46
Metascore
11 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80VarietyJustin ChangVarietyJustin ChangIts modesty is what makes its very real virtues -- a tart, literate script, an adroit balance of humor and pathos, a memorable onscreen collaboration between star-scribe Scott Caan and his father James -- so cumulatively impressive.
- 50Village VoiceVillage VoiceAt the risk that giving Scott Caan a bad review will cause him to fall in love with me, I must note the irony in a film that seeks to critique superficiality, only to fall back on the old "dead fiancées deepen dipshits" trick.
- 50The A.V. ClubNathan RabinThe A.V. ClubNathan RabinWith Glenn offscreen for huge sections of the film, Mercy devolves into yet another navel-gazing drama about a glib cad redeemed by the love of a good woman.
- 50The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenHad John Cassavetes directed “Love Story,” it might have turned out looking and sounding something like Mercy, a portrait of a sub-Mailer-like literary pugilist and the woman (named Mercy) who wins his heart. Odd as that juxtaposition may seem, it’s not a bad mix.
- 50New York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierNew York Daily NewsJoe NeumaierIn a certain kind of indie movie, the only thing sweeter than a bad boy transformed is slow, sad tragedy. Mercy has both, which isn't good.
- 50New York PostLou LumenickNew York PostLou LumenickDespite risible dialogue, Mercy is watchable because of Caan's physical presence -- and a couple of scenes with his real-life father, James Caan, as his cynical dad who pronounces that "love -- it does not exist."
- 50Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertWhat's lacking is a little more depth. This is a movie that covers a lot of distance in only 87 minutes.
- 40Time OutDavid FearTime OutDavid FearCaan can’t seem to play up his strengths. He’s a raw talent who needs an editor for his scripts and a strong hand behind the camera guiding him. Mercy gives our guy neither.
- 40Boxoffice MagazineJohn P. McCarthyBoxoffice MagazineJohn P. McCarthyMercy can be described as a moody picture that traffics in variations of only one mood or sentiment: self-pity.
- 40Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles TimesA romantic drama with some good qualities -- among them earnestness and strong performances -- but not enough to completely overcome the strain of its clichés.