The Theory of Everything

"Stephen Hawking is without doubt one of the great minds of our time and demonstrably a champion for the cause of overcoming insurmountable obstacles. Yet when it comes to mainstream cinema, the Hollywood factory line would normally break down in the face of a wheelchair-bound hero spouting mind-breaking astrophysics through a mechanical voice."

"Can’t help but recall earlier disability dramas like “My Left Foot” and “The Diving Bell and the Butterfly.”"

"A lovingly balanced biopic that fends off award-gobbling clichés. Smarts + heart = a winner: it’s a simple equation, but Marsh makes it add up."

"At its best (which is often), director James Marsh’s affecting biopic of the cosmos-rattling astrophysicist Stephen Hawking plays deftly against schmaltz."

"It's a film to leave you reeling but cheered, too. It's about battling love, as well as illness. A universal story, extracted from a unique one."

"Despite a handsome production and two genuinely brilliant lead performances, The Theory Of Everything stumbles into virtually every pitfall that afflicts biopics about geniuses."

"Lacks big highs, the lows are few and far between."

"A compassionate and inspiring look at an extraordinary life, anchored by two of the best performances of the year."