“Standing Up” is an often whimsical look at second chances and new beginnings. On the flipside it’s about remorse, loss, and self-destruction.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Aug 25, 2022

This is a Crystal we've never seen before, and while many of us have suspected that he has always had it in him, "Standing Up, Falling Down" is proof that Crystal may still have a second productive career as a great character actor.

| Original Score: 5/10 | Jun 14, 2022

Standing Up, Falling Down does seem to be reaching for a slice of life narrative, à la Paterson, but it reads more like melodrama.

| Mar 22, 2021

…a nice chance to see that Crystal can still shine, with Schwartz supporting nicely with a self-deprecating, wry performance; it would be nice to see more of both men’s undisputable comic talents, but this accomplished two-hander will do for now…

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 1, 2021

Schwartz and Crystal are an appealing odd couple, trading quips with the ease of two seasoned comedians. More than that, though, they are believable and compelling when they aren't being funny, and displaying the flawed sides of their personalities.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jan 30, 2021

The story is a familiar crowd-pleaser, but the relatable humor, funny scenarios, and down-to-earth writing elevate this film above the rest.

| Original Score: 3.5 / 5 | Dec 19, 2020

Come for Billy Crystal's performance, and stay because you'll just end up wanting to.

| Original Score: A- | Dec 9, 2020

A welcome surprise with a small budget but big heart.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Dec 3, 2020

Overall, Standing Up, Falling Down is a laidback comedy with plenty of heart. Despite its seemingly ordinary story, Schwartz and Crystal fill it with laughter.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 30, 2020

An unexpected delight, this modest movie is buoyed by the charming performances from the two leads as well as a sincerity that helps the rather cliched moments seem fresh.

| Original Score: 3.0/4.0 | Nov 27, 2020

Standing Up, Falling Down does not introduce to any new story per se... Where the film charms and excels is in combining Scott and Marty's individual stories with the friendship that evolves between.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 8, 2020

Billy Crystal has...found a worthy return in this big-hearted comedy about two hard-drinking, emotionally tormented loners who, despite themselves, strike up the most meaningful friendship of their lives.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jul 25, 2020

The parts in the film that are meant to be tear-jerking moments have the subtlety of a hammer, but the well-cast ensemble's performances (not surprisingly, [Billy] Crystal is the standout) make the movie appealing to watch overall.

| Jul 12, 2020

Peter Hoare's script contains bromantic clichés, it's true. But just as many scenes confound.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 5, 2020

What keeps you hanging on is the Teflon likeability of the leads, welcome vital signs in a film of otherwise aggressive modesty.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 1, 2020

The film has a melancholy tone, mixing humour with day-to-day disappointment. This makes it feel refreshingly un-pushy, finding moments that are funny and dramatic without straining for anything momentous.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Apr 1, 2020

The schmaltz is gone, as is the self-love, and instead we have a sweetly empathetic turn...

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 1, 2020

Chemistry between the leads is key. Schwartz comfortably holds his own against the evergreen Crystal, twinkle still firmly in his eye.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 3, 2020

In Standing Up, Falling Down, this new style of comedy is light on laughs, but big on heart, weaving together a story of hope, redemption, and second chances with a solid cast led by Ben Schwartz and Billy Crystal.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Feb 28, 2020

'Standing Up, Falling Down' falters by presenting too many awkward scenes that don't seem real. But Billy Crystal fans should enjoy his splendid performance as an alcoholic estranged from his angry son.

| Feb 25, 2020