Pleasantville
User Score
8.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 26 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 26
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 26
  3. Negative: 0 out of 26

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  1. FromHolland;)
    Oct 30, 2005
    9
    I really enjoyed watching this movie.
  2. JennaL.
    Jul 16, 2002
    8
    Pleasantville was a wonderful movie that is brilliant and shows how the world was in the old days. It is an imaginative film and it can capture the heart of anyone!
  3. BenW.
    Oct 12, 2003
    10
    It's brilliant. It works so well not just as a fairy tale about 90's teenagers sucked into a 1950's sitcom, but also as a parable about the difficult changes that the people in that era had to endure as they entered the 60's. The special effects are gorgeous, and are actually especially powerful as well. After viewing the film in black & white for some time, I really had a appreciation for color. Segments that were in black & white and color are fantastic too. It's one of my favorite movies EVER.… Expand
  4. MichelleP.
    Mar 2, 2003
    5
    No offense to those of you who loved this movie, but I really hated it. I mean, Reese Witherspoon's character was a true bratt! She goes around convining people that sex is what makes the world happy place. She changes color because she reads a book. Called, "Lover". Oooh...good idea. Psyche.
  5. Scottm
    Aug 12, 2003
    10
    I try to critique movies the best i can but i honestly have to say that this film was as close to perfect as a movie can get. Witherspoon and the town sex liberation isnt trying to be shallow it just shows that kids are making mistakes like normal teens. Great movie.
  6. PatC.
    Jan 7, 2004
    7
    Interesting time-line conversion from old to new ethics. Might have been more interesting if it had started out in color and slowly given way to B&W.
  7. JustinM.
    Nov 3, 2005
    9
    This film contains so many themes relevent to human nature: culture clash, art and censorship, intolerance and acceptance, reactionism, the list goes on. The performances are extremely believeable and genuine in the face of such a fantastical story. The visual achievements alone make this film worth a watch. The cinematography is a great mix between modern techniques and 1950s TV and film noir style. This film is a rare thing: a visually breathtaking story with real substance.… Collapse
  8. JackL.
    Jul 25, 2007
    9
    This movie is great!!! I love it. It contains many themes and messages that allow you watch the film many times because most likely you will not understand everything at the first time. The concept is profound and poignant. This movie should have received a 80/100 by the critics at least.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 32 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 32
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 32
  3. Negative: 0 out of 32
  1. Mr. Showbiz
    Reviewed by: Kevin Maynard
    80
    Offers effortless charm, wit, and originality in spades.
  2. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Rita Kempley
    70
    Lacks the edge and depth of a truly inspired work.
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  3. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marjorie Baumgarten
    50
    The movie's simplistic storyline does not match its stunning visual accomplishments: Pleasantville's story is drawn from a palette that's strictly limited to black-and-white.
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