Paramount Pictures | Release Date: July 20, 1984 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
29
METASCORE
Generally unfavorable reviews based on 8 Critic Reviews
Positive:
1
Mixed:
2
Negative:
5
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63
It's difficult to predict if audiences will be patient enough with Best Defense to allow it the shakedown time necessary to hit a funny stride. But the movie confirms a flair for comedy that may pay dividends when the filmmakers' rapport with the actors is strong enough to discipline and perhaps improve dodgy material. [25 Jul 1984, p.D3]
50
A surprisingly dull and witless film. [21 Jul 1984, p.C1]
40
Best Defense, already split in two by its dual story lines, lurches about desperately in search of a tone and a target. [30 Jul 1984, p.80]
25
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)John Haslett Cuff
Sitting through this 100 or so minutes of painfully loud sound, and ham-fisted editing might best be likened to being slapped about the head repeatedly. It is insulting; it will give you a headache; and it should make you very angry. [21 Jul 1984]