75
Metascore
32 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 88Charlotte ObserverLawrence ToppmanCharlotte ObserverLawrence ToppmanTo adapt it for a 130-minute movie, Irving ruthlessly cut away subplots, eliminated supporting characters and pared down the traits of the ones that remain.
- 88Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittLeaves out portions of John Irving's novel that would have given it more balance and perspective, but the acting by Maguire and Caine is first-rate by any standard.
- 88New York Daily NewsNew York Daily News"I write 19th-century stories; they're supposed to affect you emotionally," says Irving, explaining why Tinseltown keeps knocking at his door.
- 80Dallas ObserverJean OppenheimerDallas ObserverJean OppenheimerRich in story, character, and design, The Cider House Rules is obviously a collaborative effort, but above all it is a triumph for director Hallström.
- 75San Francisco ExaminerWesley MorrisSan Francisco ExaminerWesley MorrisWhat remains of the book's psychological underpinnings -- there are enough here to leave a permanent dent in the couch of any Freud-loving shrink
- 75San Francisco ChronicleBob GrahamSan Francisco ChronicleBob GrahamHas that Dickensian spirit wherein simple acts of kindness can bring an audience close to tears.
- 67Austin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenAustin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenOddly, most of the elements needed for a good movie are present here, but when added together they equal less than the sum of the parts.
- 63New York PostLou LumenickNew York PostLou LumenickA major disappointment, The Cider House Rules pales by comparison with the gutsier, more full-bodied adaptation of Irving's "The World According to Garp."
- 50Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertThe story touches many themes, lingers with some of them, moves on and arrives at nowhere in particular. It's not a story so much as a reverie about possible stories.
- 50TV Guide MagazineSteve SimelsTV Guide MagazineSteve SimelsHallstrom's leisurely adaptation of John Irving's unconventional coming-of-age novel is so well crafted and intelligent that it feels churlish to point out that it's easier to admire than actually like.