Steal This Story, Please!: reviews

What the critics say average 7.5 from 20 outlets

• 10 Film ThreatAndy Howell Steal This Story, Please! is not just an important film but a great one. It will entertain, inform, and might even change your views about the world and the kind of person you can become. Read
• 9.0 Ithaca TimesClement Tyler Obropta Perhaps the best journalism film since Spotlight.
• 8.8 The Movie CricketSean P. Means "Steal This Story, Please!" showcases Goodman's work, and her philosophy that any journalist could do what she does, if they want to stand up to their corporate bosses.
• 8.3 Movie MomNell Minow Goodman reports the facts from the perspective nearly all other journalists overlook, the impact of the news on ordinary people. It is a welcome reminder that irritating, provocative, relentless journalists are an indispensable foundation for democracy. Read
• 8.0 New York TimesAlissa Wilkinson Goodman's career is fascinating on its own merits, and the film is full of footage of her doggedly chasing down politicians and sources who clearly would prefer to control their own story. But more important, the movie gradually explores the fundamentals of journalism that she believes in and passes on to colleagues. Read
• 8.0 Screen DailyLee Marshall Goodman emerges as a passionate advocacy journalist but also a well-navigated professional who is wise to the tricks of the trade and prepared to use them. Read
• 8.0 The GuardianPeter Bradshaw This documentary from Carl Deal and Tia Lessin is a portrait of Goodman and her life and times. The title is her somewhat ironic mantra: please, everybody, by all means steal our stories about corruption and demagoguery. Read
• 8.0 Financial TimesDanny Leigh ...modern times give the film extra relevance... Read
• 8.0 FilmInkAlireza Hatamvand ...an informative yet engaging film that may change the way we think about the media. Read
• 8.0 Alliance of Women Film JournalistsMonique Jones Goodman's commitment to humanizing the subjects of her stories exemplifies how one person can make a difference by using their voice to inspire others to stand up for what's right in the world. Read
• 7.5 LAistPeter Rainer It's a very strong documentary because she's such a strong protagonist. Read
• 7.5 East Bay ExpressKelly Vance Goodman is the definition of indefatigable. Veteran filmmakers Tessin and Deal (Citizen Koch) run themselves ragged trying to keep up with her. Read
• 7.5 The Arts FusePeter Keough Like one of Goodman's shows, the film is briskly put together, breathlessly intercutting its sometimes harrowing footage with the occasional heartwarming scene. Read
• 7.0 48 HillsDennis Harvey There's something wistfully sad as well as inspiring about Steal This Story, Please! Read
• 6.3 Roger EbertZachary Lee Throughout her career, Goodman has found a way to keep her eye on the prize, focusing on what matters, cutting through the fat, and making sure to platform the very stories that might otherwise be overlooked. Though didactic, "Steal This Story, Please!" serves as an invitation to embody these values in your own life and work. Read
• 6.3 Film Freak CentralAngelo Muredda Steal This Story, Please! is much more interesting when Deal and Lessin hone in on some of Goodman's more singular, quixotic pursuits. Read
• 6.0 Next Best PictureJosh Parham Anyone seeking something with more depth will not find it here, but there are still worthy stories to tell. Read
• 6.0 The GateAndrew Parker It's a tried and true documentary template employed with few stylistic or editorial surprises, but the film accomplishes its main goal which is to show why Goodman's work matters now more than ever. Read
• 5.8 IndiewireChristian Zilko Steal This Story, Please! is the kind of film that has no problem sacrificing artistic merit if it means inspiring a few more people to get out and protest. Read
• 5.0 Highbrow MagazineMark Orwoll Goodman isn't part of this film's problems. She's a force of nature. Read