Critical reception
Mike McCahill for The Guardian gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, describing it as a conventional rock documentary that offered a candid look at the singer's post-Oasis challenges and personal growth, highlighting both his enduring charisma and emerging humility. [4] Frank Scheck for The Hollywood Reporter praised Liam Gallagher's "electrifying presence", but criticised the direction of the film, referring to the film as "self-aggrandizing promotional project that the famously arrogant pop star would have once sneered at". [1] Chris Willman for Variety commented that As It Was was a limited documentary that, while benefiting from Gallagher's personality and candid humour, failed to fully explore the complexity of his post-Oasis career and instead becomes a celebratory promotional piece. [7]
Ian Freer for Empire noted the film benefits from Gallagher's charisma and humour, but criticised the film for lacking a clear point of view, critical engagement, or stylistic innovation. [8] Michael Rechtshaffen for The Los Angeles Times criticised the depiction of Gallagher, suggesting that his personality was santised for the film. He also commented that the film felt like a promotional piece, especially with its release coinciding with the release of Gallagher's second solo studio album, Why Me? Why Not. [9] Jordan Bassett for NME gave the documentary 4 out of 5 stars, praising it as an intimate insight into Gallagher's life since the split of Oasis. [10]
