55
Metascore
14 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 91Entertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanEntertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanThe film is like East of Eden replayed as a hyperbolic rock fever dream. There are a few sour, juvenile moments, but this is the rare pop movie that works the way a great rock & roll song does: It tells a simple, almost elemental tale and uses the music to set it aflame.
- 80VarietyVarietyPlaying a character rooted in his own background, and surrounded by the real-life members of his Minneapolis-based musical 'family,' rock star Prince makes an impressive feature film debut in Purple Rain, a rousing contemporary addition to the classic backstage musical genre.
- 75San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleSan Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleFresh music and silly dialogue - those aspects of Purple Rain haven't changed over the years. [Review of re-release]
- 50Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittThe pop-music star Prince makes his movie debut in this bizarre drama about a rock singer with a troubled career and a miserable home life.
- 50The New York TimesVincent CanbyThe New York TimesVincent CanbyLike many album covers, Purple Rain, though sometimes arresting to look at, is a cardboard come-on to the record it contains.
- 50TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineIf you like Prince's music, you'll love this movie. If not, stay away.
- 40EmpireEmpireA fairly dappy and overlong attempt to turn Prince the then emergent rock-funk superstar into a movie star.
- 40Arizona RepublicBill GoodykoontzArizona RepublicBill GoodykoontzThe problems with the narrative begin early. [Review of re-release]
- 30Chicago ReaderDave KehrChicago ReaderDave KehrThe project would have been much more palatable as a TV special; as it stands, it's just another symptom of the American cinema's addiction to facile mythmaking.
- 25The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Jay ScottThe Globe and Mail (Toronto)Jay ScottPurple Rain is not a revolution. It's not even a good movie. What it is, is a cosmic letdown. [27 Jul 1984]