62
Metascore
20 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 91Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittTim Robbins gives a strong performance in this first-class horror yarn, which has a surprisingly strong political edge.
- 90The New York TimesJanet MaslinThe New York TimesJanet MaslinThe ending of Jacob's Ladder, when it finally arrives, is, like much of the film, both quaint and devastating.
- 88Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertThis movie left me reeling with turmoil and confusion, with feelings of sadness and despair. Those are the notes it strives for.
- 88ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliI wouldn't go so far as to classify Jacob's Ladder as a masterpiece, but it is smart and compelling and unquestionably worth a first or second look.
- 88TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineTruly frightening and visually unique, this messy, challenging film is anchored by Tim Robbins' remarkable performance.
- 80Chicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumChicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumThanks to a remarkable script by Bruce Joel Rubin and the directorial skills of Adrian Lyne, this works as both a highly effective stream-of-consciousness puzzle thriller offering the viewer not one but many "solutions" and an emotionally persuasive statement about the plight of many American vets who fought in Vietnam.
- 60Washington PostWashington PostTrue to his resume, director Lyne produces a frenetic battery of visceral images, ominous music and that ol' faithful standby, the eerie background chorus. To give Lyne his relentless due, this does make for some heart-thumping moments. But it also causes Ladder to fall ultimately flat on its surrealistic face, the victim of too many fake-art sequences.
- 60EmpireEmpireDespite all the confusion, it's a simple case of the script being too ambitious. It may emulate a man experiencing flashbacks, but it doesn't help the audience.
- 30VarietyVarietyJacob's Ladder means to be a harrowing thriller about a Vietnam vet (Tim Robbins) bedeviled by strange visions, but the $40 million production is dull, unimaginative and pretentious.
- 30Washington PostHal HinsonWashington PostHal HinsonHere, Lyne indulges more in misdirection than in direction; he's a magician turning a sleazy trick. But even his technical skill breaks down. The picture is garbled and cliched.