Critics’ reviews

Stardust (2007)

12 reviews from 12 publications. Critics’ score 68: 6 positive, 6 mixed, 0 negative.

Back to our review of Stardust

68
Positive
6
Mixed
6
Negative
0

The reviews lean towards an enjoyable but uneven fantasy, with praise centred on its charm, playful storytelling and cast. Michelle Pfeiffer draws the most consistent approval, bringing comic resourcefulness and menace to the witch Lamia. Robert De Niro’s playful performance also has admirers, while the supporting cast helps sustain the humour. Critics respond to the film’s imagination and adventurous spirit, even when they find the storytelling untidy.

Reservations cluster around an overstuffed plot and an uncertain balance between comedy, romance and enchantment. Some find the humour part of the pleasure; others think it weakens the fantasy or simply falls flat. The spread runs from qualified approval to considerable enthusiasm, with no wholly negative assessment. Den of Geek is the most enthusiastic, praising the humour and family appeal, while Slant Magazine finds the adaptation competent but uninspired, burdened by spectacle and plot holes.

Radio Times
★★★★ · Brian Pendreigh
80

Pendreigh gives the adaptation a positive review, comparing its appeal to classic fantasy adventures. He praises its imagination, scale, humour and cross-generational appeal.

Read the full review →
The AV Club
10 August 2007 · B · Tasha Robinson
77

Robinson finds the film an overextended but enjoyable fantasy that settles for expansive joy rather than dramatic tautness. She particularly praises Robert De Niro’s playful performance and the terrific effects.

Read the full review →
RogerEbert.com
9 August 2007 · ★★★/4 · Roger Ebert
75

Ebert regards the film as an entertaining fantasy adventure. He praises its charm and playful storytelling.

Read the full review →
Empire
28 September 2007 · Dan Jolin
70*

Jolin finds Stardust patchy but great fun, with a sweet, silly fairy-tale romance. He praises its black humour, especially the cartoon-comical deaths of the princes.

Read the full review →
The Hollywood Reporter
9 August 2007 · Sura Wood
65*

The critic finds the fantasy adventure diverting and pleasurable, though its humor sometimes weakens its enchantment. Michelle Pfeiffer’s resourceful, genuinely frightening performance is singled out for praise, while the comedy is criticized for falling flat.

Read the full review →
Screen Daily
2 August 2007 · Mike Goodridge
60*

Goodridge describes the film as entertaining, ribald and clever, but hints that it may fall short. He singles out its ambitious high-concept adventure premise as a strength.

Read the full review →
The Guardian
22 February 2008 · Rob Mackie
60*

Mackie finds the film colourful and lively, though it does not entirely hang together. He especially praises Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance and the cast’s comic leeway.

Read the full review →
Time Out
16 October 2007 · ★★★ · Wally Hammond
60

The review finds the film has plenty of seductive qualities. It praises the adaptation’s roistering glee.

Read the full review →
Total Film
19 October 2007 · ★★★ · Total Film
60

The review calls the film uneven but entertaining, with its uncertain tone and overstuffed storytelling holding it back. It praises Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance as the witch Lamia as a particular reason to watch.

Read the full review →
Slant Magazine
9 August 2007 · ★★/4 · Ed Gonzalez
50

Gonzalez finds the adaptation competent but uninspired, weighed down by spectacle and plot holes. He praises Michelle Pfeiffer’s memorable performance and the climax’s inventive, morbid swordfight.

Read the full review →
Den of Geek
29 August 2007 · ★★★★★ · Carl England
100

The critic calls the film brilliant, funny, and spectacular, and says it suits the whole family. He particularly praises Robert De Niro’s performance and the film’s supporting cast.

Read the full review →
Eye for Film
19 July 2009 · Stephen Carty
70*

Carty finds the fantasy charming and inventive, though uneven and short of its full potential. He praises the cast, especially Claire Danes and the wealth of seasoned supporting performers.

Read the full review →

Ordered by the weight we give each publication, then by score. Scores are normalised to 100; * means inferred from an unrated review. Summaries are ours, not quotations; follow the links for the reviews themselves. How we rate