Back to the Future (1985)

The critic calls the film an almost perfectly wrought slice of old-fashioned escapist fantasy that transcends its era, crediting the script's deft handling of time-travel paradoxes and Michael J. Fox's towering charm as the standout elements.

The Spielberg-produced, Zemeckis-directed time-travel comedy about a teen meeting his parents as teenagers is highly entertaining, with sentiment from Spielberg and acid from Zemeckis. It features a memorable unknowing-incest sequence but remains essentially light and playful rather than biting.

The film is big, cartoonish and empty, with an interesting premise that is underdeveloped and overproduced. It fails to make the most of its time-travel concept despite connections to Spielberg.

The critic praises the irresistible combination of dazzling special effects and sly comedy that propelled the leads and director, along with the ingenious script and adroit direction that balances effects and story.

The film is a high-octane, whiz-bang time-travel adventure that should deliver strong box office. Zemeckis's direction brings human comedy to the high-tech premise, with Christopher Lloyd's scene-stealing mad scientist performance standing out.

The film takes a sweet, ingenious premise about a boy traveling back to his parents' youth and runs with it inventively. Zemeckis keeps the story moving without going too far, anchoring it in family history with wit and a well-groomed 1950s look.

The critic calls the film pretty much perfect and notes that time has not blunted its fresh wit, Capraesque sweetness, effortless storytelling or charming performances.

Once past a shaky opening, this time-travel odyssey accelerates with wit, ideas and infectious wonder. The scenario's central elements—hurling the audience back to 1955 for pop-culture humor and delivering a 1985 teen to his parents' doorstep—make it a winner.

The critic calls the film a practically flawless picture and the decade's crown jewel in popcorn cinema, still fresh and exhilarating on re-release. They single out the seamless blend of action, comedy and human drama, along with the performances of Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd.

The critic calls it one of the most deservedly popular movies in cinema history, praising its brilliant script, excellent performances, wonderful score, inspirational ideas, and many memorable moments that have stood the test of time.