60
Despite the riveting performances of Renfro and McKellen, we're left with classic horror-movie sociopaths, evil-doers without conscience, or much to say about the nature of evil.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
50
In the end, artifice overwhelms art. Apt Pupil is too serious to work as a genre movie, and too contrived to be taken seriously. [12 October 1998]
50
Christian Science Monitor by David Sterritt
This sensationalistic tale doesn't delve very far into the issues it raises.
70
The New York Times by Elvis Mitchell
Both actors play their roles so trickily that tensions escalate until the horror grows unimaginatively gothic.
50
ReelViews by James Berardinelli
Perhaps the most disappointing thing about Apt Pupil is the lack of sustained tension generated by director Bryan Singer.
80
Dallas Observer by Jean Oppenheimer
This brutal film borders on the brilliant. Beautifully structured and edited, with a chilling central performance by Ian McKellen and an exceptional score by John Ottman, who also edited the picture, it churns up emotions and leaves the viewer feeling stunned and depleted.
80
Not all the plot developments ring true, but moments carry a real chill - even in a coma, McKellen can terrify a fellow patient almost to death - and it has more than enough thought-provoking material to command your interest.
67
Austin Chronicle by Marc Savlov
It's not perfect King, but it is jarringly close, which these days remains pretty much all one could hope for.
50
A creepy, if disjointed exploration of the nature of evil. But compared to its predecessor, it's also a bit of a disappointment.
75
San Francisco Chronicle by Mick LaSalle
Brought off with such skill and commitment that there isn't any time to snicker at its obviousness.