Sphere
Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: February 13, 1998 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
35
METASCORE
Generally unfavorable reviews based on 21 Critic Reviews
Positive:
0
Mixed:
10
Negative:
11
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
60
The New YorkerSarah Kerr
Levinson is terrific at claustrophobia. In fact, this doesn't resemble any of his previous films so much as it does his gripping TV series, "Homicide." Read full review
60
The New York TimesJanet Maslin
While this is no quick-witted treat on a par with Mr. Levinson's ''Wag the Dog,'' it's a solid thriller with showy scientific overtones. Read full review
50
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
The result is a run-of-the-mill fantasy, competently produced but disappointingly familiar, from its "Forbidden Planet" premise to the digital-clock countdown near the end. Read full review
50
San Francisco ChronicleMick LaSalle
If the writing and direction carry Sphere most of the way, the actors manage to bring it home. Read full review
50
New York Daily NewsDavid Kehr
A choppy, incoherent science-fiction thriller that does no credit to its expensive cast. [13 February 1998, p. 57]
40
Washington PostDesson Thomson
Keeps you hanging on until the very last moment, not because it's scary, but because you can't believe that's all there is to it. Read full review
40
Austin ChronicleRussell Smith
Don't trust the impression created by Sphere's intriguing trailers that it has much to do with the awe and terror of direct contact with an advanced alien intelligence. Read full review
40
L.A. WeeklyManohla Dargis
While the length and ridiculous finale are a drag, the only thing that stinks about Sphere is its pervasive boys-club snarkiness, especially since Stone is actually good. Levinson has always been a better director of men, but it would be nice if Attanasio could learn how to write a role for a woman that wasn't an embarrassment as well as an insult. Read full review
40
Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan
The script is muddled and unsatisfying, as ponderous on its feet as its protagonists are in their heavy diving suits. Read full review
40
VarietyTodd McCarthy
An empty shell. Read full review
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