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The Singing Detective
The Singing Detective Image
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Metascore
45 out of 100

Mixed or average reviews - based on 33 Critics What's this?

User Score
7.3 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 6 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Starring: Mel Gibson, Robert Downey Jr., Robin Wright
  • Summary: The story of a crime novelist (Downey Jr.) who, languishing in his hospital bed, occupies his time by mapping out a screenplay in his head about a cynical private investigator who doubles as a singer in a dance band. (Paramount Classics)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 33
  2. Mixed: 21 out of 33
  3. Negative: 4 out of 33
  1. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    75
    The movie does not propose to be a comedy, a musical, a film noir story or a medical account. It proposes to be a subjective view of suffering, and the ways this character tries to cope with it. Understand that, and the pieces fall into place.
  2. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Staff (Not credited)
    60
    A genuinely brilliant cast--Robin Wright Penn and Katie Holmes are especially notable--distinctive camerawork, and terrific art design all contribute to this unique blend of fantasy and reality that truly transports the viewer to a magical realm.
  3. Charlotte Observer
    Reviewed by: Lawrence Toppman
    38
    See not only the original "Detective" but the Steve Martin-Bernadette Peters film "Pennies From Heaven." If you insist on giving Downey and company $8 instead, you'll be getting wooden nickels from Hell.

See all 33 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. AndrewR.
    9
    Crazy mental trip.
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 4 User Reviews

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