It all seems calculated to churn up excitement, a promise that there's lots of dazzle, glamour and intrigue to come. An Ideal Husband actually does deliver all those things, but mostly in a pleasurably understated way -- no need for the noisy signals.
80
Film.comElizabeth Weitzman
Film.comElizabeth Weitzman
It still sounds pretty fresh: politicians scratching backs, loose ladies threatening to talk, careers balanced tremulously on the line
The political, social, and linguistic adjustments Parker makes to this hugely entertaining Husband give it fresh relevance without betraying the original.
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
The two leading men, Northam and Everett, are smooth and charming.
70
Film ThreatRon Wells
Film ThreatRon Wells
The film is not without its problems, some inherent to Wilde's original play.
70
Village VoiceAmy Taubin
Village VoiceAmy Taubin
His film is hardly memorable, but it's amusing enough for two hours, and it never panders or cloys.
70
SlateDavid Edelstein
SlateDavid Edelstein
The movie is diverting enough -- it's good fun -- but much of the genius is gone with the wind.
50
TimeRichard Corliss
TimeRichard Corliss
An ideal play is degraded into an indolent film
50
San Francisco ChronicleEdward Guthmann
San Francisco ChronicleEdward Guthmann
Director- writer Oliver Parker saps much of the juice from Wilde, slows the pace and directs his actors in an inappropriately naturalistic style.