Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire

Christian Science Monitor David Sterritt

Henderson steals the show as an elderly African-American man befriended by one of the main characters.

Boston Globe Jay Carr

The sweetly enticing Smiling Fish and Goat on Fire repays the bit of patience it asks.

Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

Has a freshness and charm, a winning way with its not terrifically original material.

Chicago Reader Jonathan Rosenbaum

Affecting and offbeat.

Los Angeles Times Kevin Thomas

A film of much gentleness, tenderness and keen observation into the way laughter and pain have a way of colliding into each other.

Entertainment Weekly Lisa Schwarzbaum

This sunny ode to brotherhood, made on a tiny budget, goes a fair distance on good vibes.

Chicago Tribune Marc Caro

Rarely ventures beyond familiar territory.

Variety Eddie Cockrell

Boasts a perceptive script, rich performances and date-movie appeal.

Portland Oregonian Kim Morgan

An unfortunate example of a small picture that feels small.

San Francisco Chronicle Mick LaSalle

An appealing film with a hideous title.

Austin Chronicle Marjorie Baumgarten

Just sputters along, albeit pleasantly, while revisiting the realm of the abundantly familiar.

TV Guide Ken Fox

The kind of film only a mother could really love.

Film.com Henry Cabot Beck

In many ways the indie equivalent of your average multiplex action picture: fun and forgettable.

New York Post Lou Lumenick

Much less a satisfying movie than an intermittently funny 90-minute acting audition.

LA Weekly Ella Taylor

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.

The New York Times Dave Kehr

Seems a little too desperate to be liked.

Village Voice Edward Crouse

In this visually malnourished film, quirks substitute for character.

Mr. Showbiz Kevin Maynard

Strives for folksy charm but ends up just lying there like a plate of kippers.