Metascore
46 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 19 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 19
  2. Negative: 4 out of 19
  1. A rousing, eye-filling, song-and-dance period musical spectacular that - despite a certain inability to decide whether it wants to be a kids' movie or "Les Miserables" - is a surprisingly enjoyable and entertaining throwback to the great movie musical style of the '40s and '50s. [10 Apr 1992]
  2. 75
    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.
  3. Smooth direction, vigorous performances, competent music, spotty script, and a running time that overstays its welcome. [10 Apr 1992]
  4. A quite competent and energetic effort that uses live actors. [10 Apr 1992]
  5. 70
    Its intentions seem fairly modest, and so are its achievements. It's a modestly enjoyable diversion.
  6. 50
    As much as the film may try to peddle warmth and solidarity, it remains disturbingly cold and impersonal, limited by the formulaic writing of Bob Tzudiker and Noni White and stymied by Ortega's apparent distance from his cast. [10 Apr 1992]
  7. It's mostly entertaining, and has some strong moments, but it lacks the special magic that a musical needs, that sense of its inhabiting a parallel universe where any wonderful thing can happen at any moment, including music suddenly arising from nowhere. [10 Apr 1992]
  8. Reviewed by: Staff (Not Credited)
    50
    Sumptuous production values and fitfully impressive choreography notwithstanding, Newsies was a major misfire for Disney Studios.
  9. Reviewed by: Mike Clark
    50
    Newsies' drag is its predictable script.... It's not a bad hook, but the treatment is uninspired, despite a fairly engaging turn by Bale. [08 Apr 1992]
  10. Reviewed by: Kathleen Maher
    50
    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.
  11. It has been put together with just enough efficiency to qualify as an oddball labor of love.
  12. Newsies becomes a string of set-pieces, some of which work, some of which don't, all barreling full-speed ahead toward its Teddy Roosevelt deus ex machina. [10 Apr 1992]
  13. 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.
  14. This one doesn't have enough zesty ideas to revive the breed.
  15. Reviewed by: Desson Howe
    40
    Newsies is all left feet, noise and clutter.
  16. 38
    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.
  17. Newsies is a long, halfhearted romp through what is made to seem a not terribly compelling chapter in New York City's history.
  18. Reviewed by: Variety Staff
    30
    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.
  19. Reviewed by: Stephen Hunter
    25
    Newsies is a live-action musical, but it's only barely alive. Call it "Snoozies." [10 Apr 1992]
User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. 10
    Great story (even if it was loosely based on actual facts). It was fun to watch and the singing and dancing sticks with you. You can't help but love this movie!!! Full Review »
  2. Joe
    10
    Newsies is a classic Disney family movie. Never mind what the "critics" say about this film. Ortega was not trying to win an Oscar, he was trying to make a good old-fashioned musical we could have fun watching, and he succeeded. Full Review »