from Film Forum, 08/22/02Warner Brother reportedly spent $100 million to produce The Adventures of Pluto Nash, the new action/comedy sci–fi adventure starring Eddie Murphy. The film was long delayed due to complicated special effects. But when the studio opted not to show the film to critics before opening day, all signs pointed to a disaster. Sure enough, the film has opened to dismal reviews and a disappointing opening day, earning back only about $2 million. Some are comparing it to the legendary "disaster" film Ishtar. Lou Lumenick (New York Post) blasted it: "Watching it is like watching 90 minutes of outtakes—deleted scenes randomly assembled by a drunken night watchman at the studio."
Religious critics are unable to find anything worthy of praise.
Phil Boatwright testifies, "I said to myself, 'Hey, it stars Eddie Murphy, there's got to be something funny in it.' Alas, I was wrong. And I miss my $6.The production values and special effects leave something to be desired in this era when production values and special effects are more focused on that story. And speaking of story … there is none."
Loren Eaton (Focus on the Family) believes that the special effects and the plot are not the real problems with the film: "Pluto has been taking heat for all the wrong reasons. Sexual baggage and profane potholes spoil this good–hearted trip far more effectively than a run–of–the–mill script and so–so special effects."
Holly McClure (Crosswalk) writes, "I wanted to like this movie because I like Eddie Murphy, but it starts bad and gets worse. There are better movies out there, so save your time and money on this one!"
