The Theory of Flight

Fine Line Features | Release Date: December 23, 1998

CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION

48	METASCORE Mixed or average reviews based on 15 Critic Reviews

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Mixed:

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Critic Reviews

Critic score Publication By date

James Berardinelli

The Theory of Flight is far from a perfect movie, but it offers enough highlights that, on balance, it's worth a recommendation. The solid acting camouflages a great many other deficiencies. Read full review

Edward Guthmann

It's a sweet, low-key and satisfying film -- and it deserves a heap of credit for treating its subject with humor and humanity. Read full review

Jonathan Foreman

Greengrass' direction is uninspired, but there is powerful chemistry between a workmanlike Branagh and (real-life girlfriend) Bonham Carter. And her original, seductive and always believable turn as the difficult-but-lovable Jane raises the movie above all its flaws. [23 Dec. 1998, p.44]

Roger Ebert

The Theory of Flying is actually fairly enjoyable. At least it doesn't drown its message in syrup and cornball sentiment. Read full review

Michael Wilmington

The Theory of Flight is built from the kind of material that either soars or crashes with audiences. And here, it doesn't quite hold together. But if the film, as a whole, never takes flight, the actors do. Watching them bicker and sail up is so delightful, you only wish their vehicle could keep them aloft longer. Read full review

Ellen Futterman

What saves the movie from taking a nose-dive is the confident performance of Helena Bonham Carter and some genuinely funny scenes involving her character. She plays Jane, a smart, feisty, rebellious young woman who is confined to a wheelchair because she is dying of ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). [22 Jan. 1999, p.E3]