Chicago Tribune by Loren King

One of the most clever, most enjoyable historical fantasies to hit screens in a long time, The Emperor's New Clothes is a sumptuous showcase for Ian Holm, who delivers not one but two great performances.

Baltimore Sun by Michael Sragow

It's sometimes said that the greatest test of a chef is cooking something cheap and simple, like a piece of chicken or a hamburger. In a movie that testifies to simple pleasures, Taylor and company pass that test again and again.

New Times (L.A.) by Gregory Weinkauf

In tampering with history, these storytellers present to us a rare and wonderful case of enlightenment beyond the accepted truth.

Washington Post by Ann Hornaday

Engaging, witty and touching film, one that defies categories to become a romantic comedy, historical biopic and philosophical rumination, all in one.

Los Angeles Times by Kevin Thomas

Sergio Ballo's costumes have the look of authentic clothing, realistically reflecting the characters' wide range in social status. Rachel Portman's score, at once romantic, majestic and vital, completes this beguiling film.

ReelViews by James Berardinelli

Taylor's approach to this material -- mixing occasional humor with undemanding drama -- works well enough that we don't care about the logical inconsistencies and plot holes. To that end, The Emperor's New Clothes ends up as a pleasant diversion.

Entertainment Weekly by Lisa Schwarzbaum

It's a royal, finely modulated double performance by an actor who always wears his powers with graceful modesty.

New York Daily News by Jami Bernard

In a hilarious bit of actorly sleight-of-hand, Holm (who is not new to the role of Napoleon, having it played it twice before) slips effortlessly from emperor to impostor.

San Francisco Chronicle by Mick LaSalle

The result is a genre-bending yarn, an entertaining mix of period drama and flat-out farce that should please history fans.

Philadelphia Inquirer by Carrie Rickey

Touching historical fantasy.

Variety by Derek Elley

Pleasant rather than rollicking entertainment.

Miami Herald by Marta Barber

Mildly engaging.

Washington Post by Michael O'Sullivan

Charming but slight.

Chicago Reader by Hank Sartin

Desperately wants to be whimsical and charming. But whimsy isn't easy to carry off, and director Alan Taylor, who has directed mostly television dramas, has a heavy hand -- scenes meant to be comical are destroyed by leaden pacing and a puzzling mix of tones.

Charlotte Observer by Lawrence Toppman

Watching this comedy is like going out with an attractive blind date who runs out of conversation after a quarter of an hour.

Boston Globe

Not without its charms. But it never rises to its clever what-if concept.