78
Metascore
17 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertWe've seen this done before, but seldom so well, or at such a high pitch of energy.
- 100Entertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanEntertainment WeeklyOwen GleibermanThe film takes off from formula elements-it's yet another variation on "Die Hard"-but it manipulates those elements so skillfully, with such a canny mixture of delirium and restraint, that I walked out of the picture with the rare sensation that every gaudy thrill had been earned.
- 88ReelViewsJames BerardinelliReelViewsJames BerardinelliIt's an ingenious premise that first-time director Jan De Bont has turned into a tremendously well-executed motion picture.
- 88Rolling StonePeter TraversRolling StonePeter TraversIf you're looking for action movie heaven, try Speed, a crackling blend of suspense and fun that gives you the rush of a runaway roller coaster.
- 80The New York TimesJanet MaslinThe New York TimesJanet MaslinThis film's dialogue isn't much more literate than a bus schedule, but its plotting is smart and breathless enough to make up for that.
- 80EmpireEmpireThere are very few action movies that cut to the chase quite as quickly as Speed and then have the stamina to keep it up for nearly two hours.
- 70Chicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumChicago ReaderJonathan RosenbaumThe deft arabesques of cinematographer Andrzej Bartkowiak juice up the suspense, and if you're not too put off by the sheer ridiculousness of the story you won't be bored.
- 67Austin ChronicleMarc SavlovAustin ChronicleMarc SavlovIn a film like this, timing is everything, and everyone from the stunt coordinators to the crew-at-large seems to have gotten it right the first time.
- 50Washington PostHal HinsonWashington PostHal HinsonUndeniably, the picture now and again supplies that edge-of-the-seat sensation; yet, by action-adventure standards, Speed is leaden and strangely poky. It never seems to shift into overdrive and let fly.
- 40Washington PostDesson ThomsonWashington PostDesson ThomsonThe plot becomes so overextended, as Reeves and Hopper wage their endless public transportation battle, even the hardest Die-Harders will consider leaping off way before the final stop.