A Fish Called Wanda

MGM/UA Distribution Company | Release Date: July 29, 1988

CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION

80	METASCORE Generally favorable reviews based on 17 Critic Reviews

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

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Critic Reviews

Critic score Publication By date

100

Roger Ebert

The funniest movie I have seen in a long time. Read full review

100

Richard Schickel

Think of A Fish Called Wanda as the next best thing to a Looney Tunes-Merrie Melodies summerfest…Wanda defies gravity, in both senses of the word, and redefines a great comic tradition. [July 18, 1988]

100

Sheila Benson

A convulsively funny affair.[15 July 1988, Calendar, p. 6-1]

100

Peter Stack

I laughed so hard, my eyes watered. I laughed so loud, I lost track of whether anyone else was laughing. I laughed so much, I ached afterwards. [29 July 1988, Daily Notebook, p.E1]

100

Jay Scott

May be less than the sum of its parts, but its parts are more impressive than most other wholes around. Read full review

100

James Berardinelli

One of the best-constructed, funniest, and most clever comedies to grace motion picture screens in recent years. It's outrageous, offensive, and even a little sick -- and all the more enjoyable because of it. Read full review

100

Mr. ShowbizCarmel Dagan

Director Charles Crichton's hilarious romp.

Rita Kempley

It's a deliciously dishy comedy, but like sushi an acquired taste. Read full review

Jonathan Rosenbaum

Crichton keeps the laughs coming with infectious energy. Read full review

Staff (Not credited)

Curtis steals the show with her keen sense of comic timing and sneaky little grins and asides. Read full review

Desson Thomson

It'll keep you amused enough to sit still and even remember it fondly. Read full review

Hal Erickson

If it is indeed possible for a film to be both stylish and tasteless, then A Fish Called Wanda certainly fills the bill. Read full review

Mike Clark

This crumbled-caper comedy is the funniest movie ever from a film maker late in his eighth decade. [22 July 1988, Life, p.4D]

Dave Kehr

Contains some gaspingly funny moments. [29 July 1988, Friday, p.A]

TV Guide MagazineStaff(not credited)

With British-American culture clash as its dominant theme, A Fish Called Wanda bristles with wit, enlivened by delightfully over-the-top ensemble acting. Read full review

David Sterritt

There are a few hilarious moments, and a few more that are foolish and even disgusting. [15 July 1988, Art and Leisure, p.21]

Vincent Canby

The dialogue reports funny things instead of showing them. The movie remains in a limbo halfway between the informed anarchy of Monty Python comedy stripped of all social and political satire, and the comparatively genteel comedy of "The Lavender Hill Mob." [15 July 1988, p.C8]