It's the way that the movie feels so cold, and incurious, despite its incredible detail (it's a rare Netflix original film where constant pausing might make it even better) dynamic cinematography (using wide and full aspect ratios for narrative purposes) and general glimmers of newness. (rogerebert.com)
This societal structure is so impractical it's funny, though it serves its ultimate narrative purpose of providing rabid YA fanboys and girls with the same fantasy tribalism that was an appealing foundation for the Harry Potter series. (waytooindie.com)
Critics Consensus: Laden with schmaltz and largely bereft of evident narrative purpose, North represents an early major disappointment from previously sure - handed director Rob Reiner. (rottentomatoes.com)