The reviews lean towards a mixed verdict, with praise clustering around Whitney Houston’s singing and screen presence. Her musical performances, particularly “I Will Always Love You”, are a recurring pleasure even for critics who find the story implausible. The more favourable responses enjoy an old-fashioned romantic fantasy whose stars compensate for a predictable script. Houston’s acting also earns substantial support, though enthusiasm for the central romance is less consistent.
The main reservations concern an unconvincing thriller plot, uneven tone and pacing, but judgements range from warm affection to firm disappointment. Collider praises Houston and Kevin Costner’s chemistry and the slow-burning romance. The Los Angeles Times disputes that chemistry, finding the film compulsively watchable largely because its failings become camp entertainment. Variety welcomes Houston’s debut but objects to choppy editing and an overlong climax. The divide is chiefly over how much the stars and songs can excuse.
