Best two reviews:
1) Variety - Upending the conventions of the musical rise-and-fall formula while still offering a relatively straightforward three-act narrative, the film is anchored by an Ethan Hawke performance that ranks among the best of his career. (Rating: 80) Read Full Review >
2) The Globe and Mail (Toronto) - Budreau constructs with imagination and pleasing fluidity, painting a portrait with a soft, sympathetic focus while steering clear of worship. (Rating: 75) Read Full Review >

Worst two reviews:
5) The Guardian - Born to be Blue is a curious mixture of fact and fiction, cliche and originality, style and emotion � it never truly soars but by throwing the ingredients of Baker�s life together and producing something different, it�s never less than intriguing. (Rating: 60) Read Full Review >
6) The Hollywood Reporter - Hawke is natural casting as Baker, sharing enough facial similarities to capture some of the late jazz icon's chiseled, hollow-cheeked, fallen-angel beauty. He gives an unshowy and vanity-free performance, all soft-spoken mischief and brittle arrogance, but laced with just enough blood, sweat and tears. (Rating: 50) Read Full Review >