Judy reviews: What do critics think of Judy? 'Renee Zellweger could win second Oscar'

Judy Garland is an iconic Hollywood figure, with an unmistakable voice and stage presence. She delighted fans for years with her films, records and stage productions. But now she has been played on screen by another great performer of their time, Renee Zellweger.

What do critics think of Judy?

Renee Zellweger has received heaps of praise for her performance in Judy, not least in the Express.co.uk review of the film.

Zellweger captures Garland’s imperfections in such a way which breaks the audience’s hearts as they watch those around her neglect her issues as she tries to hold herself together.

Many other critics have felt similarly about Judy, praising Zellweger’s performance above all.

Rolling Stone’s Peter Travers said of Zellweger’s performance: “Renée Zellweger performs miracles playing Judy Garland: singing her heart out, baring her bruised soul and acting with a ferocity that ultimately rises to a state of grace.”

TIME magazine’s Stephanie Zacharek echoed this as he said: “Zellweger paints shadows of nuance into her portrayal of a performer who invites easy caricature – and she sings, too.”

Sara Stewart of the New York Post said: “No matter how well you know ‘Over the Rainbow’ you may never hear it as heartbreakingly performed as Zellweger sings it here.”

Phil De Semlyen, Time Out’s critic, said that Zellweger was an essential part of the film, saying: “Its trump card, of course, is Zellweger, who blows through the film in a gust of jittery energy, wounded ego and half-buried star quality.”

Film Threat’s Alan Ng continued the Zellweger praise as he said: “If there was ever a film that screamed Best Actress Oscar-bait, it’s Judy. 

“But damn, Renée Zellweger is absolutely fantastic in this role, and absolutely deserves Best Actress honours. 

“Yes, I know the year’s not over yet, but the bar is set high.”

Digital Spy’s Ian Sandwell points out that while Judy elevates this movie, it does not quite save it.

He said: “It’s a five-star performance in a three-star movie, but that won’t rule her out of Oscar contention just because the movie isn’t quite award-worthy.”

Sandwell also compared her performance to Rami Malek in Freddie Mercury biopic Bohemian Rhapsody, for which he won the Oscar.

At the point of his win, the film itself had not been lauded – it was his performance which really elevated to the movie and gained it Oscar attention – so much so that it also won two prizes for editing and one for sound mixing.

Perhaps it will be the same for Zellweger, who will help elevate Judy thanks to her incredible performance as the Hollywood starlet.

At present, Judy averages a score of 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes for critical reviews, as well as 89 percent audience score, meaning it has been certified as “fresh.”

On Metacritic, another review aggregate site, Judy gained a slightly lower score of 65 out of 100, with an audience score of 7.3.

Judy is in cinemas from October 4