In her review for The Film Stage, Kristy Puchko starts right off with her attention focused on Keanu Reeves. She voices what many probably thought but were afraid to say, namely how strange for one half of the goofy pair from Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure to be hosting the debate on photochemical film vs. digital. She continues saying:
…he’s the perfect guide for a journey through this complicated issue, both as the face of The Matrix, which questioned what is real and what is a construct of a computer, and as an actor whose had to adapt to the different workflow that digital demands. Plus, his infinitely-relaxed persona effortlessly sets each of his interviewees at ease, allowing for a frank and eye-opening conversation about the pros and cons of film and digital filmmaking.
After giving a short summary of the film, she notes that:
For while it is jam-packed with the kind of perspective and facts that would require multiple views to properly retain, what makes Side by Side all the more extraordinary is that its wonderfully entertaining.
The entire review can be read at the link above.