74
Metascore
17 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90Screen DailyLee MarshallScreen DailyLee MarshallMaking a great documentary is half finding the right story, half knowing what to do with it. Ramin Bahrani hits the jackpot on both counts in this slyly entertaining but also morally and emotionally resonant investigation.
- 90TheWrapCarlos AguilarTheWrapCarlos AguilarDavis’ story seems ripe for a sensational, multi-episode streaming event à la "Tiger King," but in Bahrani’s thorough and tactful hands, it yields a fascinating, infuriating but eventually touching piece of non-fiction storytelling.
- 90Los Angeles TimesMichael RechtshaffenLos Angeles TimesMichael RechtshaffenAs crafted by Bahrani, this fascinating portrait of a hero/villain who comes across as both affable and unpleasant, often simultaneously, is a Greek tragedy and a Shakespearean comedy with a touch of “Tiger King” all expertly rolled into one all-too-pertinent cautionary tale.
- 83The Film StageJake Kring-SchreifelsThe Film StageJake Kring-SchreifelsAs Bahrani goes to great depths to verify his subject’s contradictory tales and the circumstances behind his company’s termination, 2nd Chance turns into a familiar American portrait of mythmaking and cognitive dissonance.
- 80Film ThreatAndy HowellFilm ThreatAndy Howell2nd Chance stands right up there as a complete portrait of someone we are simultaneously repulsed by and drawn to. As such, it is one of the year’s best documentaries.
- 75ConsequenceClint WorthingtonConsequenceClint WorthingtonFormally, it doesn’t reinvent the wheel ... But this straight-shooting approach mostly works, even if it doesn’t pin Davis down as concretely as some would like.
- 75Slant MagazineChuck BowenSlant MagazineChuck Bowen2nd Chance a terrific American tall tale as well as a cautionary tale and a ripping good yarn.
- 70The Hollywood ReporterDaniel FienbergThe Hollywood ReporterDaniel FienbergIt’s a good story and Bahrani has made a good film, albeit one with a tremendous closing twist that I felt pointed to what could instead have been a great film.
- 60SlashfilmChris EvangelistaSlashfilmChris EvangelistaBahrani's doc moves at a steady pace, but it also runs through bullet points rather than taking a deeper dive into Richard and his life.
- 58IndieWireDavid EhrlichIndieWireDavid EhrlichJaw-dropping but often unfocused ... A rich film that nevertheless calls regular attention to any of the even richer (if perhaps less entertaining) films it might have been.