Director Chris Robinson directs the film with an easygoing, well-paced and authentic feeling that avoids drama and histrionics.

| Original Score: 2.5/4.0 | Sep 2, 2020

Amateur camera work and conspicuous plotting reduce the film's regional sensibilities to sleep-inducing pap.

| Original Score: D | Apr 20, 2009

A tip of the cap to Tip Harris and Lauren London for it is their chemistry and charm which allows one to believe in their tenderhearted romance in an atmosphere where women are regarded as objects and affectionately called 'bitches' and 'hos.'

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Feb 20, 2007

A well-meaning and good-hearted urban melodrama -- that doesn't really seem to have anything new to say.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Jul 25, 2006

I liked ATL for its music and for its all-around good intentions and general amiability. But....

| Original Score: 5/10 | Jul 20, 2006

A contradictory approach ultimately muddles the film despite some heartfelt and evocative moments about youngsters growing up on the streets of Atlanta.

Full Review | Jun 12, 2006

The film that proves that all life's problems can be solved with a montage.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Jun 3, 2006

... a surprisingly strong coming-of-age movie with a great young cast. It pops with color and humor and pays attention to the details that situate it in a real location ...

Full Review | Original Score: 86/100 | May 15, 2006

Director Chris Robinson maintains a light touch, giving the colorful, energetic skating scenes the benefit of his music-video roots, but he doesn't neglect character, drawing sincere performances from his young cast.

| Original Score: 4/5 | May 12, 2006

A light urban coming-of-age dramedy where the veneer may be darkly intriguing, but the finish is pure homily, of the sort where lessons are learned and dreams do come true.

| Original Score: 3/5 | May 6, 2006

having solidly entertained for most of its running time, goes out in a blaze of cliche

| Apr 29, 2006

As clich?mount, realism and make-believe jostle against one another more discordantly.

| Apr 14, 2006

ATL is a likable film with an affirmative and hopeful message about the fate of its main players.

| Original Score: B | Apr 13, 2006

One cannot ignore or discount that Robinson is not only trying to tell a conventional tale unconventionally, but he is also attempting to put Atlanta on the map of cinematic city characters.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 11, 2006

Robinson's film is a cut above the rest, seeming simultaneously wise beyond its years and electrically, youthfully playful.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Apr 8, 2006

Ultimately, ATL is a cliche-filled fairy tale that sacrifices its edginess for a happy ending.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 8, 2006

Accentuates the positive

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Apr 6, 2006

...a relief from the cynical, slickly packaged teen movies that have been flooding the market.

| Apr 5, 2006

...refreshing without going all goody two-shoe, its four friends and their ties to Atlanta not unlike the bunch of guys in Barry Levinson's Baltimore Diner.

| Original Score: B | Apr 3, 2006

Too predictable.

Full Review | Apr 3, 2006