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Smiling Fish & Goat on Fire
Metascore
44 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 18 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 18
  3. Negative: 5 out of 18
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  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    75
    Has a freshness and charm, a winning way with its not terrifically original material.
  2. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    75
    Henderson steals the show as an elderly African-American man befriended by one of the main characters.
  3. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Jay Carr
    75
    The sweetly enticing Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire repays the bit of patience it asks.
    All this critic's reviews
  4. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kevin Thomas
    70
    A film of much gentleness, tenderness and keen observation into the way laughter and pain have a way of colliding into each other.
    All this critic's reviews
  5. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Jonathan Rosenbaum
    70
    Affecting and offbeat.
  6. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Lisa Schwarzbaum
    67
    This sunny ode to brotherhood, made on a tiny budget, goes a fair distance on good vibes.
  7. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Marc Caro
    63
    Rarely ventures beyond familiar territory.
    All this publication's reviews
  8. Variety
    Reviewed by: Eddie Cockrell
    60
    Boasts a perceptive script, rich performances and date-movie appeal.
  9. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Mick LaSalle
    50
    An appealing film with a hideous title.
  10. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Kim Morgan
    50
    An unfortunate example of a small picture that feels small.
    All this critic's reviews
  11. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Ken Fox
    40
    The kind of film only a mother could really love.
  12. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marjorie Baumgarten
    40
    Just sputters along, albeit pleasantly, while revisiting the realm of the abundantly familiar.
  13. Film.com
    Reviewed by: Henry Cabot Beck
    40
    In many ways the indie equivalent of your average multiplex action picture: fun and forgettable.
  14. New York Post
    Reviewed by: Lou Lumenick
    38
    Much less a satisfying movie than an intermittently funny 90-minute acting audition.
    All this critic's reviews
  15. L.A. Weekly
    Reviewed by: Ella Taylor
    30
    The best I can say for Smiling Fish is that it's capable and pleasant, which ought to sound a warning note louder than if I'd said it was awful.
  16. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Dave Kehr
    30
    Seems a little too desperate to be liked.
  17. Village Voice
    Reviewed by: Edward Crouse
    20
    In this visually malnourished film, quirks substitute for character.
  18. Mr. Showbiz
    Reviewed by: Kevin Maynard
    10
    Strives for folksy charm but ends up just lying there like a plate of kippers.
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