Radio
Columbia Pictures | Release Date: October 24, 2003 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
38
METASCORE
Generally unfavorable reviews based on 32 Critic Reviews
Positive:
4
Mixed:
18
Negative:
10
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
60
Los Angeles TimesKevin Thomas
A gentle film yet develops increasing dramatic tension beneath its easygoing, fair-minded surface. Read full review
60
Film ThreatRick Kisonak
Radio is a film many people may be tempted to laugh off as button pushing feel-good fluff. Before doing so, they might want to ask themselves just what it is they find so funny about a little peace, love and understanding. Read full review
58
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
Radio is assembled from small, hard stones of ignorance and intolerance paved over by large, mushy examples of community goodness. Read full review
50
Philadelphia InquirerSteven Rea
The real Radio, and the real coach -- seen together in the movie's feel-good epilogue -- deserve better. Read full review
50
Rolling StonePeter Travers
There's no arguing that Cuba Gooding Jr. is trying to do right by the mentally disabled James Robert Kennedy. Read full review
50
The New York TimesStephen Holden
Mr. Harris's coach is not a flashy role. But the actor, who effortlessly embodies an all-American ideal of strength and decency, drains as much of the syrup from his character as any actor could hope. Read full review
50
USA TodayClaudia Puig
Though probably well-intentioned, Radio comes off as manipulative of its audience and exploitative of the mentally challenged. Read full review
50
Portland OregonianMarc Mohan
That the film rises above that level to the merely mediocre is an accomplishment of almost heroic proportions. Read full review
50
Boston GlobeWesley Morris
A tall glass of hogwash that's terrified to declare itself the racial-healing melodrama it is. Read full review
50
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
Radio is almost as bad as it gets. That it isn't is thanks to Ed Harris, who brings depth and focus to his performance. Read full review
50
Miami HeraldConnie Ogle
Trailers make it seem as though Radio is all about football, but it's not, and once the film leaves the fall sport behind it wanders around in no particular direction until it reaches an abrupt, poorly executed ending. Read full review
50
Chicago TribuneRobert K. Elder
Although his is not a perfect film, Tollin employs his soap-opera dialogue and aim-for-the-solar-plexus message quite unapologetically. Read full review
40
The Hollywood ReporterKirk Honeycutt
The cast, which includes Alfre Woodard and Debra Winger, manages to give thoughtful performances that salvage the film's integrity. Read full review
40
VarietyRobert Koehler
"Inspired by a true story" it may be, but inspired it's not. Read full review
40
L.A. WeeklyScott Foundas
Harris tries his best to make something more out of his one-dimensional white-knight character, while Gooding plays his vaudeville Rainman routine to the rafters. Read full review
40
Dallas ObserverBill Gallo
The cumulative effect of the movie's many Kodak moments and stretches of greeting-card sentiment is that they kill us with kindness. Read full review
40
TV Guide MagazineSabrina Rojas Weiss
The heavy-handed score by notoriously heavy-handed James Horner is often the only indication that there's supposed to be a point to this showcase for Gooding's relentlessly adorable mugging. Read full review
40
EmpireJo Berry
Sweet, slushy mush of a family film. Read full review
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