| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 24, 2011

If only [director] Michell's film actually said something about aging, and didn't feel the need to include Grumpy Old Men shtick and bland bossa nova-inflected pop.

| Original Score: 2/6 | Feb 3, 2007

It comes as a pleasant shock, actually, to see newcomer Whittaker holding her actorly own against the icon O'Toole.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Feb 3, 2007

Venus belongs to O'Toole. This is, hands down, my favorite performance of the year, largely because I love the way O'Toole (and the filmmakers) refuse to yield to the all-too-pervasive idea that it's 'icky' for old people to even think about sex.

Full Review | Feb 3, 2007

Roger Michel knows how to do People-in-Rooms better than most directors do, but the joys of it really are the performances and it's worth seeing for O'Toole and Phillips together.

| Jan 29, 2007

Venus is a fine reminder of the wonders we're presented with every day.

| Original Score: B+ | Jan 26, 2007

Venus is emotionally affecting, not because O'Toole's Maurice is coping with mortality, but because of the honest way he confronts it.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 26, 2007

Venus succeeds because there is no hint of smugness in sight.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jan 26, 2007

The film gives Mr. O'Toole all the space he needs to prove that his craft is still fresh and virile.

| Original Score: B | Jan 26, 2007

With his intelligent and soulful performance, O'Toole reminds us exactly why he has been nominated for eight Oscars.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 26, 2007

Even performances as good as these can't totally transcend material that hovers between near farce and tragi-comedy without ever landing on a convincing level.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 26, 2007

When all else fails, get the pensioners to swear.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Jan 26, 2007

He's got his Oscar nomination, but, if we might politely ask, how much of a stretch can it really be for Peter O'Toole to play a saucy old lush again?

| Jan 26, 2007

This is an indulgent movie and needs to be watched in the same spirit.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 26, 2007

O'Toole is a lecherous marvel, and worth every ounce of his Oscar nomination for Best Actor.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 26, 2007

Who could be better suited than Peter O'Toole to the role of an actor growing old disgracefully?

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jan 26, 2007

The lingering impressions here are of regret, resignation and renewal, the fascination of firm flesh and O'Toole growling 'Come on, old man!' as he slaps his own sagging face.

| Original Score: 4/6 | Jan 26, 2007

The ruined beauty of Peter O'Toole permeates every frame of Venus, a movie that exists for almost no other reason than to allow us to worship at the altar of this incomparable actor.

Full Review | Original Score: B+ | Jan 25, 2007

A screen-acting showcase by a man whose best days, many thought, were behind him. There's life in the old dog yet.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Jan 25, 2007

The great thing about Venus -- apart from its sharp eye for the daily routines and drab details of senior citizenry in a buzzing metropolis -- is that it isn't soppy, or sentimental.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jan 19, 2007