70
This is Dame Judi's show. However extraordinary an actor she may be, she cannot conceal the obvious fact that she's having the time of her life here. Isn't that delicious?
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
70
Chicago Reader by Andrea Gronvall
Posh meets prole in this period drama elegantly directed by Stephen Frears (Dangerous Liaisons, Prick Up Your Ears).
60
A bigscreen feature executed with a cookie-cutter small-screen sensibility, this often charming but untextured fact-based period piece is buoyed along by the redoubtable Judi Dench.
50
Stephen Frears has had more downs than ups of late, but I would never have thought the man responsible for "My Beautiful Laundrette" and "The Grifters" capable of stooping to pap as pappy as this unbearably chipper take on the real-life story of Laura Henderson.
88
ReelViews by James Berardinelli
It offers a feel-good experience, but without the heavy dose of schmaltz that often accompanies such a production.
60
The New York Times by Manohla Dargis
Watching this reasonably funny, professionally assembled calculation is a little like snuggling up in front of the television with a mug of hot cocoa and a warm blanket. Those who prefer their drinks and recreation spiked would do well to look elsewhere.
80
The Hollywood Reporter by Michael Rechtshaffen
An absolute delight from start to finish.
50
Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman
This makes for a friendly romp, and also a dull one.
100
Christian Science Monitor by Peter Rainer
Marvelously enjoyable.
70
Poking fun at uptight British civility has long been a monocle-shattering comedic staple, and Mrs. Henderson Presents gets by for a while on its genial naughtiness.