Killing Bono 2011

Jeannette Catsoulis, New York Times: A shapeless rock-music caper that, like its deluded antihero, just doesn't know when to stop. Read more

Joshua Rothkopf, Time Out: Amadeus it's not, but as light transitional music, the film-which has Pete Postlethwaite's final performance, as a swishy landlord-is tuneful enough. Read more

Noel Murray, AV Club: There's a difference between "funny" and "comedy," and the movie adaptation of Killing Bono tries way too hard to be nutty, at the expense of just getting across what McCormick knows. Read more

Christine Champ, Film.com: Funny, irreverent, slightly bitter, and brimming with self-importance and self-loathing. Read more

Jordan Mintzer, Hollywood Reporter: This cleverly conceived, behind-the-scenes tale features fine lead performances and enough nods to the epic group's early days to interest fans outside the U.K. Read more

Mark Jenkins, NPR: While Barnes and Sheehan are persuasive as the squabbling siblings, the music-biz mockery is blunt and obvious. Read more

Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News: Hamm's movie is sparky and fun, and full of affectionate pokes at the '80s music scene. It's also, in terms of music biopics, probably better than the real thing. Read more

Kyle Smith, New York Post: A charming admixture of "Goodfellas" and "Almost Famous," "Killing Bono" is a fanciful rock tale that is nevertheless based on a true story. Read more

Trevor Johnston, Time Out: Ultimately, there's something cheering and very human about a hero's journey towards the recognition of his myriad flaws. Read more

Leslie Felperin, Variety: Dialogue is occasionally sharp, even genuinely funny at times, but not often enough to support the farcical antics of the last act. Read more

Michael Atkinson, Village Voice: The migraine of a story arc needed sharp comedy reflexes or, at least, a live-wire/slummy star turn and got neither. Read more