74
Metascore
36 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertThe most accurate movie about campus life that I can remember.
- 100Film.comJohn HartlFilm.comJohn HartlA giddy delight, with Michael Douglas delivering what may be the most relaxed and inventive performance of his career, and Tobey Maguire and Robert Downey Jr. trailing not far behind.
- 83Seattle Post-IntelligencerPaula NechakSeattle Post-IntelligencerPaula NechakA terrific movie about middle-age malaise and a comedy of unusual wit and drollness.
- 80Chicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumChicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumThe casting of Michael Douglas against type as an over-the-hill novelist and writing professor is the sort of clever move that wins undeserved Oscars.
- 75USA TodayStaff [Not Credited]USA TodayStaff [Not Credited]Droll mild amusement.
- 75TNT RoughCutTNT RoughCutSee Wonder Boys for the acting, particularly McDormand and Maguire, but use the goofy moments to get popcorn refills.
- 70L.A. WeeklyManohla DargisL.A. WeeklyManohla DargisIt's striking on several counts.
- 70SlateDavid EdelsteinSlateDavid EdelsteinQuite pleasant.
- 58Entertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanEntertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanSweet, flaky, and more than a little aimless.
- 50San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleSan Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalleThe sentimentality overtakes Wonder Boys when, in the last half hour, it tries to make nice with its characters and fashion a deep message from a trivial story.