Becoming

"For every sobering note, Becoming has a dozen uplifting moments."

"It is structured like a rock star documentary, but with a book tour instead of a concert tour. And what is Obama if not a rock star?"

"Some would call this picture flattering — not unflattering, anyway — though it strikes me as a believable picture of a person who doesn’t need flattery, either to look good or to feel good about herself."

"Without being revelatory, the documentary shows the events that made her, points to the things that inspire her and leaves viewers hanging as to where we're likely to see Michelle Obama next — or if that's even the question we're supposed to ask."

"There’s no way to experience Becoming apolitically, not now. You don’t have to consider it first-rate documentary filmmaking of any sort to feel something watching it."

"This is Obama’s own film, so we can’t expect any tough scrutiny. The nearest we get to her losing her cool comes when her elder brother, Craig, starts mocking her outfit, with what looks a high belt – and she doesn’t like it one bit."

"Is “Becoming” about the book tour? The book itself? Obama’s life? Or what’s next for her? At under 90 minutes, Hallgren’s film doesn’t have the time to truly dig into those deeper questions..."