55
Metascore
15 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanNew York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanFans are, obviously, most likely to appreciate the concert footage that's woven throughout the film. But the most powerful moments come offstage, when we see young audience members burn with the fresh outrage of the newly enlightened.
- 70L.A. WeeklyL.A. WeeklySo many documentaries about genocides play art-house theaters that it can be easy to get jaded, but combining one with tour footage from the most innovative metal band in the world is genius, banging the viewer's head before he realizes it's being filled with awareness too.
- The piece is intelligently made, although the director often doesn't establish place or time, leaving the viewer unmoored.
- 70Washington PostWashington PostThe film paraphrases a quote from Hitler before he invaded Poland in 1939 (a quote still in hot dispute): "Who still speaks nowadays of the extermination of the Armenians?" This documentary does. Whatever its flaws, that alone makes it worth seeing.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterRichard James HavisThe Hollywood ReporterRichard James HavisA committed piece of agit-prop, which benefits from the passion of its protagonists. Followers of the band will need no introduction to the subject matter, which is referenced in their musical repertoire. The film also should play well with those interested in liberal causes.
- 60The New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisThe New York TimesJeannette CatsoulisPart rockumentary, part howl of outrage, Screamers would have benefited from less concert film and more historical background.
- 50VarietyVarietyA noble cause does not a good movie make. Pic repeatedly drowns its impassioned message with music, creating an awkward hybrid between history lesson and concert documentary.
- 50The A.V. ClubNoel MurrayThe A.V. ClubNoel MurrayThe band is sincere, and many of its followers are just as sincere, but there's always a danger that too much "screaming" can turn a meaningful statement into an inarticulate din.
- 12New York PostKyle SmithNew York PostKyle SmithScreamers, one of the most bizarre documentaries you'll ever not see.