Dear Reader: Update, Movie Review Intelligence will discontinue
publishing this website at the end of May (more...)
Search a Movie:
ARBITRAGEMovie Reviews
Suspense thriller about a hedge-fund magnate desperately trying to conceal his fraudulent business practices amid an escalating personal crisis that makes him the target of a police investigation. Cast:Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon, Brit Marling, Nate Parker, Laetitia Casta, Tim Roth, Monica Raymund, Bruce Altman, Josh Pais, William FriedkinDirector:Nicholas JareckiRelease Date:September 14, 2012DVD Release:December 21, 2012From:Roadside AttractionsRating:RLength:1 hr. 40 min.
Arbitrage played in national release to very good reviews. • Alynda Wheat wrote in People, "...creates exquisite tension and thrust by highlighting what has changed in the past quarter century: namely, us regular folk and our tolerance for white–collar creeps." • And Jeannette Catsoulis wrote for NPR, "...appealingly adult..." More Reviews Below...
Alynda Wheat, People: OUTSTANDING(cg) "...creates exquisite tension and thrust by highlighting what has changed in the past quarter century: namely, us regular folk and our tolerance for white-collar creeps."(See all of Alynda Wheat's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 205 words, 09/06/12
Mary Pols, Time: EXCELLENT "...sleek, taut... The beauty of Gere's skillful performance lies in how uncompromising it is... You're not remotely on his side, but you want to stay by his side..."(See all of Mary Pols's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 1,068 words, 09/13/12
Christy Lemire, Associated Press: VERY GOOD(cg) "...a guilty-pleasure thriller... a lurid look at a lavish lifestyle that allows us to cluck disapprovingly while still vicariously enjoying its luxurious trappings."(See all of Christy Lemire's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 633 words, 09/13/12
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly: OUTSTANDING(cg) "...a tasty financial thriller... Gere has never been more likable or alive on screen... The film uses its issues to give the audience a vital emotional workout."(See all of Owen Gleiberman's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 525 words, 09/07/12
Peter Travers, Rolling Stone: OUTSTANDING(cg) "...what a killer actor Richard Gere can be when a movie rises to his level.... His rapt, watchful performance is a thing of toxic beauty."(See all of Peter Travers's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 624 words, 08/31/12
Scott Bowles, USA Today: VERY GOOD(cg) "...overcomes some pulpy plot twists and a little anti-corporate sermonizing to become a brisk tale of a financial wizard whose sins have returned to collect a debt."(See all of Scott Bowles's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 517 words, 09/14/12
Roger Ebert, RogerEbert.com: OUTSTANDING(cg) "...a gripping thriller, so well-constructed I felt urgently involved.... an example of good writing and sound construction at the service of plausible characters."(See all of Roger Ebert's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 737 words, 09/14/12
James Rocchi, MSN Movies: VERY GOOD(cg) "...clean, lean and mean.... The technical values of the film are superlative. The cinematography by Yorick Le Saux... Cliff Martinez's score... Douglas Crise's editing..."(See all of James Rocchi's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 664 words, 09/12/12
James Berardinelli, Reel Views: VERY GOOD(cg) " 'Arbitrage's' strength is Miller's ambiguity... The screenplay keeps us guessing, which is one of the best compliments one can pay to a movie of this sort."(See all of James Berardinelli's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 718 words, 09/15/12
we have an app for when you're out and about
get our iPhone app... or get our mobile web app...
movie review intelligence
NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES/CHICAGO/TORONTO (13 Reviews)
Manohla Dargis, New York Times: GOOD (NOT GREAT) "Mr. Gere is predictably fun to watch, but his beauty and long-cultivated sympathetic screen presence make it harder for Mr. Jarecki to create the complexity that he's after."(See all of Manohla Dargis's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 611 words, 09/14/12
Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...a taut, sleek thriller that recalls parts of 'Crime and Misdemeanors' and 'The Bonfire of the Vanities,' as well as the crime novels of Scott Turow."(See all of Joe Neumaier's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 307 words, 09/14/12
Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times: VERY GOOD "As drama goes, 'Arbitrage' is a refined affair... it's an impressive feature directing debut... the crafting of this chaos is contemporary and clever."(See all of Betsy Sharkey's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 779 words, 09/14/12
Kyle Smith, New York Post: MODERATE(cg) "Every episode of 'Law & Order' I've ever seen has a more complicated and plausible plot, punchier dialogue and more New York authenticity..."(See all of Kyle Smith's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 788 words, 09/14/12
Michael Phillips, Chicago Tribune: VERY GOOD(cg) "Jarecki treats most every character as a smart person with something to say... Gere delivers one of his most quick-witted performances..."(See all of Michael Phillips's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 417 words, 09/14/12
Rafer Guzman, New York Newsday: VERY GOOD(cg) "...gets away with a few crime-flick cliches because it's also a thoughtful character study. Gere gives this fraudulent kabillionaire such warmth and charm..."(See all of Rafer Guzman's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 355 words, 09/14/12
Bilge Ebiri, New York Magazine: EXCELLENT "...insanely gripping... There are holes in the plot, but somehow we don't mind... for all the unbearable tension of Jarecki's script, the central attraction is the man..."(See all of Bilge Ebiri's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 683 words, 09/13/12
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: OUTSTANDING(cg) "...a gripping thriller, so well-constructed I felt urgently involved.... an example of good writing and sound construction at the service of plausible characters."(See all of Roger Ebert's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 737 words, 09/14/12
Michael Atkinson, Village Voice/LA Weekly: EXCELLENT "Jarecki slices his cake and has it, too: We bizarrely empathize with the amoral hero's stressed-out tightrope walk... Gere is so convincing..."(See all of Michael Atkinson's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 217 words, 09/12/12
Geoff Pevere, Toronto Globe & Mail: VERY GOOD(cg) "Gere gets the role he has been suiting up for ever since he was first designer-dressed for a murder rap in 'American Gigolo.' "(See all of Geoff Pevere's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 580 words, 09/28/12
Norman Wilner, Toronto Now: WEAK(cg) "There's nothing wrong with a filmmaker liking his character and wanting to protect him, but even Oliver Stone eventually figured out Gordon Gekko was an asshole."(See all of Norman Wilner's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 261 words, 09/27/12
KEY CITIES (12 Reviews)
Ann Hornaday, Washington Post: VERY GOOD(cg) "...silky, sophisticated... finds Gere utterly in his prime... It also gets terrific supporting turns right down the line... Susan Sarandon... Brit Marling... Nate Parker..."(See all of Ann Hornaday's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 567 words, 09/14/12
Steven Rea, Philadelphia Inquirer: VERY GOOD(cg) "...slick and suspenseful... But in the end, 'Arbitrage' disappoints a bit. The writing isn't as sharp, or sophisticated, as it needs be."(See all of Steven Rea's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 450 words, 09/14/12
Bill Goodykoontz, Arizona Republic: EXCELLENT(cg) "...surprisingly entertaining... it is Gere who carries the film. His performance makes 'Arbitrage' a great start for Jarecki and a terrific return to form for Gere."(See all of Bill Goodykoontz's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 577 words, 09/14/12
Ty Burr, Boston Globe: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...a breezy watch, with good performances that don't cut very deep and an eye for décor but little interest in what it's decorating. What's missing, really, is outrage..."(See all of Ty Burr's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 668 words, 09/14/12
Amy Biancolli, San Francisco Chronicle: POOR(cg) "...smooth but snooze-inducing... features an exceedingly dapper Richard Gere in a series of nice suits and handsome close-ups that serve no purpose..."(See all of Amy Biancolli's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 386 words, 09/14/12
Moira Macdonald, Seattle Times: VERY GOOD(cg) "An efficient, sleek little thriller... a fine showcase for the silky talents of Richard Gere, who's so smooth here you could spread him on toast."(See all of Moira Macdonald's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 387 words, 09/14/12
Shawn Levy, Portland Oregonian: VERY GOOD(cg) " 'Arbitrage' is a mirror on the audience, making us realize that we're complicit, if only vicariously, in some crimes which we ought to deplore."(See all of Shawn Levy's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 338 words, 09/14/12
Joe Williams, St. Louis Post-Dispatch: VERY GOOD(cg) "Paced like a slick '80s thriller but themed for millennial relevance, 'Arbitrage' splits the difference with a confidently cruising Gere."(See all of Joe Williams's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 371 words, 09/14/12
Steve Persall, Tampa Bay Times: EXCELLENT(cg) "...a classy soap opera with a charismatic louse at its center, without 'Margin Call' didactics, or the misplaced empathy of 'The Company Men'.... simply good trash."(See all of Steve Persall's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 326 words, 09/13/12
Tom Long, Detroit News: FAIR(cg) "This might be effective if there were any reason on earth to care about Robert Miller. But there isn't. He's filthy rich and does all the wrong things.... mediocre at best."(See all of Tom Long's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 285 words, 09/14/12
Rene Rodriguez, Miami Herald: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "...polished, tense... 'Arbitrage' could have used a couple more plot turns... But Gere keeps you hanging in there... the actor almost makes you root for him..."(See all of Rene Rodriguez's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 460 words, 09/14/12
ALTERNATIVE/INDIE PRESS (8 Reviews)
Michael Atkinson, Village Voice/LA Weekly: EXCELLENT "Jarecki slices his cake and has it, too: We bizarrely empathize with the amoral hero's stressed-out tightrope walk... Gere is so convincing..."(See all of Michael Atkinson's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 217 words, 09/12/12
Peter Keough, Boston Phoenix: MODERATE(cg) "Enough of all this whining about the millions of regular people ruined... how about a movie sympathizing with one of the unfortunate guys responsible?"(See all of Peter Keough's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 165 words, 09/13/12
Noel Murray, AV Club: VERY GOOD(cg) "...never dull.... Nicholas Jarecki does get across something meaningful about how for a certain type of person, everything in life is a negotiation."(See all of Noel Murray's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 243 words, 01/23/12
Amy Nicholson, Movieline: GOOD (NOT GREAT)(cg) "Compared to an episode of your average television procedural, 'Arbitrage' has double the runtime and half the suspense... Jarecki's fatalism works against the film."(See all of Amy Nicholson's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 840 words, 09/13/12
Glenn Heath Jr., Slant: VERY GOOD(cg) "Hollywood has always loved a good bastard... invigorating, mostly thanks to Nicholas Jarecki's sharp script and excellent direction of the talented cast."(See all of Glenn Heath Jr.'s reviews...)(Read the full review...) 678 words, 09/09/12
Norman Wilner, Toronto Now: WEAK(cg) "There's nothing wrong with a filmmaker liking his character and wanting to protect him, but even Oliver Stone eventually figured out Gordon Gekko was an asshole."(See all of Norman Wilner's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 261 words, 09/27/12
Curt Holman, Atlanta Creative Loafing: WEAK(cg) "...the dramatic stakes remain stubbornly low and the film echoes the visual blandness of an investment prospectus.... 'Arbitrage's' conflicts come across as misdemeanors..."(See all of Curt Holman's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 559 words, 09/13/12
HIGHBROW PRESS (5 Reviews)
Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal: EXCELLENT " 'Arbitrage' doesn't play, sound, look or feel like a first feature. It could readily be mistaken for the work of an experienced and justifiably self-confident filmmaker..."(See all of Joe Morgenstern's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 387 words, 09/14/12
Manohla Dargis, New York Times: GOOD (NOT GREAT) "Mr. Gere is predictably fun to watch, but his beauty and long-cultivated sympathetic screen presence make it harder for Mr. Jarecki to create the complexity that he's after."(See all of Manohla Dargis's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 611 words, 09/14/12
Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times: VERY GOOD "As drama goes, 'Arbitrage' is a refined affair... it's an impressive feature directing debut... the crafting of this chaos is contemporary and clever."(See all of Betsy Sharkey's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 779 words, 09/14/12
MOVIE INDUSTRY (6 Reviews)
Peter Debruge, Daily Variety: VERY GOOD "...a professional, morally thorny thriller that gives auds all the more reason to resent those responsible for the current financial mess."(See all of Peter Debruge's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 792 words, 01/22/12
John DeFore, Hollywood Reporter: VERY GOOD "Familiar but not stale.... Jarecki's script touches lightly on issues of class and race, and Gere handles confrontations with finesse..."(See all of John DeFore's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 412 words, 01/22/12
Betsy Sharkey, Los Angeles Times: VERY GOOD "As drama goes, 'Arbitrage' is a refined affair... it's an impressive feature directing debut... the crafting of this chaos is contemporary and clever."(See all of Betsy Sharkey's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 779 words, 09/14/12
Emanuel Levy, Cinema 24/7: EXCELLENT(cg) "...a taut and timely thriller, grounded in our turbulent socio-political contexts.... The main reason why this suspenseful thrill works is its accomplished ensemble..."(See all of Emanuel Levy's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 523 words, 09/12/12
Manohla Dargis, New York Times: GOOD (NOT GREAT) "Mr. Gere is predictably fun to watch, but his beauty and long-cultivated sympathetic screen presence make it harder for Mr. Jarecki to create the complexity that he's after."(See all of Manohla Dargis's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 611 words, 09/14/12
Joe Morgenstern, Wall Street Journal: EXCELLENT " 'Arbitrage' doesn't play, sound, look or feel like a first feature. It could readily be mistaken for the work of an experienced and justifiably self-confident filmmaker..."(See all of Joe Morgenstern's reviews...)(Read the full review...) 387 words, 09/14/12
15.1 Percentage Points Average Difference Between Reviews (Norm is 18.4pp; <18.4pp = More Consistent; >18.4pp = More Mixed)
Arbitrage's reviews are separated by an average 15.1 percentage points. The norm for this measure is 18.4 percentage points. Less than 18.4 indicates more consistent reviews; greater than 18.4 indicates more mixed reviews. In the chart below, each dot represents a review, with the dots at the top more positive than the dots at the bottom. From left to right, the dots represent reviews in big, bigger and biggest publications. Roll over each dot for more detail.
Arbitrage (44 reviews) Roll over dots for each review
Coverage:Arbitrage's reviews cover 87.9% of potential readers (average is 67.9%). Volume:The film's reviews total 22,579 words involume (average is 20,172 words). Length:The film's reviews average 513 words in length (the norm is 517 words).
Reviews Broke 7 Days Before Release (Norm is 1.2 Release)
Arbitrage's reviews on average broke 7 days before opening. Norm for this measure is 1.2 hours before. The chart below shows reviews on opening day and the days before and after opening; the left side is earlier and the right side is later. The red bars extending above the horizontal mid-line represent more positive reviews, and the red bars extending below represent more negative reviews. The white space/red bar in the middle is Arbitrage's opening day. Click on any bar for a list of the reviews for that day.
Mobile Web App version 1.2 shows a list of all current movies and review information. You can click through to the cast, director, synopsis, release date and rating on page two, plus individual reviews on page three. The information is updated on a live/real-time basis. You can also search our database of films. Designed for when you're on the move and want the latest info, this app will work on any mobile web browser. From your mobile device -- only from a mobile device -- open our Mobile Web App here...
