Willard
User Score
6.2 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 25 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 25
  3. Negative: 5 out of 25

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  1. Sam
    May 19, 2006
    9
    Willard isn't perfect, nor is it a classic, but it's still a great movie that has everything a horror movie needs: Scares, drama, and a a great leading actor.
  2. DaleE.
    Jan 22, 2004
    10
    This movie is, well, fantastic. If you want to be frightened, or see loads of people being murdered, or buckets of gore, please look elsewhere. This movie is more of a psychological drama with some dark humour sprinkled in. However, I do wish they added more story involving Willard rather than the rats, since they don't do that much anyway. I found Willard to be a fascinating character, and would have loved to see more of his interactions with other people, especially Cathryn, and maybe more on his past. Willard isn't a hero or a bad guy, he's just a lonely outcast who finds a friend in a rat, sadly the only thing that cares about him. Crispin Glover's performance is Oscar-worthy, but of course, he'll be overlooked. Sad, because his is one of the best perfomances I have seen in a while. Quiet but intense, with an almost unnerving underlying rage and sadness. Dark comedy elements occasionally pop up and amuse. However, I view this as more of a very well-made character study, not a horror movie or a black comedy. I hope someday Willard will get the attention that it truly deserves.… Expand
  3. MattS.
    Nov 16, 2003
    10
    A great movie. Crispin Glover's performance is terrific. He is also my favorite actor. You must see this movie, don't listen to the jerks who gave it bad reviews. They are probably just upset cause they droped their toys or something, childish little buggers, no taste at all. Can't understand art.
  4. Doppelganger
    Mar 21, 2003
    9
    Good movie. A bit of a downer though. Ever feel like the world is against you and your only friend is your pet? Glover portrays this to perfection. How do you cope in a world where everything and everyone is out of control and you just can't take it anymore? Glover's performance is as real as it gets. To me, it seemed not so much a special effects movie as an insight into the mind of a person on the edge of self destruction.… Expand
  5. ZoeS.
    Mar 19, 2003
    10
    This is a GREAT movie! i love crispin's creepiness in everything! he's the best!
  6. NickV.
    Mar 16, 2003
    10
    Willard is a great movie. like the sixth sense if you know the ending the movie is not as good!

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
61 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 31 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 31
  3. Negative: 3 out of 31
  1. Variety
    Reviewed by: Scott Foundas
    30
    Strictly for the birds.
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  2. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: Chris Kaltenbach
    63
    Simply twiddling with the fine-tuning on the central character is not enough to warrant remaking a film. Both Glover and Willard deserve better.
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  3. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    63
    There is real wit in Glover's performance. And wit, too, in R. Lee Ermey's performance as the boss, which draws heavily on Ermey's real-life experience as a drill sergeant.
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