21
Metascore
9 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 50Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittThe acting is weak, largely because many of the performers seem uncomfortable speaking English. The last half-hour works up a fair amount of action and suspense, though.
- 50Miami HeraldMarta BarberMiami HeraldMarta BarberMay not be a work of fiction but, despite its many minutes of real footage, it is far from being a documentary. Lack of truth in advertising notwithstanding, the story of this Colombian cowboy deserved to be told.
- 40Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasRich in authentic locales but is unevenly directed by Andrew Molina and is hazy in its chronology. Hayata's story in all its myriad implications might well have been better told in documentary form.
- 38New York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanNew York Daily NewsElizabeth WeitzmanHaving written, co- directed and played the lead in this awkward, ego-driven memoir, Hayata has turned a genuinely compelling life story into an embarrassing vanity production.
- 30The Hollywood ReporterSheri LindenThe Hollywood ReporterSheri LindenHaving tackled treacherous terrain to film Hayata's story, the filmmakers miss the opportunity to deliver a scorching testament to the dangers and passions that drive the saga.
- 20Village VoiceVillage VoiceThe filmmakers may have aimed for doc-like authenticity, but the result is more like a QVC fabulous fake.
- 20TV Guide MagazineKen FoxTV Guide MagazineKen FoxThe real-life Hayata plays himself with little conviction, while the rest of the Spanish-speaking cast give the impression that they don't have the slightest idea what their English-language dialogue means.
- 0New York PostJonathan ForemanNew York PostJonathan ForemanThanks to the amateurish, spectacularly talent-free quality of its cinematography, direction, writing and acting, Emerald Cowboy is simply impossible to sit through.