48
Metascore
14 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 70VarietyLeonard KladyVarietyLeonard KladyThe real strength of the Tim Kelleher script is its understanding that despite the two main characters’ considerable positive traits, they are misfits. Each appreciates the other for his qualities, not his station. The writer has effectively created an appealing fantasy and given it human dimension.
- 60The New York TimesJanet MaslinThe New York TimesJanet MaslinA clean-cut, affable family film without objectionable elements, beyond the brief and needless violence that complicates its finale.
- 50Austin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenAustin ChronicleMarjorie BaumgartenAs kids' comedies go, this one's fairly topical and, better yet, amusing.
- 50ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliBy aiming his film at children, director David Mickey Evans strips the movie of all potentially interesting elements, leaving behind material likely to appeal to only the least discriminating viewers.
- 50San Francisco ChroniclePeter StackSan Francisco ChroniclePeter StackIt's not a deep film, but there is a certain poignancy in Luke's situation and in the earnestness with which the burly Sinbad approaches the boy. Simms has a warm style and lets Luke know he's not a nut for feeling the need to explore the world a bit.
- 50San Francisco ExaminerBarbara ShulgasserSan Francisco ExaminerBarbara ShulgasserThe only remarkable feature about this otherwise routine movie is that it vilifies two current icons of American life. One is The Internet and the other is The Mall.
- 50TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineThis formulaic comedy is a real kid-pleaser, full of spitballs and slapstick mayhem. Most adults will be squirming long before the heartwarming finale -- what a drag it is getting old.
- 50Chicago TribuneMark CaroChicago TribuneMark CaroEvans and Kelleher could have used the same premise to tell a different story -- one in which viewers could relate to some of the perks of being First Kid instead of just the inconveniences. Luke could show kids a more exciting world. [30 Aug 1996, p.C]
- 50USA TodaySusan WloszczynaUSA TodaySusan WloszczynaSinbad steers First Kid past mediocrity. [30 Aug 1996]
- 50Chicago Sun-TimesLon GrahnkeChicago Sun-TimesLon GrahnkeFirst Kid wouldn't be my first movie choice this weekend, but my 9-year-old consultant thoroughly enjoyed Sinbad's antics, personality and style. [30 Aug 1996, p.32]