85
Metascore
26 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 90Film.comTom KeoghFilm.comTom KeoghThe lure of Sling Blade is both elemental and hauntingly familiar, and I would not be surprised if Thornton's breakthrough film is one day considered a classic in its own right.
- 90Chicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumChicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumPerhaps the most remarkable thing here is Thornton's nuanced performance, but the film has other rare virtues: all the characters are fully and richly fleshed out (with some unexpected turns by John Ritter and singer Dwight Yoakam), and the story's construction is carefully measured.
- 90Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasCatches you up so firmly in its world that you find yourself accepting whatever Thornton presents right up to its deeply ironic finish.
- 90Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonTakes you down paths full of primitive, almost biblical implications, but it also finds comic relief in moments of palpable tension.
- 89Austin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenAustin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenThornton, who wrote, directed, and stars in Sling Blade, has created an unforgettable character and situation, a film that's sure to become an American classic.
- 88Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertThere is pain, humor, irony and sweetness in the character, and a voice and manner so distinctive, he is the most memorable movie character I've seen in a long time.
- 80Film.comSean MeansFilm.comSean Means(Thornton) proves his mettle as an actor, writer and director with this bleakly comic and surprisingly tender movie.
- 80VarietyTodd McCarthyVarietyTodd McCarthyMarked by some powerful scenes, fine performances and colorful dialogue, this talented directorial debut by actor-writer Billy Bob Thornton has its effectiveness diluted by serious overlength and a rather monotonous, unmodulated tone.
- 80Film.comJohn HartlFilm.comJohn Hartl(Thornton) does a remarkable job in all three categories, but what you're likely to remember most clearly is his performance.
- 75Baltimore SunAnn HornadayBaltimore SunAnn HornadayBuilds slowly but passionately, not dancing to some Hollywood tune, but finding its characters where they are and letting them be who they are.