Review Roundup: What Do the Critics Say About New Broadway-Themed Film BIRDMAN?

Michael Keaton leads a star-studded cast in the new drama BIRDMAN, which hits theaters today, October 17th! The film was co-written, directed, and produced by Alejandro Iñárritu.

The story follows a washed-up actor named Riggan Thomson, who was once famous for portraying a classic superhero in the movies. In an attempt to make a comeback, he decides to mount a play on Broadway; but the road to opening night is a bumpy one, and Thomson finds himself in a balancing act between his family, ego, and lifelong career.

Michael Keaton stars as Riggan Thomson, alongside Zach Galifianakis, Edward Norton, Andrea Riseborough, Amy Ryan, Emma Stone, and Naomi Watts.

Let's see what the critics had to say!

Manohla Dargis, New York Times: The camerawork in "Birdman" is an astonishment, and an argument that everything flows together, which in this movie means the cinematography, the story, the people, even time and space.

Peter Travers, Rolling Stone: The very real achievement of Birdman, a dark comedy of desperation buoyed by Iñárritu's unbridled artistic optimism, is how it makes us laugh out loud, curse the shadows and see ourselves in the fallibly human Riggan.

Marshall Fine, Huffington Post: "Birdman" and its idiosyncrasies may bother more literal viewers or those not willing to take this unpredictable ride because they don't know where it's going. But if you strap in and let go, Innaritu's film will touch you and possibly even amaze you.

Peter Debruge, Variety: In a year overloaded with self-aware showbiz satires, Alejandro G. Inarritu's fifth and best feature provides the delirious coup de grace - a triumph on every creative level, from casting to execution, that will electrify the industry, captivate arthouse and megaplex crowds alike, send awards pundits into orbit and give fresh wings to Keaton's career.

Richard Lawson, Vanity Fair: The film has a loose, improvisatory energy, each moment seemingly discovered instead of planned.

Scott Mendelson, Forbes: This is a truly special and powerful motion picture, one rich with piercing commentary and absolutely alive with cinematic invention.

Matt Patches, IGN: ...it all bursts out in completely organic ways, mirroring the film's one "uncut" take. It's pure cinema. Pure New York. Pure jazz, visualized.

Xan Brooks, The Guardian: Maybe so. It's a depthless, self-absorbed film about a shallow, self-absorbed man; jittery and relentless from the first to last gasp.

Dana Stevens, Slate: Movies don't have to be perfect to make for exciting viewing, andBirdmandemands to be seen on the big screen.

Rudie Obias, Movie Pilot: Birdman might not be for the comic book fan boy who believes the superhero movie genre is the height of cinema, but it is for anyone who can take art and movies with a hint of irony.

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