Most critics greet Meet Me in St. Louis with enthusiasm, praising a musical whose family warmth leaves space for sadness and unease. Judy Garland’s performance draws the most consistent praise, with the songs valued both for their emotional force and for how naturally they fit into everyday family life. Minnelli’s use of colour, framing and detailed compositions is another recurring strength. Several reviews find darker feelings beneath the nostalgic charm, rather than treating it as uncomplicated comfort.
The spread is largely between warm approval and stronger enthusiasm, with little evidence of substantial disagreement in the available texts. Empire supplies the clearest reservation, finding the film dated but still entertaining and its songs particularly memorable. The praise varies more in emphasis, from performance to visual detail. Time Out’s review text is unavailable, so its lower score cannot establish a specific objection.