Ruben Guthrie

"Ruben Guthrie is not perfect. It is short, sharp, funny – laugh-out-loud funny - bold, rude, showy, loud, clever, original, witty, smart and very impressive to look at. But it is not perfect, one suspects, because it realises all of those other qualities are far more important to aim for in terms of pleasing an audience."

"The dark side of Aussie drinking culture is examined in helmer Brendan Cowell's entertaining adaptation of his hit play."

"As high spirited as the subject matter, delving into the social pressures surrounding the drinking culture and its effects on life, love and family"

"As an ad man in AA, Patrick Brammall convinces in Brendan Cowell’s film debut, whose glossy cynicism comes from a thoughtful place – the theatre."

"Behind the comedy, amid the swirl of brand names, the loneliness at the heart of his struggle with alcohol is thought-provoking. At least until the festival party beckons. Now where's the bar?"

"Despite Brammall’s best efforts, it’s hard to latch onto Ruben as a figure of empathy."

"Not amusing enough to get away with its titular character’s utter objectionableness."

"Sails breezily along with terrific dialogue, great performances and an extremely relatable story. It's excellent contemporary entertainment."