43
Metascore
31 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 67Entertainment WeeklyLeah GreenblattEntertainment WeeklyLeah GreenblattRain is not a bad movie, really, and it doesn’t sell itself as anything other than earnest, floppy-eared family entertainment. But there’s a gooey out-of-time feeling to the whole thing that a lot of films like these seem to have — a sentimental IV drip that steadily manipulates heartstrings without ever quite touching anything like true life.
- 67The Film StageDan MeccaThe Film StageDan MeccaThe X-factor is Costner. A household name for over thirty years, his vocal presence alone does wonders.
- 63Movie NationRoger MooreMovie NationRoger MooreThat leaves it all up to the dog and the dog's story, and the pathos of that makes this weeper on wheels a winner. Barely.
- 60VarietyPeter DebrugeVarietyPeter DebrugeGranted, there aren’t a lot of surprises in The Art of Racing in the Rain. If anything, knowing — or at least anticipating — how the film’s myriad tragedies will unfold seems to heighten the effect.
- 60Arizona RepublicSamantha IncorvaiaArizona RepublicSamantha IncorvaiaIt's definitely a family-friendly film, but some of the slower moments might bore kids. More importantly: There isn't anything astoundingly different about this film. It's about a dog, and it's absolutely cute and sweet. It's also predictably heartwarming and it offers nothing new.
- 50The Hollywood ReporterCaryn JamesThe Hollywood ReporterCaryn JamesShaped by a near-constant monologue from a golden retriever named Enzo, The Art of Racing in the Rain is watchable but flat, with only occasional flashes of wit and feeling.
- 50The A.V. ClubCaroline SiedeThe A.V. ClubCaroline SiedeThe Art Of Racing In The Rain will play well for those who consider their pets to be full-fledged family members, but otherwise this dog’s journey lacks a purpose or any sense of artistry.
- 40EmpireIan FreerEmpireIan FreerThere is the odd funny moment, but The Art Of Racing In The Rain relies too heavily on the charms of its golden retriever. It might be built on the notion that dogs are the wisest of us all, but the end result winds up stupid.
- 37TheWrapRobert AbeleTheWrapRobert AbeleThis sentimental slog about the relationship between a friendly golden retriever and the growing family of a race car driver is, under director Simon Curtis’ no-nonsense stewardship, about as box-checked and rubber-stamped as mainstream entertainment gets.