Sleeper
United Artists | Release Date: December 17, 1973 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
77
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 11 Critic Reviews
Positive:
10
Mixed:
1
Negative:
0

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
90
The New York TimesVincent Canby
There are some comparatively calm spots in the film, here and there, but they don't count. If anything, they allow you to catch your breath. Sleeper is terrific. Read full review
90
New York Magazine (Vulture)Judith Crist
In his fourth movie, Allen comes into his own as a filmmaker, providing us with the comedy of the year. Read full review
88
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Sleeper establishes Woody Allen as the best comic director and actor in America, a distinction that would mean more if there were more comedies being made. Read full review
80
The TelegraphTom Cox
With a dearth of psychoanalysis, the jazzy pace barely lets up, but the result - essentially an Allen stand-up show that just happens to be set in the middle of a fascistic, architecturally stunning future society - is no less seminal for its slapstick ebullience: a lesson that the pursuits of making art and making a complete idiot out of yourself are not mutually exclusive. Read full review
80
EmpireAndrew Collins
A clarinet player who also runs a health food store is frozen and brought back in the future by anti-government radicals in order to assist them in their attempts to overthrow an oppressive government. When he goes off on his own, he begins to explore this brave new world that has Orgasmatron booths to replace sex and confessional robots. Read full review
80
Time Out LondonStaff (Not Credited)
Plenty of one-liners, and it has the best banana-skin joke in film history. Read full review
75
TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)
Sleeper is a highly inventive science fiction parody that is typical of Allen's tight, well-edited movies. Costumes by Joel Schumacher are excellent. Read full review
75
Chicago TribuneGene Siskel
Sleeper has plenty of bald spots, lacks the inspired silent comedy of Take the Money and Run, but, these days, comedy beggars can't be choosers. Read full review
70
VarietyStaff (Not Credited)
The film is loaded with throwaway literacy and broad slapstick, and while it fumbles the end, the parade of verbal and visual amusement is pleasant as long as it lasts. Read full review
70
Chicago ReaderDave Kehr
An ungainly collection of one-liners and misdirected sight gags that hardly qualifies as a movie. But as a stand-up routine it's a scream. Read full review
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