The film is a display of traditional movie craftsmanship, especially at the level of the screenplay, which respects the characters and story and doesn't simply use them for dialogue breaks between action sequences.
75
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Proudly old-fashioned in every way except the often excessive violence that director Martin Campbell splashes across the screen.
75
ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
A great deal of excitement and adventure, all brought to the screen by using a somewhat irreverent tone that keeps the mood light without trivializing the characters.
70
TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonagh
TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonagh
Old-fashioned fun that goes down as smoothly as a vintage cocktail.
50
Chicago TribuneMichael Wilmington
Chicago TribuneMichael Wilmington
Spectacular, fast, never boring. But it's also one of the more disappointing movies I've seen recently.
50
Chicago ReaderLisa Alspector
Chicago ReaderLisa Alspector
Antonio Banderas signs up for charisma lessons from Anthony Hopkins -- but they just don't take.
50
San Francisco Examiner
San Francisco Examiner
A slew of writers and an enthusiastic cast all do their jobs admirably enough to provide a couple of hours of unembarrassing entertainment.
50
Film Threat
Film Threat
Nothing really works on any level above mediocrity.