Technically sound and sadly sugary in its handling of the truly devastating realities of the Depression, King of the Hill is not a bad film per se, just one that lacks a sense of consequence and a lasting impression.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Nov 12, 2020

Despite Bradford's arresting lead performance, King of the Hill never comes alive: a childhood memoir frozen in amber.

| Oct 9, 2019

one of Soderbergh's best films: a painterly, thoughtful, and subtly emotional portrait of preadolescent coming of age in dire circumstances

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Mar 20, 2014

It all seemed like an oddly straightforward ... choice for Soderbergh at the time, but he has proven since then that his lateral range is almost immeasurable.

| Original Score: 7/10 | Mar 6, 2014

King Of The Hill balances an incident-packed script with muted tones, painting a rich, absorbing picture of one boy's struggle to live by his wits.

| Original Score: 4.5/5 | Feb 24, 2014

To revisit King of the Hill—or to discover it—is to realize how seldom American cinema deems it worthwhile to tell a child's story with anything approaching serious psychological intent. [Criterion Blu-ray/DVD]

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Feb 19, 2014

Tenderly directed and written by Steven Soderbergh.

| Original Score: B- | Jul 25, 2012

| Original Score: A | Sep 7, 2011

| Original Score: 3/5 | Feb 12, 2009

Early Soderbergh family drama is excellent.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 20, 2007

This dark, poetic movie is intended as a tribute to the resilient spirit of many Jewish families that had fallen on hard times; Aaron and his survival instincts recall the young protagonists of Mark Twain and Charles Dickens.

| Original Score: B+ | Dec 19, 2006

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 9, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 8, 2005

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | May 6, 2005

Bradford gives a memorable performance

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 31, 2005

The film does a lovely job of juxtaposing the sharp contrasts in Aaron's life, and in marveling at the fact that he survives as buoyantly as he does.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 30, 2004

Soderbergh's most underrated film and easily his most affecting.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Jun 11, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Mar 4, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 5/5 | Jan 5, 2004

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 15, 2003