Colton of The Daily Rotation wrote, "Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut is the semi-romantic crowd pleaser Quartet starring Maggie Smith, Billy Connolly, Tom Courtenay, Pauline Collins, and Michael Gambon. The film had its world premiere at this year’s Toronto International Film Festival and is now making the festival rounds, including the 2012 Milwaukee Film Festival, before it’s limited release later this year. Quartet brings together Oscar-nominated actors for a light and slightly romantic film with a thin narrative. It’s destined to play well for older audiences but it may be too fluffy to gain serious attention during the upcoming award season."
TF:
As cozy as a mug of Horlicks inside an electric blanket, Hoffman’s film couldn’t offend if it tried. Age, however, has yet to wither its veterans’ undimmed star appeal.
ShockYa: A tepid autumnal dramedy aimed at aging boomer fans of arthouse fare like “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” “Mao’s Last Dancer” and “The Full Monty,” “Quartet” represents Dustin Hoffman’s directorial debut, but it’s shot through with so little in terms of conflict, stakes or even passion as to leave one questioning the very reason for its existence, let alone the legendary actor’s attachment to the material. Though rooted in a true story, the thinly sketched “Quartet” fails to ignite either much excitement of imagination or identification, resulting in an amiable bore.
THR:
Oscar winner Maggie Smith, Tom Courtenay, Billy Connolly and Pauline Collins are all singing from Dustin Hoffman’s song sheet for his U.K. set directorial debut Quartet.
Hoffman’s cast, looking like a who’s who of British talent, also includes Sheridan Smith and Michael Gambon and is set to shoot for nine weeks, beginning this week.
