83
Metascore
31 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 91Entertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanEntertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanThe writer-director, Peter Sollett, cast the film with kids from his own neighborhood, who give themselves over to the camera with a spirit of improvised play that morphs into vivid, layered acting.
- 90New York Magazine (Vulture)Peter RainerNew York Magazine (Vulture)Peter RainerA comedy in the best sense--it draws its life from the pitch-perfect authenticity of its characters.
- 90Los Angeles TimesManohla DargisLos Angeles TimesManohla DargisHis film may be something of a beautiful lie, but what's true about Sollett's characters is that their dreams, their grace and their struggles are as real as it gets.
- 90The New York TimesA.O. ScottThe New York TimesA.O. ScottDelicate and altogether satisfying romantic comedy.
- 80The A.V. ClubScott TobiasThe A.V. ClubScott TobiasWhat makes Raising Victor Vargas so special, beyond its irresistible charisma, is how Sollett and his cast capture the thrill of first love.
- 80Washington PostWashington PostAs fresh -- and as restorative -- as a lemon ice on a hot day.
- 78Austin ChronicleKimberley JonesAustin ChronicleKimberley JonesSollett’s first feature is a small, but indelible picture, one that approaches the most universal of themes -– first love, confused hormones, parental clashes -– with originality.
- 75The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick GroenThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Rick GroenA grownup departure from the teen-romance norm -- it speaks nothing about passion and volumes about trust.
- 75San Francisco ChronicleSan Francisco ChronicleA gritty but sweet look at young love and family dynamics.
- 63New York Daily NewsJami BernardNew York Daily NewsJami BernardThere's something uniquely gratifying about watching nonprofessionals deliver totally natural performances.