70
His film is hardly memorable, but it's amusing enough for two hours, and it never panders or cloys.
We hate to say it, but we can't find anywhere to view this film.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
80
New Times (L.A.) by Bill Gallo
The political, social, and linguistic adjustments Parker makes to this hugely entertaining Husband give it fresh relevance without betraying the original.
70
The movie is diverting enough -- it's good fun -- but much of the genius is gone with the wind.
90
Shines like a freshly minted coin in Oliver Parker's adaptation.
50
San Francisco Chronicle by Edward Guthmann
Director- writer Oliver Parker saps much of the juice from Wilde, slows the pace and directs his actors in an inappropriately naturalistic style.
80
Film.com by Elizabeth Weitzman
It still sounds pretty fresh: politicians scratching backs, loose ladies threatening to talk, careers balanced tremulously on the line
50
An ideal play is degraded into an indolent film
75
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
The two leading men, Northam and Everett, are smooth and charming.
70
The film is not without its problems, some inherent to Wilde's original play.
80
It all seems calculated to churn up excitement, a promise that there's lots of dazzle, glamour and intrigue to come. An Ideal Husband actually does deliver all those things, but mostly in a pleasurably understated way -- no need for the noisy signals.