
An aging, disillusioned alcoholic (Nolte) gets a younger friend (Morgan) and wants him to pose as his son at a school reunion.... (Full plot summary below)
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An aging, disillusioned alcoholic (Nolte) gets a younger friend (Morgan) and wants him to pose as his son at a school reunion.
Leave your thoughts about Off the Black.
| One Guy's OpinionFrank SwietekTells a familiar story, but does it well enough to merit a passing grade. |
| Boston PhoenixNina MacLaughlinNolte nails the particular tragedy of the past-his-prime ex-high-school athlete. |
| culturevulture.netBeverly Berning"Off the Black" is writer/director James Ponsoldt's first movie...When I found out how young Ponsoldt is, only twenty-six, I was shocked that someone so young could have such insight into, and such empathy for, the existential disquietude of middle age. |
| Murphy's Movie ReviewsTed MurphyOFF THE BLACK is a small picture that might get lost amidall the holiday hoopla and Oscar-bait fare that is clogging the cineplexes. It's worth seeking out; those who do will find a sweet but not saccharine story. |
| The Hollywood ReporterDuane ByrgeLike a good pitcher, Trevor Morgan varies his emotions and perfectly grooves his role as the high-school star. Huffing and puffing, Nolte plops around with brilliant finesse, smartly exposing this frustrated old ballplayer's inside strength and fears. |
| L.A. WeeklyTim GriersonOff the Black gradually establishes its own peculiar cranky rhythm, fighting to resist the usual male-bonding sentimentality. But despite some nice touches, this is the sort of too-precious indie film that gives its characters unnecessary quirks. |
| St. Paul Pioneer PressChris HewittThroughout the film, there is a sense that the actors know a lot about these characters and that they believe in them. The result is a movie that we believe in, no matter where it goes. |
| TV Guide MagazineKen FoxWriter-director James Ponsoldt's first feature is a small, modest movie structured around a fairly simple situation that leaves plenty of room for some fine performances. |
| Boston GlobeTy BurrOff the Black is a small, dry, emotionally loaded short story that has been carried to film like baked fish to a platter. |
| San Francisco ChroniclePeter HartlaubThere's nothing too small about Nolte's performance. He's the perfect companion for a rookie feature film director looking to make a good first impression. |