The Cincinnati Kid
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) | Release Date: October 15, 1965 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
67
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 9 Critic Reviews
Positive:
7
Mixed:
2
Negative:
0
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
90
Time OutStaff (Not Credited)
A vivid character study in the tradition of the not dissimilar The Hustler. Marvellous performances throughout ensure interest. Read full review
83
IndieWireOliver Lyttleton
It still stands up as a solid little poker movie, setting up the template for many imitators to come. Read full review
80
TV Guide MagazineStaff (Not Credited)
An attempt to do for poker what The Hustler did for pool, The Cincinnati Kid succeeds on its own, but it might have been a classic with some more attention paid to the script and, perhaps, a little humor sandwiched in to relieve the suspense. Read full review
80
VarietyStaff (Not Credited)
Adapted from Richard Jessup's realistically-written novel, it emerges a tenseful examination of the gambling fraternity. Read full review
75
USA TodayMike Clark
A young-Turk poker player challenges an old pro the way pool shooter Paul Newman took on Jackie Gleason in The Hustler, though the result lacks its predecessor's depth. Carrying Kid is one of the best casts ever. [03 Jun 2005, p.7E]
70
Film ThreatStaff (Not Credited)
The Cincinnati Kid is one of the definitions of what made Steve McQueen who he was. Through the roles he chose, he fit snugly in them, using his calm wits and all else of him to turn himself into the ultimately cool actor. Read full review
63
Movie NationRoger Moore
A game about “making the wrong move at the right time” becomes the right movie for Jewison, one that transformed a comedy guy into somebody who’d make dramas a lot better than this, often with a social subtext that couldn’t help but strike a nerve. Read full review
50
The New York TimesHoward Thompson
A respectably packaged drama of a young card sharp, played by Steve McQueen, with a capable enough cast, that pungently projects the machinations and back-room temperatures of the side-street professional gambling world and little else. Read full review
40
TimeStaff (Not Credited)
By the time all the bets are in, Cincinnati Kid appears to hold a losing hand. Read full review
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