AllMovie

Because of its extensive ad campaign and huge box-office grosses, some viewers may be surprised at the comparatively small scale of this fun little science-fiction comedy. In fact, most of the reason the film works as well as it does is not the special-effects aspect, which is relatively modest, but the chemistry between its two leads. Tommy Lee Jones' wonderful deadpan delivery works as a perfect counterpoint to Will Smith's often frantic energy, and both actors are a joy to watch. The alien monsters are mostly of the cute and cuddly variety, making it more suitable for children than most violent alien epics of recent years, and it's so much fun that it's one of the rare films which actually raises hopes for a sequel.