enough) but as a writer as well.
The Play List
4.5
The Forty Year Old Version is a hilarious, charming, and entertaining film from Radha Blank reminding us all its never too late to follow your dreams.
You Tube
4.0
Written, directed and starring Radha Blank, this semi autobiographical tale offers a lively exploration of art and self fulfilment.
Lw Lies
4.0
The promise of empowerment could lead to clichd uplift, but the movie is too smart for that.
Ft
4.5
I suspect some audiences might be a little let down by The 40 Year Old Version, because it doesnt exactly satisfy a (totally understandable) desire fo ..
Vanity Fair
0.5
This is funny stuff, contained in a film with terrific timing, punctuated by adoring surveys of New York City, some moody jazz notes and cutaways to c ..
Wsj
3.0
Radhas midlife crisis is fueled, like most midlife crises, by unfulfilled potential.
Punch Drunk Critics
4.5
I cant imagine what it would be like to think of myself as something else.
We Live Entertainment
4.3
The Forty Year Old Version proves that theres no expiration date on finding success or rediscovering yourself.
We Live Entertainment
4.2
Peter Kim in The Forty Year Old Version Photo : Netflix Advertisement But Blank doesnt simply re create Lees vision.
Film Avclub
3.5
She exudes so much charm that you wonder how come shes not already a star.
Rendy Reviews
5.0
And yet, theres not nearly enough buzz about this smart, sizzling send up of the life of an artist and the very real struggle inherent in making a liv ..
Third Coast Review
4.0
Filled with moments both authentic and painful, both theatrically satirical and musically impressive, The Forty Year Old Version rejects the old, trie ..
Ion Cinema
4.5
Raw, Fresh, Relevant and in your face with gentrification, hip hop love and realities of how women of a certain age are often times discarded and not ..
Wp Me
3.8
The difference this time being Blank who completely understands the territory and doesnt settle for the easy way out.
The Only Critic
1.5
Blank isnt afraid to laugh at herself too of course: her cracking knees make for an endearing gag.
Firstpost
3.8
Fortunately, most of what transpires is more original, buoyed by the extremely charismatic presence of Blank, herself, who makes an engaging protagoni ..
Film Festival Today
3.8
Radha Blank has an authoritative grasp of the hallways, rehearsal rooms and night clubs where art is shaped in NY.
The Film Experience
4.5
As a heartfelt comedy about aging and a love letter to New York hip hop, the execution isnt as sharp as it could be, but the rhythms and soul of The F ..
The Spool
3.5
Its a work of artistic frustration, a feeling thats also quite messy to wrestle with.
The Gate
1.5
Radha Blank is a versatile actress, and truly talented writer and director. Blanks examination of a woman with raw, unfiltered attitude about to turn ..
Movies and Shakers
4.0
But Radha doesnt want to compromise in order to please the so called Establishment.
Metro Weekly
3.1
Blank herself is charismatic, witty and funny, and its too bad her movie blurs the line between self empowering and self indulgent.
Movie Cricket
4.5
Its an entrancing effect, one that will captivate audiences as they watch a vulnerable but resilient forty year old find her own voice.
Dwight Brown Ink
4.0
I dont want to use a clich word like inspirative to describe what shes achieved, but I cant grasp a better adjective for what shes delivered here.
The Jam Report
4.5
But the producer she has to win over doesnt think its raw enough.
The Muse Jezebel
3.5
These interactions entertain (Blank doesnt consider the film a comedy, but its often very funny) by creating the kind of drama we too experience and l ..
Jaredmobarak
4.5
A film like this deserves to look as good as possible, and it isnt quite there.
4.4
Its funny, authentic, and thrives on Radha Blanks tour de force performance. Radhas debut film can be compared to a thirst trap (in a good way); Its a ..
Victoria Advocate
1.5
Boredom wont stand a chance when youve got a bunch of slugs to thug.
idobi.com
4.5
The Forty Year Old Version is one of Sundance 2020s finest gems. Its an example of cinema, not as it currently exists, but as audiences want it (and n ..
That Shelf
3.5
The lengthy run time of 2 hours and 9 minutes probably isnt warranted either, but its star is a compelling enough watch on her own to make it all hang ..
The Digital Fix
4.5
Instead of a typical mid life crisis narrative, its a reminder that age doesnt define you.
Shadow And Act
4.0
When life gives Radha Blank lemons, she makes lemonade and sticks two fingers up those who use age to stop you doing what makes you happy.
Flavourmag
4.0
Blank has written something incredibly specific that is full of universal themes it is easy to relate to. A truly hilarious script, shot with much mor ..
1.5
And thats the crux despite her efforts to keep the films rap elements incidental, theres no disguising its ersatz qualities.
4.4
In many ways, Blank has created a coming of age film that any woman over the age of 39 can completely relate.
Reel Honestre Views
5.0
Written by, directed by and starring Radha Blank, The 40 Year Old Version is an irresistible tale of early mid life reinvention.
Box Office Prophets
4.0
Broadway star Eva Noblezada makes an impressive movie debut in this sweet natured comic drama thats filled with pathos and affecting, well sung tunes.
KKFI-FM (Kansas City)
3.8
The Forty Year Old Version stumbles mainly due to an overly long running length, one that the narrative doesnt quite deserve.
Awards Radar
4.5
Some scenes (subplots) couldve been removed, allowing for a better paced film.
Their Own League
4.5
From a loud mouthed bum to a fierce latina student, The 40 Year Old Version is stuffed with fun and very authentic characters.
La Estatuilla
4.5
The horror comedy from the creator of Dear White People, however, doesnt quite stick its landing.
See Where to Watch
The Forty-Year-Old Version