It's a bit of a throwback and a solid family film and, at the time, represented a well-intentioned leap of faith of the sort that studios rarely take.
70
Washington PostHal Hinson
Washington PostHal Hinson
Its intentions seem fairly modest, and so are its achievements. It's a modestly enjoyable diversion.
50
Austin Chronicle
Austin Chronicle
This is primarily a children's movie and I have a hard time working up much rancor against a movie as campily perverse as this one is.
50
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
Chicago ReaderJonathan Rosenbaum
A Disney musical with an undistinguished score (Alan Menken and Jack Feldman), fair to middling choreography (Kenny Ortega and Peggy Holmes), and clunky direction (Ortega) that still manages to be entertaining in spots because of its story.
50
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
It has been put together with just enough efficiency to qualify as an oddball labor of love.
50
TV Guide Magazine
TV Guide Magazine
Sumptuous production values and fitfully impressive choreography notwithstanding, Newsies was a major misfire for Disney Studios.
This one doesn't have enough zesty ideas to revive the breed.
40
Washington Post
Washington Post
Newsies is all left feet, noise and clutter.
38
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Newsies is like warmed-over Horatio Alger, complete with such indispensable cliches as the newsboy on crutches, the little kid, and of course the hero's best pal, who has a pretty sister.
30
Variety
Variety
Newsies was made with care and affection by choreographer-turned-director Kenny Ortega. But the writers have created cardboard cutouts instead of flesh-and-blood characters.