Iron Will

Buena Vista Pictures | Release Date: January 14, 1994

CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION

56	METASCORE Mixed or average reviews based on 20 Critic Reviews

Positive:

Mixed:

Negative:

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Critic Reviews

Critic score Publication By date

Kenneth Turan

Not as slick as “Free Willy” or as sophisticated as “Searching for Bobby Fischer,” this is a throwback to the sweet and sentimental Disney family films that Walt himself loved, a live-action fairy tale about a boy, his dogs and a darn tough race. Read full review

Patricia Bibby

Say what you like about Iron Will - that it's corny and predictable - it's still an irresistibly sweet and upbeat adventure and if it doesn't make your heart pound a little faster, call a cardiologist. [10 Jan 1994]

Peter Stack

A surprisingly handsome film whose visual appeal often shores up a predictable plot. [14 Jan 1994, p.C3]

David Mills

In between its hokey setup and its overwrought climax, Disney's dog-sledding adventure Iron Will is brisk and involving and surprisingly adult, its cinematic strength drawn mainly from the beauty of panting teams of huskies muscling their way across snowy landscapes. Which is a sight you can never grow tired of. Read full review

Hollis Chacona

Driving home with all the windows down, I, for once, relished the bumps on South Lamar and leaned into the curves along Pease Park and, home at last, gave my trusty, tired old Honda a grateful, affectionate pat on its overheated hood. Read full review

Steve Persall

Just like Will Stoneman himself, it crosses the finish line battered and wobbly, but a winner nonetheless. [14 Jan 1994, p.7]

Jeff Shannon

Given the time-tested durability of a decent boy-and-his-dog adventure, Iron Will can't steer too far off course. [14 Jan 1994, p.D20]

Clifford Terry

A solid meat and potatoes film. Like the land itself, there are no frills, and the cinematography by William Wages is commendable. But, someone should tell the filmmakers that there probably weren't any big mountains outside of St. Paul, even in 1917. Read full review

Geoffrey Arnold

Director Charles Haid (who played Andy Renko on ``Hill Street Blues'') and the crew have come up with the right amount of ingredients for another appealing Disney action-adventure movie, predictable though it may be. [14 Jan 1994, p.13]

Gary Thompson

It will entertain youngsters, the only people in America who have yet to see more "Rocky" movies than sunsets. [14 Jan 1994, p.50]

Jackie Potts

So, even though Iron Will, about a teen who enters a 522- mile dogsled race to save the family farm, seems fresh, you can bet you've seen it before. Still, it sure is fun. [17 Jan 1994, p.C6]