70
Metascore
8 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittShould be required viewing for every concerned citizen.
- Neither hectoring nor sanctimonious, the film plays like an illustrated version of Barbara Ehrenreich's recent best-seller "Nickel and Dimed," and has an editing style that's brisk and unexploitative.
- 80Village VoiceVillage VoiceWeisberg, whose stripped-down style seems refreshing amid the current spate of super-produced docs, gives you what you want, if what you want are dismally deferred American Dreams and harsh economic realities. And you should.
- 75New York PostV.A. MusettoNew York PostV.A. MusettoWeisberg is nonjudgmental, allowing his subjects to deliver the message that, for far too many people, the American dream is more of a nightmare.
- 75San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleSan Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleIntends to inspire outrage, and to an extent it succeeds.
- 70The A.V. ClubNoel MurrayThe A.V. ClubNoel MurrayWaging A Living's biggest failing is that Weisberg gives his subjects too much of a pass when it comes to their bad past romantic and career choices.
- 70Los Angeles TimesKevin CrustLos Angeles TimesKevin CrustThrough sensitive, in-depth profiles of four workers, Weisberg drives home the point that hard-working men and women with full-time jobs find themselves and their families trapped in a seemingly endless cycle of poverty.
- 40L.A. WeeklyHazel-Dawn DumpertL.A. WeeklyHazel-Dawn DumpertThe lack of cohesion and conviction is disconcerting, and it allows the movie to veer dangerously close to exploitation. Its subjects -- and its viewers -- deserve more.