Oddly, the funniest performer here is Gene Hackman, playing an aggressively straight, family-values-spouting politician. Hackman's deadpan inanity is sublimely comic.
80
Washington PostHal Hinson
Washington PostHal Hinson
One of the loopiest, most hysterical family-values movies ever made.
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
What makes Mike Nichols' version more than just a retread is good casting in the key roles, and a wicked screenplay by Elaine May.
75
USA TodaySusan Wloszczyna
USA TodaySusan Wloszczyna
Light as a feather. [8 March 1996, p.D1]
70
Washington PostDesson Thomson
Washington PostDesson Thomson
A spirited remake of the French drag farce, has everything in place, from eyeliner to one-liner.
63
San Francisco ExaminerBarbara Shulgasser
San Francisco ExaminerBarbara Shulgasser
While Birdcage has many isolated funny moments, long bits of slowness interrupt the energy.