Most critics greet Sherlock Jr. with strong enthusiasm, praising Keaton’s physical precision and the ingenuity of its filmmaking. The praise clusters around the dream sequence, where a projectionist enters the screen and must adjust to rapidly changing locations. Reviews find both comic pleasure and an exploration of cinematic illusion in its editing and trick photography. Keaton’s stunt work, command of movement and stillness, and carefully timed gags draw similarly broad approval.
The spread is wide, but the disagreement is concentrated in one review. Variety dismisses most of the comedy as tired and finds the chases wanting, while still admiring the passage into the projected film. Elsewhere, reservations are narrower: /Film finds the narrative somewhat patchwork, without losing enthusiasm for the result. The Guardian’s qualified response concerns an added REM soundtrack more than the original film. The consensus is firmly positive, with technical invention the clearest point of agreement.