60
Metascore
9 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 80Chicago ReaderChicago ReaderThe detail captured by Kraus's scrupulously neutral camera adds up to a fascinating, fully realized portrait of the man and the job.
- 70VarietyDennis HarveyVarietyDennis HarveyEqual parts colorful character study and real-world procedural, docu by Daniel Kraus retains interest throughout, even if it delivers just partial insight into the man, job and milieu.
- 70The A.V. ClubNoel MurrayThe A.V. ClubNoel MurrayBut without taking anything away from Frederick Wiseman, who remains a master, Sheriff is almost as good any documentary he's made.
- 63New York PostRussell Scott SmithNew York PostRussell Scott SmithAn admirably realistic portrait of police life.
- 60Film ThreatMerle BertrandFilm ThreatMerle BertrandA stripped-down, small town "COPS" without the flashy editing and hip-hop soundtrack.
- 60The New York TimesAnita GatesThe New York TimesAnita GatesSheriff may have a point to make about the impact of family, roots and religion on the changing face of rural America, but the film, while admirably restrained and competently made, is too polite to clarify that.
- 60TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghTV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonaghThere's no downside to a reminder that not every beefy, God-talking sheriff is a bigoted cracker, and Kraus' short, no-frills documentary is a model of fly-on-the-wall filmmaking.
- 50Village VoiceVillage VoiceThere's so little meat to his likable subject that the endeavor proves less "Cops" and more "The Andy Griffith Show."
- 50Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittSome of the material is dramatic, other bits are dull.