52
Metascore
7 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75Washington PostMichael O'SullivanWashington PostMichael O'SullivanThe film is an effective, even heartwarming, tale of one man’s commitment to teaching that playing by the rules is more important than winning.
- 63McClatchy-Tribune News ServiceRoger MooreMcClatchy-Tribune News ServiceRoger MooreGooding brings just enough streetwise credibility to make Brown work.
- 60The New York TimesMiriam BaleThe New York TimesMiriam BaleMr. Gooding’s performance and his complex charisma are fascinating to watch throughout.
- 50The DissolveNathan RabinThe DissolveNathan RabinLife Of A King manages to sustain a hilariously over-the-top tone of naked sincerity from start to finish.
- 50RogerEbert.comRogerEbert.comBrown's story is a good one, though, and solid performances — especially from star Cuba Gooding Jr. — elevate the film slightly above the familiar trappings of its genre.
- 40Village VoiceSherilyn ConnellyVillage VoiceSherilyn ConnellyLife of a King isn't setting out to reinvent cinema, or even a genre, but rather just to be a moderately uplifting tale that makes watching chess interesting.
- 38Slant MagazineSlant MagazineAny potential flights of invention or creativity are subordinate to the plain and emphatic delivery of life lessons.