48
Metascore
15 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliThe Theory of Flight is far from a perfect movie, but it offers enough highlights that, on balance, it's worth a recommendation. The solid acting camouflages a great many other deficiencies.
- 75San Francisco ChronicleEdward GuthmannSan Francisco ChronicleEdward GuthmannIt's a sweet, low-key and satisfying film -- and it deserves a heap of credit for treating its subject with humor and humanity.
- 63Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertThe Theory of Flying is actually fairly enjoyable. At least it doesn't drown its message in syrup and cornball sentiment.
- 63Chicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonChicago TribuneMichael WilmingtonThe Theory of Flight is built from the kind of material that either soars or crashes with audiences. And here, it doesn't quite hold together. But if the film, as a whole, never takes flight, the actors do. Watching them bicker and sail up is so delightful, you only wish their vehicle could keep them aloft longer.
- 60New Orleans Times-PicayuneNew Orleans Times-PicayuneA key strategic decision in the success of this 100-minute feature is Greengrass' determination to accentuate the humorousness of his salty-tongued heroine and valiantly resist the temptation to sentimentalize her plight. The upshot is a touchingly off-kilter, bravely platonic love story that -- wonder of wonders -- never turns sticky. [5 March 1999, p.L28]
- 50Entertainment WeeklyLisa SchwarzbaumEntertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum[A] gimmicky actors' holiday.
- 50VarietyDerek ElleyVarietyDerek ElleyA risky idea only occasionally gets both wheels off the ground in "The Theory of Flight," a sometimes wryly amusing, oftimes dramatically awkward story
- 40Village VoiceDennis LimVillage VoiceDennis LimEarnest and misguided in equal measure, The Theory of Flightis ostensibly a bold and rare attempt at depicting disabled people as sexual beings, but the notion is couched in such spurious and schematic terms that the film never really stands a chance.
- 30The New York TimesStephen HoldenThe New York TimesStephen HoldenThe novelty of hearing Ms. Bonham Carter spew four-letter words fades quickly. So does the sight of Mr. Branagh elaborately rehearsing how to rob a bank. This versatile actor has many strengths, but as his wooden turn in ''Celebrity'' has already demonstrated, comedy isn't one of them.
- 20New York Daily NewsDave KehrNew York Daily NewsDave KehrTheory of Flight follows the standard inspirational formula. [23 Dec. 1998, p.43]