58
Metascore
18 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 88Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertWhat finally makes Miss Firecracker special is that it is not about who wins the contest, but about how all beauty contests are about the need to be loved and about how silly a beauty contest can seem if somebody really loves you.
- 75The Associated PressThe Associated PressIn portraits bursting with the magic and eccentricities of the same Southern literary tradition that gave us William Faulkner, Harper Lee and Tennesee Williams, Henley has created memorable and rich characters. These are real people, not Hollywood plastics.
- 75Rolling StonePeter TraversRolling StonePeter TraversMiss Firecracker is a spirited lark that happily survives most missteps; it’s shot through with enchantment.
- 70Time OutTime OutDespite touches of enforced eccentricity, the story is redeemed by its observation of bittersweet relationships and self-deceptions.
- 63Chicago TribuneJohanna SteinmetzChicago TribuneJohanna SteinmetzA play based on the most delicately nuanced interactions inevitably loses electricity as a movie. Worse, it becomes predictable. [28 Apr 1989, p.L]
- 60Los Angeles TimesMichael WilmingtonLos Angeles TimesMichael WilmingtonIt’s a low-budget production with major-league acting by Mary Steenburgen, Holly Hunter and Alfre Woodard. It’s not directed sharply enough; Thomas Schlamme is particularly weak on the fight scenes.
- 50Washington PostHal HinsonWashington PostHal HinsonUltimately, there's not enough genuine wildness to these dark, passionate and half-crazy people. Miss Firecracker is the South made cute.
- 40TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineDirector Thomas Schlamme's unsure handling of scenes and indiscriminate use of unappealing close-ups of actors emoting at full steam only emphasize the material's weakness.
- 40Christian Science MonitorDavid SterrittChristian Science MonitorDavid SterrittMiss Firecracker is a movie that tries too hard. You want to like it, but in the end it just tires you out.