Smiling Fish & Goat on Fire
Stratosphere Entertainment | Release Date: August 25, 2000 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
44
METASCORE
Mixed or average reviews based on 18 Critic Reviews
Positive:
7
Mixed:
6
Negative:
5
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
75
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Henderson steals the show as an elderly African-American man befriended by one of the main characters. Read full review
75
Boston GlobeJay Carr
The sweetly enticing Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire repays the bit of patience it asks.
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Has a freshness and charm, a winning way with its not terrifically original material. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesKevin Thomas
A film of much gentleness, tenderness and keen observation into the way laughter and pain have a way of colliding into each other.
70
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
Affecting and offbeat. Read full review
67
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
This sunny ode to brotherhood, made on a tiny budget, goes a fair distance on good vibes. Read full review
63
Chicago TribuneMarc Caro
Rarely ventures beyond familiar territory.
60
VarietyEddie Cockrell
Boasts a perceptive script, rich performances and date-movie appeal. Read full review
50
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
An appealing film with a hideous title. Read full review
50
Portland OregonianKim Morgan
An unfortunate example of a small picture that feels small.
40
Austin ChronicleMarjorie Baumgarten
Just sputters along, albeit pleasantly, while revisiting the realm of the abundantly familiar. Read full review
40
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
The kind of film only a mother could really love. Read full review
40
Film.comHenry Cabot Beck
In many ways the indie equivalent of your average multiplex action picture: fun and forgettable. Read full review
38
New York PostLou Lumenick
Much less a satisfying movie than an intermittently funny 90-minute acting audition.
30
L.A. WeeklyElla Taylor
The best I can say for Smiling Fish is that it's capable and pleasant, which ought to sound a warning note louder than if I'd said it was awful. Read full review
30
The New York TimesDave Kehr
Seems a little too desperate to be liked. Read full review
20
Village VoiceEdward Crouse
In this visually malnourished film, quirks substitute for character. Read full review
10
Mr. ShowbizKevin Maynard
Strives for folksy charm but ends up just lying there like a plate of kippers. Read full review
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