Smart and informative, yet also brutal and haunting, while still maintaining a sense of fun, it’s masterfully crafted and confidently staunch in its beliefs.

| Jul 14, 2024

It won’t be for everyone but this film is a heck of a ride and leaves you with a fun gut punch for an ending.

| Apr 4, 2024

If you like your humor dark, dry and laced with biting social commentary, The Art of Self-Defense lands its blows with black-belt precision.

| Jul 19, 2023

The Art of Self-Defense is one of the very best dark comedies of the decade, if not the most relevant.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Aug 20, 2022

I guess I’m still wanting the movie from the trailer.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Aug 19, 2022

It's capably made and acted, but the film doesn't have anything to say that hasn't been said, and said better, elsewhere.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Feb 26, 2022

Using dark comedy to tackle the subject of toxic masculinity and the various brutish, boorish and bullying ways it manifests in men, it takes a good, long look on how it affects those unfortunately subjected to it.

| Jul 30, 2021

A satire that plays with the idea of manhood and what it means to be a "man."

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Jan 31, 2021

Perversely satisfying even as it revels in its darkly twisted sense of propriety.

| Original Score: 8/10 | Dec 7, 2020

Relatable, believe it or not, and entertaining, the film also captures society's view of women, equality, and overall supremacy in unique ways.

| Original Score: 3.5/4.0 | Nov 21, 2020

Discourses on redemption, bigotry, intrinsic fears, and the contradictions of toxic masculinity are preserved in his notes. I find it very entertaining. [Full review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 7/10 | Jul 29, 2020

The Art of Self-Defense is a layered look at gender politics, sexual identity and the power dynamics between men.

| Jul 23, 2020

A caricature of toxic masculinity that watches like a navelgazing, mumblecore "Fight Club."

| Original Score: C | Jun 30, 2020

Self Defense is as subdued as Fight Club is flashy.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jun 10, 2020

The Art of Self-Defense weaves its time and themes until they're one and the same.

| Jan 17, 2020

...aims for a very precise tone.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jan 6, 2020

That it does not quite hit its target is unfortunate, but it does at least leave a watchable movie behind.

| Original Score: 6/10 | Dec 2, 2019

The Art of Self-Defense may be a dark comedy, but it is extremely intelligent when it comes to the subjects it addresses and represents on screen. [Full Review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 8/10 | Nov 11, 2019

It works even beyond its limitations or defects, which seem to be calculated. [Full review in Spanish]

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

The timid and anxious attitude of [Jesse] Eisenberg makes him an excellent choice for the comic sensibility that the director seeks to portray. [Full Review in Spanish]

| Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 5, 2019