Drop Dead Fred
New Line Cinema | Release Date: May 24, 1991 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
25
METASCORE
Generally unfavorable reviews based on 19 Critic Reviews
Positive:
1
Mixed:
6
Negative:
12
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
50
Los Angeles TimesMichael Wilmington
Drop Dead Fred is an erratic stab at making madness sensible, a slapstick nightmare that goes too sane, that tries too hard to be both good and rotten. Read full review
50
VarietyStaff (Not Credited)
Oscillating between long arid stretches, inspired explosions of slapstick and disarming warmth, Drop Dead Fred [suggested by a story by Elizabeth Livingston] has an almost irresistible premise - kid's imaginary friend comes back to help the grown woman work out her problems - but it's probably too slow and mushy for kids and too sporadic in its rewards for adults. Read full review
50
The Seattle TimesJohn Hartl
Whether or not you're a fan of De Jong's earlier work, Drop Dead Fred is clearly an extension of it. There's even a touch of Peter Pan and Wendy in the relationship between Mayall and Cates ("He's like my best friend, and yet I'm scared to death of him"), who has a ball with the role. Read full review
40
EmpireAngie Errigo
There is scarcely a laugh to be had unless you are six years old or immoderately fond of such wheezes as depositing dog poop on a white carpet. Read full review
40
TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)
Children may delight in some of DROP DEAD FRED's fanciful effects sequences, but they're likely to be bored by Elizabeth's grown-up problems. And adults may identify with its self-help message, but the rest is squirm-inducing. Read full review
40
Time OutStaff (Not Credited)
This boisterous comedy allows Mayall to be completely naughty, to shock, to offend...and to exasperate beyond belief. Read full review
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