Turns potentially forgettable formula into something strangely diverting.
75
Seattle Post-IntelligencerEllen A. Kim
Seattle Post-IntelligencerEllen A. Kim
Schroeder's misstep is trying hard to please his star, whether it be her character's empathetic past or one very fake-looking action climax. His greatest service is keeping her toe-to-toe with her talented co-stars -- and both are the better for it.
63
ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
ReelViewsJames Berardinelli
Towards the end, Murder By Numbers reverts to form with cheesy clichés, plot twists, and a fair amount of unnecessary action, but that's easily the film's low point.
63
Boston Globe
Boston Globe
For much of its length, the film is plausible, if predictable and ponderous. Its strongest assets are its actors.
50
Miami HeraldRene Rodriguez
Miami HeraldRene Rodriguez
In Murder by Numbers, though, even Schroeder can't keep his own boredom from showing.
50
Village VoiceDennis Lim
Village VoiceDennis Lim
But owing no doubt to the requirements of Sandra Bullock, the movie's above-the-line star, executive producer, and worst enemy, this potboiling procedural never stands a chance of disproving its title.
50
Film ThreatMichael Dequina
Film ThreatMichael Dequina
Doesn't necessarily make Murder by Numbers an awful film; it's certainly watchable, but it never escapes its paint-by-numbers design.