That we know we’re being manipulated but reach for the Kleenex anyway attests to the effectiveness of the otherwise overt sentimentality, but doesn’t leave us feeling good about it afterward.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Sep 4, 2023

One of the great literary adaptation disappointments of the century so far.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Aug 31, 2022

Just when it couldn't get any sadder, it does.

| Original Score: 5/10 | Nov 29, 2020

Fans of Picoult's novel are likely to be at least modestly disturbed by the liberties that Cassavetes takes.

| Original Score: 2.5/4.0 | Sep 17, 2020

It is effective, but only in the most shallow, manipulative way, and results in a cowardly, movie-of-the-week exit that isn't worthy of these engaging sisters.

| Dec 14, 2018

| Original Score: B- | Feb 18, 2012

Tearjerker that aims for rarefied feelings as well as knee-jerk, sentimental moments.

| Aug 15, 2011

My Sister's Keeper is a committee-approved nerve-snapper that, much like its main character, has been genetically engineered to MAKE! YOU! CRY!

| Original Score: 0.5/5 | Oct 27, 2010

Yes, unabashed weeper My Sister's Keeper has that Hollywood sheen -- but it's the unexpectedly piercing realness of this family's anguish that's going to get you. Just try to hold back the waterworks.

| Jul 6, 2010

Strong performances, and a subtle script make director Cassavetes film one of the better tearjerkers of the year...

| Dec 11, 2009

The film has its flaws and swims in meticulously crafted schmaltz... yet also has well-conceived tender moments hiding in the fringes.

| Original Score: C | Dec 6, 2009

My Sister's Keeper demands nothing less than a tidal wave of tears.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Nov 28, 2009

The film has a profound and compelling premise. Regrettably, it seems intent on being about everything but that premise.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Nov 16, 2009

I tried to keep an open mind, hoping something would win me over. It didn't happen.

| Original Score: 4/10 | Nov 14, 2009

[I]ntelligent, moving and even occasionally funny, although you might want to bring along a few tissues just in case.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 11, 2009

Cassavetes...shows great skill in weaving bright moments -- even an adolescent romance -- into the gloom. It's still bittersweet, but like mass-produced crème caramel, never too bitter.

| Jul 31, 2009

[Cassavetes] refuses to let the material speak for itself, putting a famous-for-making-women-cry song behind almost every scene, and lingering on every sentimental moment.

| Jul 31, 2009

Bring the tissues. This film works.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 31, 2009

What starts as an exploration of the ethics of organ-donation and genetic selection, rapidly disintegrates into a sloppy, unstructured, tear-jerking mess.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Jul 30, 2009

There's no question that this is a really intriguing drama and a drama that I think deserved better treatment than it gets here because I think Nick Cassevetes -- I don't think he's a very good director, really.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 29, 2009