- 9
It's a movie of its own, not merely an attempt to cram as much of its source as possible within the confines of a theatrical feature.
—Sam Adams Onion AV Club
- 8
...deserves to be seen even if you swear undying allegiance to the BBC mini-series.
—Peter Rainer Christian Science Monitor
- 8
...does initially feel like a journey we've made before. But thanks to the utter talent of everyone in front of and behind the lens, we wind up seeing the circumstances through fresh, and very satisfied eyes.
—Chris Cabin Reel
- 8
...does initially feel like a journey we've made before. But thanks to the utter talent of everyone in front of and behind the lens, we wind up seeing the circumstances through fresh, and very satisfied eyes.
—Chris Cabin filmcritic.com
- 8
Wrap it in sumptuous costume design, unbeatable locales (the film was once again shot at the grand Castle Howard, as well as Oxford, Venice and Morocco), and Emma Thompson's unforgettable performance as a grand, Machiavellian mamma and you've got a memorable time at the movies.
—Ken Fox TV Guide
- 7
...this remake is, often inadvertently, closer to the novel's spirit than the sepulchral television series...
—Ella Taylor Village Voice
- 7
...stays relatively true to Waugh's plot, and Julian Jarrold has directed it lavishly, but the main difference is that the film's emotions keep sloshing around on the surface.
—Owen Gleiberman Entertainment Weekly
- 7
... a somewhat less inspired film [than the novel].
—Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times
- 7
...this remake is, often inadvertently, closer to the novel's spirit than the sepulchral television series...
—Ella Taylor LA Weekly
- 6
While [Emma] Thompson and Michael Gambon are splendid as the clan's estranged parents in this take on Evelyn Waugh's famed novel, their costars simply don't measure up.
—Jason Lynch People
- 6
The film's strengths are in Waugh's story and not so much in the particular spin of these filmmakers. Their decision to turn up the volume on the homosexual undertones between Sebastian and Charles feels like an unimaginative nod to our modern times.
—Mark Olsen Los Angeles Times
- 6
The new film seems a little nervous about the religious content...
—Michael Phillips Chicago Tribune
- 6
...takes a step in the right direction...
—Dan Callahan Slant Magazine
- 6
...strenuously picturesque...
—A. O. Scott New York Times
- 6
...honorable and respectful but sober, which is an odd trait for a story whose entire first half is about about being drunk on youth, wealth and champagne.
—Kyle Smith New York Post