51
Metascore
9 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80CineVueJamie NeishCineVueJamie NeishLed by a trio of tremendous performances from its female leads, Wright, front and centre as Jamie, is the stand-out.
- 80Total FilmJames MottramTotal FilmJames MottramIt’s heavy-handed, but with such fine performances from the youngsters, aided by the ever-reliable Shirley Henderson (as a social worker), that it’s hard not to get sucked into this tragic tale.
- 80The New York TimesNeil GenzlingerThe New York TimesNeil GenzlingerIf Urban Hymn starts with that familiar dynamic, it stays surprisingly fresh thanks to three fine performances and a willingness to be uncompromising.
- 70Los Angeles TimesKimber MyersLos Angeles TimesKimber MyersUrban Hymn is so carefully and lovingly made by director Michael Caton-Jones and his leads that it’s hard to begrudge the British drama its familiar premise, especially as you squint at the screen through tears.
- 60The GuardianMike McCahillThe GuardianMike McCahillA mixed bag, but one that comes good in its closing stretch, working its way towards a place of quiet power.
- 50VarietyDennis HarveyVarietyDennis HarveyCompetent if pedestrian Urban Hymn takes a familiar walk down the path of inspirational youth drama.
- 50The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Brad WheelerThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Brad WheelerHandled by veteran Scottish director Michael Caton-Jones, Urban Hymn is an unimaginative drama, carried by solid acting – Isabella Laughland is chilling as the possessive, menacing Leanne – but let down by an unspectacular script.
- 37Washington PostMark JenkinsWashington PostMark JenkinsMusic redeems an at-risk teen in Urban Hymn, a social-problem melodrama whose other major characters don’t fare so well.
- 20Time Out LondonTom HuddlestonTime Out LondonTom HuddlestonThe crude good-girl/bad-girl dynamic between its young leads is just one of many crass elements in this woolly, well-meaning but fatally unconvincing melodrama.