Unlike its subject, Amazing Grace won't change the world, but its quasi-religious sense of conviction proves rousing. Apted's unexpected crowd-pleaser is inspirational, but also surprisingly entertaining.
Michael Apted's Amazing Grace is a beautifully chiseled blunt instrument. No, it's not subtle, but how subtle was slavery?
70
VarietyEddie Cockrell
VarietyEddie Cockrell
Picture reflects the no-nonsense storytelling skills of prolific helmer Michael Apted, whose career-long mix of feature and documentary work holds him in good stead once more.
It's disappointing that so much talent has been assembled with so little to do.
58
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
It's earnest, solemn stuff. The movie sings an old tune -- Albert Finney is the blind minister who wrote the title ditty -- and it leaves the blood unstirred.
50
Village Voice
Village Voice
Morally irreproachable and flat as a pancake.
50
Austin Chronicle
Austin Chronicle
Unfortunately for Barbara and for us, what makes William Wilberforce a great man is also what makes him a bore.
50
Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
Apted and his collaborators are so in awe of their subject they neglect to bring him to full human life.
42
Christian Science MonitorPeter Rainer
Christian Science MonitorPeter Rainer
[Apted] also has an unfortunate penchant for bland stateliness, and never more so than in Amazing Grace, a well-intentioned piece of historical waxworks.