70
Metascore
33 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 88Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertSean Penn('s) performances are master classes in the art of character development.
- 83Portland OregonianShawn LevyPortland OregonianShawn LevyAmazing as Penn is, Morton is his equal, creating a complete personality out of gestures, glances and unadorned bits of actorly business.
- 80Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonPenn's performance is the movie's ultimate grace note. As funny and ingenious as Allen's films can get, they are rarely known for depth of character.
- 80Dallas ObserverAndy KleinDallas ObserverAndy KleinIt is engaging, touching, and frequently funny. Maybe because his hero is inarticulate and his heroine is mute, Allen relies far more than usual on physical comedy than on the verbal jokes that are his strongest comic suit.
- 75New York Daily NewsJack MathewsNew York Daily NewsJack MathewsPenn hasn't attempted much comedy since "Fast Times at Ridgemont High," but he's masterful here.
- 75San Francisco ChronicleEdward GuthmannSan Francisco ChronicleEdward GuthmannThe best reason in years to reconsider (Woody Allen).
- 70NewsweekDavid AnsenNewsweekDavid AnsenDoesn't add up to any big deal. But it's a likable, lively little ditty -- one theme, some clever variations -- that never wears out its welcome.
- 67Seattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam ArnoldSeattle Post-IntelligencerWilliam ArnoldA real showcase for Penn, who seems to positively delight in playing a slimy, hateful character that most stars would not go near.
- 50Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittPenn's excellent acting doesn't raise his character above the level of familiar clichés about woman-chasing jazzmen.
- 30Film.comPeter BrunetteFilm.comPeter BrunetteA dud. Neither sweet nor low-down enough by half.