Weighted from a 3.5 average · Why?
A contrived twist sinks this overwrought grief drama despite its capable cast.
Verdict tier Unfavorable, most critics didn't like it, on a scale of Unfavorable, Mixed, Recommended, Exceptional.
Not streaming in India
Critic consensus
Critical reception for Collateral Beauty is largely negative, with most reviewers finding the film emotionally manipulative and its central plot twist unconvincing or unnecessary. The performers, particularly Will Smith, are acknowledged as a saving grace by some critics, though the weak script is seen as squandering the talented cast. Common criticisms include an overbearing emotional tone, an unearned and logic-defying twist, and a narrative that fails to genuinely engage the audience. Only one reviewer found partial merit in the film's earnestness and character chemistry.
1 not-rated review isn't plotted
The Monk Score is weighted from a plain average of 3.5 · how scores work
Positive = 6.5/10 and up · negative = below 5/10
AI-generated summary of 7 critic reviews · may contain errors
Report inaccuracyFrom the papers
Top critics first, then by score · not-rated last · updated
Film review ·
'Collateral Beauty' is a tearjerker heavy on emotions. But at times, it gets a little overbearing and even the dry humour employed makes the suffering feel endless. You hope that when the three actors enter Howard's life, there would be some comic relief. But philosophy flies thick and fast, from minor characters as well.
Film review ·
Whether Smith has a thing for emotionally manipulative stories, or this is his version of playing to the awards gallery, he should realize this is not working. It looks like he didn't learn the right lessons from his Seven Pounds. Hope he does from this one.
Film review ·
The film has an interesting idea, but the way the feints are played out, you will feel suckered. There are far too many damaged people around and the methods employed for cure appear unethical and impractical. The script doesn't manage to get one emotionally involved. The performers are the saving grace, though.
Film review ·
The absurd, logic-defying, and frankly unnecessary plot-twist cracks the thin ice this film was already treading on. Watching this film is akin to hearing the sound of nails on a chalkboard. One can only wish for it to stop.
Film review ·
Avoid it like sin. This is not the kind of tripe you ought to subject yourself to. Great cast notwithstanding. Forgive them for they knew not what they did.
Film review ·
The desperation to make something out of nothing was spilling over in the twist that didn't fit with the film we just spent an hour and a half breaking our heads over. Do better Will Smith. You deserve so much better. We deserve so much better.
Film review ·
...the story of the movie is different than most "Christmas" movies. The film is crisp and tries to be earnest. It does its best to make you "feel" things. However, underplaying the emotions a little may have gotten better results. The background score of the movies is fitting and the chemistry between the characters is something you can appreciate.
Credits
Will SmithHoward Inlet
Edward NortonWhit Yardsham
Kate WinsletClaire
Michael PeñaSimon
Helen MirrenBrigitte
Jacob LatimoreRaffi
Keira KnightleyAimee Moore
Naomie HarrisMadeleine
Kylie RogersAllison Yardsham
David Frankel
Michael Sugar
Allan Loeb
Anthony Bregman
Theodore Shapiro
Maryse Alberti
Enrique MurcianoStanEnglish films like Collateral Beauty
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