written and directed by Stephen Kijak, this sweetly nostalgic look at lost boys and lonely girls feels like it comes straight from the heart; This is a tender story of teen ennui that almost anyone can enjoy
the result is imperfect, but its messaging and execution is a lot more resonant than I expected going in---a less successful sibling to "Blinded By the Light"
on paper, "Shoplifters of the World" had the right ingredients, but the inherent lack of personality or exploration into who The Smiths were only creates confusion
it's an exuberant, lighthearted coming-of-age story that deals superficially with issues of identity and sexuality (and features its best performance from Joe Manganiello as the surprisingly introspective metalhead DJ)
a heartfelt coming-of-age drama that perfectly embodies the youthful angst, ennui and romantic longing expressed so well in the music of the Smiths; If you love The Smiths.. you're likely to swoon for "Shoplifters of the World"
"Shoplifters of the World" is appropriately gloomy and self-absorbed, but it's seldom interesting, missing a cathartic push that typically comes with this type of loose multi-character study
by David Robb [Slant Magazine ]
by Katie Walsh [Tribune News Service ]
