20
There isn't one laugh in this so-called comedy...The resulting situations are so moronic that the movie is unwatchable.
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25
Doctor Detroit is Dan Aykroyd's first big solo vehicle, and it has some traditional Motown problems: It sputters and wheezes and lurches, never does run smoothly, never does satisfy. In the spirit of products from another troubled industry, this is a raucous comedy that just doesn't have very many jokes. [10 May 1983, p.B5]
88
The Associated Press by Bob Thomas
In his first major film without partner John Belushi, Aykroyd proves a film comedian of first rank. [9 May 1983]
60
Like Boat Trip, another guilty pleasure of mine, Doctor Detroit is so transcendently stupid, gimmicky, and shameless that it almost becomes a smart meta-parody of stupid, gimmicky, shameless high-concept '80s comedies.
75
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
There is very little comic invention in the idea for Doctor Detroit (the screenplay is Identikit sitcom), but there's a lot of invention in Aykroyd's performance.
30
No one could accuse Dan Aykroyd of waiting around for the perfect script to come along. Doctor Detroit, now at area theaters, is as feeble a vehicle as any but the meanest mean spirit would ever wish on him. [9 May 1983, p.B12]
60
The New York Times by Vincent Canby
Entertainingly slapdash.