Metascore

Mixed or average reviews - based on 35 Critics What's this?

User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 93 Ratings

  • Starring: Colin Farrell, Forest Whitaker, Katie Holmes, Kiefer Sutherland, Radha Mitchell
  • Summary: Set entirely within and around the confines of a New York City phone booth, this film follows Stu Shepard (Farrell), a low-rent media consultant who is trapped after being told by a caller - a serial killer with a sniper rifle - that he'll be shot dead if he hangs up. (20th Century Fox)
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 35
  2. Negative: 4 out of 35
  1. Reviewed by: Clint Morris
    80
    It spends little time on exposition, instead quickly getting into the thrust of the movie. For a film like this, it’s advantageous, grabbing the audience almost immediately after the opening credits.
  2. Provides a reminder of the power of unadorned drama and language -- whole torrents of eloquent words -- in the service of a nifty idea.
  3. 60
    The payoff doesn't quite equal the intensity of the spectacularly squirm-inducing premise, but Farrell takes his showboating star turn and runs with it.
  4. A high-concept hostage drama of absolutely no value to anyone -- except maybe Bell Atlantic, whose titular street-corner pay phone is on screen for almost every agonizing frame.

See all 35 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 31 out of 52
  2. Negative: 15 out of 52
  1. EdgarC.
    10
    A perfectly intense movie about a man in a phone booth. Despite the lack of any true violence or action, the movie will keep the watcher hooked to his/her seat. I loved it. Expand
  2. An original and simply idea, yet filled with such thrilling moments that will keep you hooked to the front of your chair from start to finish. It shown the volnurability of ordinary people and how lies unfold, yet with a certain touch that keeps it interresting without ever losing any of its intentions. Expand
  3. "Phonebooth" demonstrates that Director Joel Schumacher, despite the massive Cliches and disjointed script he created, can actually direct decent movies. Expand
  4. Lodde
    0
    Absolutely the worst movie I have ever seen in my entire life. This film is based on the most absurd, uncreative, and unexciting storyline, and leaves viewers with a highly unsatisfying ending. Colin Farrell tries his best to generate interest and sympathy for his flawed character, but after about 30 minutes of enduring him talking on the phone in the booth, you just want to see his demise. The action is non existent, you could put the suspense in a thimble, and although the cast has some decent talent, not one of them can save this movie from having my distinction of being the worst, and biggest waste of time of my life (and yours if you've seen, or plan to see this absolute atrocity). At 81 minutes, you're better off getting your colon cleansed, or perhaps having your eyeballs endure acupuncture with foot long needles then fixing them on the misery that is this movie. Expand

See all 52 User Reviews

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