Intolerable Cruelty
User Score
5.3 out of 10

Mixed or average reviews- based on 82 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 82
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 82
  3. Negative: 27 out of 82

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  1. MikeF.
    Oct 13, 2003
    10
    Brilliant dialogue, as usual - plus the ravishing la Zeta Jones. So what's not to like? The Coens don't make films for stupid people. Unlike most modern filmmakers, their movies are directed at the smart, culturally literate minority, hence the mixed reviews. The hayseeds don't always "get" it. No matter, there's always some ignorant Julia Roberts movie for the unwashed masses. Bravo, Ethan and Joel! … Expand
  2. D.M.
    Oct 30, 2003
    10
    Laugh out loud funny, something few comedies are anymore. The usual outstanding cohesion and film chemistry that makes everything the Coen Brothers do worth the trip to the theatre. The banter between the characters is fast paced and biting, and where has Paul Adelstein (Wrigley) been, this guy can give Mary Tyler Moore a run for her money when it comes to crying on cue. And I missed most of the dialogue following the comedy climax of "Wheezy Joe's" demise (in tears, crippled in the aisle, laughing). Great dialogue and physical comedy, A+… Expand
  3. John
    Nov 2, 2003
    9
    Better than I expected ... a slick, witty, and wonderfully acted screwball comedy that always has its tongue in its cheek.
  4. ErwinK.
    Nov 2, 2003
    10
    Absolutely brilliant!!! Hilarious!!! I just loved it! Can't understand why this movie has been getting such luke warm reviews.
  5. AliceZ.
    Oct 15, 2003
    10
    Personally, I thought this movie was great! And for all of those who say it "isn't a Coen brothers movie" i say, "were you even watching the movie?" This movie includes the coen's ingenious touch at making a could be "normal movie" into a hilarious classic. If you are a Coen fan, you'll love this movie, too.
  6. [Anonymous]
    Oct 25, 2003
    9
    A fun and clever movie. Clooney & Zeta-Jones on the mark.
  7. AlexK.
    Feb 10, 2004
    10
    As usual, another intelligently hilarious movie by the Coen brothers. If you like their style, then you will definitely like Intolerable Cruelty.
  8. JaredB.
    Jan 26, 2007
    10
    A laugh riot. Also, a great looking film, resembling the romantic comedies of the 50's. George Clooney and Catherine Zeta-Jones make a wonderful pair. Cedric the Entertainer was hysterical. Good job, Coen brothers
  9. ricardod
    Apr 13, 2009
    9
    Extremely funny, extremely smart and extremely well performed. worth it all the way. coen brothers, you did it again.
  10. MikeM.
    Oct 16, 2003
    9
    Intolerable Cruelty will be near the top of the list of favorite Coen Brothers movies. George Clooney carries the comedic lead well but, the movie, may be hindered by major studio backing. It seems at times like they held back just a little. It's filled with with the trademark memborable characters as with all Coen brothers movie (the old man, Whezzy Joe) and the humor that not everyone might not get but should enjoy. I was dissapointed they couldn't find parts for Turturro or Buschemi but I'll deal with it. This is not quite a Coen classic but it's close.… Expand
  11. XiongC.
    Oct 18, 2003
    9
    Full of the little touches that make great comedy -- the ball is always rolling. Z-J is looking good, and Clooney is devastating. The plot is authentic screwball, and if transparent, so what? It won't surprise you, but will make you laugh. Has the kind of polish you don't often see anymore.
  12. KarlK.
    Dec 25, 2003
    9
    We laughed so hard we almost cried, and were still laughing two hours later in the pub...

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 33 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Jean Oppenheimer
    50
    The Coen brothers had a golden opportunity to make a darkly humorous, deliciously clever battle of the sexes, and they let it slip through their fingers. Instead, the duo... settled for a broad farce that is long on manic, cartoonish behavior and short on intelligence and wit.
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  2. Variety
    Reviewed by: David Rooney
    70
    A thoroughly entertaining comedy about love, lawyers and fat divorce settlements. While a slight imbalance in the romantic formula stops it just short of truly soaring, the crackling dialogue and buoyant wordplay make this a delightful throwback to classic screwball comedies.
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  3. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Michael Atkinson
    80
    Zeta-Jones is merely ravishing, but Clooney owns the film. Ordinarily best at sardonic, man's-man confidence, he strides through Intolerable Cruelty with fantastic screwball zest. To see Clooney tenderize, season, grill, and serve this ham hock of a role is to see an old-fashioned virtuoso in perpetual motion.
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