We learn about the years it took Hicks to find his voice, his battle with alcohol, his experiments with drugs, how we in the UK took him to our hearts more than America ever did.

| Original Score: 3/5 | May 19, 2021

About 1/3 of the way through, however, the stage footage becomes more prevalent and the animation gives way to a stronger emphasis on narration and Hicks himself.

| Original Score: 3.5/4.0 | Sep 2, 2020

A serviceable, rather surface-deep look at the man many considered one of the best comedians of the 20th century.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 6, 2019

The film gets as close to Hicks the man as we can hope for, and he emerges as an even more courageous, visionary figure as a result.

| Mar 13, 2017

It is a bit of a revelation to realize that Hicks, who would develop into one of the angriest and edgiest standup comedians of his time, was once such a clean-cut and straight young man.

| Original Score: 70/100 | Jan 12, 2014

The greatest strength of this film is that the directors did not overly glorify Hicks.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 16, 2013

Directors Matt Harlock and Paul Thomas work wonders with the old photos, animating and enhancing them to simulate Hicks' excellent adventure.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jul 8, 2011

American plays less like a primer than a devotional, a dangerous thing for a satirist committed to "evolving ideas."

| Original Score: B | Jul 1, 2011

It's greatness as a documentary is debatable, but as a eulogy, it's damn near unparalleled.

| Jun 26, 2011

If you have any sort of interest in stand-up comedy, this is as fine a documentary as you will see on the subject.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jun 20, 2011

Hicks deserves a truly great documentary, but for now this one will do.

| Jun 10, 2011

Doesn't impart much in the way of hard facts about Hicks, preferring an affectionate route of celebration, blindly fawning over this mystery man in a way that would likely make Hicks himself retch.

| Original Score: C- | May 30, 2011

Rather than simply panning around within still photos, [the filmmakers] have taken images apart by computer and composited them, even moving bits around. ... It's a weird way to recreate missing events, but it's not as dishonest as it sounds.

| May 17, 2011

Documentary American is stylishly told, but engaging chiefly because comedic wunderkind Bill Hicks is a bundle of contradictions.

| Original Score: B- | May 12, 2011

One of the marvels of this documentary, and Bill's life, really, is that it packs so much in such a small window of life.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 28, 2011

They bring Hicks back to life, his rants still sounding fresh and brilliant. Scorched ears never felt so good.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Apr 22, 2011

A very entertaining examination of Hicks' life and legacy.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Apr 22, 2011

American: The Bill Hicks Story is not the last word on this enduring figure in comedy, but it's certainly the most personal.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 15, 2011

Ultimately, the doc comes off as yet another reminder that, in showbiz and elsewhere, one of the greatest tragedies in life is unfulfilled promise.

Full Review | Apr 15, 2011

A portrait of the short-lived artist that will move fans while letting the uninitiated witness enough onstage highlights to leave them wanting more.

| Apr 15, 2011