Film Threat

The Starling is trying to be a feel-good movie about finding hope in dark times. That’s admirable, but the main problem is that it does it in such a down-the-middle, straightforward way. As a result, there aren’t any surprises and at least a few missed opportunities. Still, Melissa McCarthy and Kevin Kline are worth the price of admission alone.

A review by Andy Howell for Film Threat on 2021-09-15

The A.V. Club

The saddest thing about all of this is that McCarthy and O’Dowd make a convincing onscreen couple, and both of them are strong enough actors to find the real, defeated people in this phony script.

A review by Katie Rife for The A.V. Club on 2021-09-16

Paste Magazine

With all the elements on hand to achieve something of note, The Starling disappointingly reduces the complexity of loss, grief and forgiveness into a birdbrained fairy tale that is more than happy to bypass reality in order to make a featherlight point.

A review by Tara Bennett for Paste Magazine on 2021-09-20

Los Angeles Times

It may seem churlish to knock a film that works so hard to present everyday, well-meaning folks facing unspeakable, real-life pain. But between the picture’s uncertain tone, quirky-for-quirk’s-sake elements and such self-conscious dialogue as “What color is the sky in your world, kemo sabe?” it’s tough to be all that supportive.

A review by Gary Goldstein for Los Angeles Times on 2021-09-17

Variety

Suffice it to say that The Starling’s emotional arcs are as narratively complete as they are psychologically dashed-off.

A review by Guy Lodge for Variety on 2021-09-12

Screen Daily

The actors lend sincerity to the proceedings, but the film keeps cheating to achieve its dramatic payoffs.

A review by Tim Grierson for Screen Daily on 2021-09-12

TheWrap

The smooth professionalism of so many outstanding participants can’t help but elevate a very ordinary film a little bit higher. Despite the best efforts of both McCarthy and O’Dowd, though, there’s never a moment where it truly takes flight.

A review by Elizabeth Weitzman for TheWrap on 2021-09-12

Chicago Sun-Times

So much talent — and everyone goes down with the ship in one of the worst movies of 2021.

A review by Richard Roeper for Chicago Sun-Times on 2021-09-22

Screen Rant

What could have been a thoughtful, poignant story about loss ended up being an unfortunate misfire.

A review by Mae Abdulbaki for Screen Rant on 2021-09-13

The Hollywood Reporter

With a predictable trajectory and cringeworthy metaphors, The Starling is so slushily sentimental it makes the typical tearjerker look like a noir. Despite the lived-in performances from its three high-profile stars, this attempt at heartfelt drama is hopelessly by-the-numbers.

A review by Caryn James for The Hollywood Reporter on 2021-09-12

San Francisco Chronicle

McCarthy is one of our finest physical comedians. Every moment of physical comedy she performs here is cringey.

A review by Carla Meyer for San Francisco Chronicle on 2021-09-14

The Irish Times

There are plenty of reasons to yell at The Starling. The pile-up of dreary sub-country songs eventually takes on the quality of something the CIA would have played outside General Noriega’s compound.

A review by Donald Clarke for The Irish Times on 2021-09-27

The New York Times

Blatant product placement, unconvincing bird effects and awful soundtrack selections all undermine a potentially wrenching, difficult premise with utter bogusness.

A review by Ben Kenigsberg for The New York Times on 2021-09-23