Set in 1930s London, The Critic draws from a 2015 novel (Curtain Call) authored by Anthony Quinn.  The owner of The Daily Chronicle newspaper has passed away and the business has been handed to his middle-aged son, David (Strong), who is looking to restore the struggling paper to its rightful place as a widely read, family-friendly publication.  Redundancies will be required.

One individual in his sights is Jimmy Erksine (McKellen), a theatre critic for 40+ years who has developed a reputation for his humorous barbs and brutal insults.  He’s an arrogant, self-centred person (“I doubt out readers can read”) with a penchant for cigarettes and alcohol… but he’s still incredibly powerful person who few can stand up to.  His pen has the sway to make or break a theatrical production.

The firm advice from David is to tone down the negativity (“more beauty, less beast”) but Jimmy is undeterred.  Tapping into the “freedom of expression” argument, he’s sticking with the harsh approach which has built his reputation.  The film might get you thinking about the obligations of critics and at what point the metaphorical line is crossed.  Which side will you take – David’s or Jimmy’s?

That’s about as far as my interest levels were maintained as the second half develops into a contrived, less-nuanced thriller involving a wannabe actress, Nina Land (Arterton), who seeks Jimmy’s critical favour.  Power games ensue and the narrative becomes less about freedom of speech, and more about silly plot twists (which I won’t spoil) to keep audiences guessing.  The characters struggle to stay true to themselves.

Academy Award nominee Ian McKellen (Gods & Monsters), now 85 years of age, has fun as the film’s title curmudgeon but he doesn’t get a lot of support from the script or the supporting players.  As an openly gay man, he can relate to another of the film’s themes – his character is a closeted homosexual who risks being arrested for “indecent behaviour.”  However, I’m not sure this subplot is given ample time nor is it telling us anything new.

The Critic starts with promise but fizzles out in the later stages.