The Dish
Warner Bros. Pictures | Release Date: March 14, 2001 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
74
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 27 Critic Reviews
Positive:
25
Mixed:
2
Negative:
0
Watch Now
Stream On
Buy on

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
It's a lovely, original, Australian take on a climactic moment usually thought of as all American. Read full review
88
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
It placed second for the People's Choice Award at the 2000 Toronto Film Festival--after "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." That's about right. Read full review
88
Chicago TribuneMichael Wilmington
The kind of movie some audiences are starved for, a comedy with a human face, warmth and spirit.
88
New York PostLou Lumenick
Cannily weaving cross-cultural comedy with we-can-do-it humor in the spirit of "The Full Monty," the film builds to a rousing climax.
83
Portland OregonianKim Morgan
Appropriate music, lovely cinematography and stellar performances by both a subtly moving Neill and a likable, barrel-chested super-American Warburton.
80
Washington PostRita Kempley
Simple fare, a feel-good movie that re-creates a time and place with gentle humor and a reminder that the Aussies have the right stuff, too. Read full review
80
Wall Street JournalJoe Morgenstern
Apollo 11's mission was a singular chapter in the story of mankind; The Dish finds a whimsical, winning way of telling it anew.
80
Washington PostDesson Thomson
Takes unabashed delight in itself and its own culture. Read full review
75
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
For all its folksy jocularity, the movie inspires a sense of global patriotism. In the big picture, every little dish counts. Read full review
75
USA TodaySusan Wloszczyna
Dramatically moving and good-naturedly humorous, it transmits a sharp picture of humanity that inspires both awe and laughter. Read full review
75
Seattle Post-IntelligencerPaula Nechak
Works well as a metaphor for a more innocent time. Read full review
75
Miami HeraldRene Rodriguez
Sitch keeps the tone consistently light, scoring big laughs all the way to the film's climax. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleBob Graham
A quirky character study of the four-man team, led by Sam Neill as the crew leader who seems surrounded by an aura of sadness but is so dedicated that he's not above lying to Houston to buy time when something goes wrong. Read full review
75
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
The acting and screenplay are amusing, but director Sitch might have taken a more adventurous approach to a tale with such an adventurous subject. Read full review
75
Philadelphia InquirerSteven Rea
Amusing, compelling and technologically fascinating tale.
75
Boston GlobeJay Carr
Warm, wry, endearing.
75
Baltimore SunChris Kaltenbach
It was a time in history eminently worth celebrating on film.
70
Mr. ShowbizKevin Maynard
A disarming helping of Capra-esque corn served up by writer-director Rob Sitch.
70
L.A. WeeklyF. X. Feeney
Surprisingly moving -- prompting lumps in the throat over what was, after all, a historic moment of the most luminous hope. Read full review
70
VarietyDennis Harvey
A feel-good comic ensembler that's hard to resist. Read full review
70
TV Guide MagazineKen Fox
The cast is wonderful, the soundtrack features a well-chosen array of bouncy period pop tunes, and Graeme Wood's cinematography makes the most of the stately beauty of the dish itself. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesKevin Thomas
It unfolds in a hearty, good-natured Australian comedy that affectionately depicts how the citizens of a small town become connected to the Apollo moon flight. Read full review
70
The New York TimesStephen Holden
Maintains a tone that remains as light and easygoing as the Australians living in the area. Read full review
67
Austin ChronicleMarc Savlov
Utterly charming. Read full review
63
Charlotte ObserverLawrence Toppman
If you like films short, sweet and soothing, this may be exactly your "Dish." Read full review
60
Film.comRobert Horton
If it weren't so pushy about selling itself, The Dish might have been a very special movie. Read full review
60
Village VoiceMichael Atkinson
Harmless and affectionate, The Dish gives its clichés breathing room, and so a few are pleasantly surprising. Read full review
More From This Movie

74 Critic Reviews

8.1 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 81 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
2 77 Project Hail Mary
3 75 Send Help
4 73 Hoppers
5 72 The Sheep Detectives
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL