Sean Axmaker Stream on Demand Jul 28, 2026

... a rare moment of cinema capturing the immediacy and charge of live theater on the screen and it’s the heart of Robbins’ often exhilarating film.

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Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Jun 7, 2021 3.5/4

While writer-director Tim Robbins uses this entertaining film to touch upon capitalism and class warfare, he's mainly interested in championing artistic expression.

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Anthony Lane The New Yorker Feb 1, 2021

It could have been a mess, and there are patches where Robbins's inspiration wears a little thin; yet, all in all, his ambitious tolerance pays off...

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Christy Lemire ChristyLemire.com May 7, 2018 2/4

The let's-put-on-a-show energy can be intoxicating. But man, does it take a long time to achieve that high.

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Walter Goodman New York Times Nov 30, 2017

It is impossible to take the show seriously, as put together in Mr. Robbins's cliche-jammed version...

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Nell Minow Common Sense Media Dec 22, 2010 4/5

Art and politics and ideals; mature.

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Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Aug 14, 2010 C+

Art and politics collide in Tim Robbins' ambitious but not entirely successful effort to recreate a unique moment in American culture circa 1937.

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David Ansen Newsweek Mar 31, 2008

Robbins eschews leftist diatribes for a bold cartoon version of history. It's as crowded and energetic as a big parade.

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Rob Gonsalves Rob's Movie Vault Jul 30, 2007 C

The movie's radical stance is that artists should get to do their art without being destroyed by mean rich people, and aren't we just wonderful for agreeing with that?

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Betsy Bozdech Reel.com Sep 1, 2006 3/4

As passionate and interesting as the film is, it's about as subtle as a brick wall.

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Brandon Judell PlanetOut Aug 6, 2006

Bertolt Brecht is probably doing somersaults of joy in his grave or wherever his remains happen to be.

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Jeffrey M. Anderson Combustible Celluloid May 26, 2006 3/4

Cradle Will Rock is a far from perfect film, but it's never less than fascinating.

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Judith Egerton Courier-Journal (Louisville, KY) Jun 25, 2004 3.5/4

Trust writer-director Tim Robbins to know how to tickle an audience while making a political point.

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Enrique Buchichio Uruguay Total Sep 23, 2003

Al final, se convierte en una colorida celebracin del arte como forma de expresin, como compromiso de trabajo y como medio de reivindicacin de justicia.

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Jeanne Aufmuth Palo Alto Weekly May 14, 2003 3.5/4

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James Rocchi Netflix Nov 7, 2002 3/5

Tim Robbins' New Deal theatrical fable tries hard -- too hard.

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William Arnold Seattle Post-Intelligencer Apr 3, 2002 C+

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