Jeffrey M. Anderson Combustible Celluloid Aug 11, 2025 3/4

Though it unfolds with sitcom logic, Matthau in particular gives an outstanding performance, loading up his grandstanding with quietly hilarious little moments.

Go to Full Review

Frank J. Avella Edge Media Network Aug 27, 2021 B+

... the team of Wilder, and his equally insightful collaborator I.A.L. Diamond, who manage to shine a light on the nasty and dark side of human nature, as well as race issues. And boy does it feel so very modern.

Go to Full Review

Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Oct 13, 2020 3.5/4

The first joint Lemmon-Matthau effort might be the funniest.

Go to Full Review

Wendy Michener Maclean's Magazine Jun 27, 2019

Walter Matthau leers into the lens with loathsome brilliance while Jack Lemmon gives him a run for his money, pirouetting behind him in a wheel-chair.

Go to Full Review

Ellie Lucas From the Front Row Jun 4, 2019 3.5/4

Wilder remains as much ahead of his time as he was of it, skewering human foibles with a withering eye.

Go to Full Review

James Powers The Hollywood Reporter Oct 22, 2018

Matthau, with the role of a lifetime at his hands, seizes it and makes it wonderful. As the incompetent shyster, Matthau snarls, cajoles, is breezy and sniveling by turns.

Go to Full Review

Variety Staff Variety Aug 15, 2007

...another bittersweet comedy commentary on contemporary US mores.

Go to Full Review

Don Druker Chicago Reader Aug 15, 2007

Wildly funny in spots...

Go to Full Review

Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Mar 17, 2007 C+

Saddled with a thin story.

Go to Full Review

Betsy Bozdech DVDJournal.com Oct 21, 2006 4/4

It's hard to go wrong with director Billy Wilder, and when you add Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau into the mix, it's darn near impossible.

Go to Full Review

Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Jul 3, 2005 B

Though not top-notch Billy Wilder, this cynical satire about an unscrupulous lawyer and a TV cameraman benefits from good acting by Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon in their first screen teaming.

Go to Full Review

Mark R. Leeper rec.arts.movies.reviews Oct 8, 2004 3/5

Go to Full Review

Jeffrey Westhoff Northwest Herald (Crystal Lake, IL) Jul 30, 2004 4/5

Go to Full Review

Ken Hanke Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC) Jul 19, 2004 4/5

Good, but probably Wilder's most overrated film.

Go to Full Review

Randy Shulman Metro Weekly (Washington, DC) Jul 17, 2004 5/5

Go to Full Review

Frank Swietek One Guy's Opinion Jul 10, 2004 3/5

Go to Full Review

Susan Granger www.susangranger.com Jun 22, 2004 5/5

Go to Full Review

Carol Cling Las Vegas Review-Journal Aug 22, 2003 4/5

Go to Full Review