From A.O. Scott:

The formula is simple: two people, a few instruments, 88 minutes and not a single false note.

From Ken Turan:

Do you believe in magic? Do you think small can be beautiful? Are you looking for a little film you can make your own, an enchanting, unpretentious blend of music and romance you can watch forever? If you do, "Once" is about to come into your life and make it whole.

I really enjoyed this film. I saw it on the art house circuit and figured that would be it. But last weekend it was part of the preview package at a regular AMC theater, so I guess it's getting wider distribution after all. (Right now it's at Tara in ATL, but only through Thursday.)