“The problem is that the lyrical visuals are constantly undone by the screenplay’s dull literal-mindedness. And if, by any chance, you happen to have missed this story’s honkingly obvious metaphors, don’t worry because these guys explain everything you’re seeing in laborious detail. You’ll wish you could watch it with the sound turned off.” – The Improper Bostonian, 11/28/2012

“First and foremost, it’s nimble-footed, crowd-pleasing entertainment. Tasked with dramatizing some of the most significant moments of the 19th century, Spielberg shoots the picture as a bustling ensemble comedy. There’s little pageantry here, just a lot of deeply flawed, quicksilver wits trying to muddle their way through the course of American history.” – The Improper Bostonian, 11/14/2012