54
Metascore
13 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 75The Seattle TimesJohn HartlThe Seattle TimesJohn HartlHarrison is more interested in teasing than frightening an audience to death, but he still manages to deliver several strong jolts. So does the cast of first-rate actors, who obviously had a marvelous time turning themselves into goons, cannibals, gargoyles and ghouls. [04 May 1990, p.28]
- 70The New York TimesJanet MaslinThe New York TimesJanet MaslinNothing about Tales From the Darkside is likely to give anyone much of a scare. But thanks to casting that is savvier than the horror norm, and to direction by John Harrison that is workmanlike and sometimes even witty, at least it's fun.
- 70Los Angeles TimesMichael WilmingtonLos Angeles TimesMichael WilmingtonAs a horror show, it's a cut--or a slash or a bloody whack--above most movies of this type: cleverly written, cleverly cast.
- 63Slant MagazineSlant MagazineEach mini-movie has the same tally of moments of greatness, grossness, and dullness, giving Tales from the Darkside: The Movie an even-handed feel.
- 50Time Out LondonTime Out LondonDefinitely an improvement on the lamentable Creepshow or Cat's Eye, but Harrison never quite transcends the inherently limited format.
- 50USA TodaySusan WloszczynaUSA TodaySusan WloszczynaThose who adore horror movies so much that they crave Count Chocula cereal may be amused. The rest can skip this walk on the Darkside. [07 May 1990, p.4D]
- 42Entertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanEntertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanIts title aside, this slow, clunky omnibus film feels more like a TV show than a movie. It’s not very scary, and there isn’t much contrast among the episodes.
- 40TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineDull, derivative horror anthology.
- 40Washington PostWashington PostUnfortunately, the fact that these particular stories come from the likes of Arthur Conan Doyle and Stephen King can't overcome the direction of John Harrison and the movie's basic television-level aspirations.
- 25Chicago TribuneChicago TribuneThe film's rhythm is sluggish, with gore strategically placed in case the audience nods off. [08 May 1990, p.3C]