Mr. Magoo (1997)

4% of critics liked it
(27 reviews)
29% of users liked it
(35,302 ratings)

Action-adventure director Stanley Tong (Supercop, Rumble in the Bronx) did a change of pace by directing this live-action adaptation of UPA's bumbling, near-sighted Mr. Magoo the animated-series character created during the '40s by John Hubley and others for the cartoon short Ragtime Bear (1949).… More Action-adventure director Stanley Tong (Supercop, Rumble in the Bronx) did a change of pace by directing this live-action adaptation of UPA's bumbling, near-sighted Mr. Magoo the animated-series character created during the '40s by John Hubley and others for the cartoon short Ragtime Bear (1949). Millionaire Quincy Magoo (Leslie Nielsen) won't admit he needs glasses, so nephew Waldo (Matt Keeslar) removes obstacles in Magoo's path. At a museum exhibition, when Magoo steps up to cut a ceremonial ribbon but instead severs a power line, it sets in motion events making Magoo the target during an international manhunt -- while he continually escapes mishaps by inches. Greg Burson does the voice of Magoo in animated sequences at the film's beginning and end. During the '50s, the animated character (voiced by Jim Backus) led to two Oscars -- for the jazz-scored Rooty Toot Toot (1952) and the CinemaScope When Magoo Flew (1955). ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 27 min.
Directed By: Stanley Tong
Written By: Pat Proft, Tom Sherohman
Genres: Comedy, Kids & Family

In Theaters: Dec 25, 1997 Wide
On DVD: Jul 17, 2001

Critic Reviews

Joe Leydon, Variety
By turns frenetic and flat-footed, Mr. Magoo is an uninspired live-action comedy.
Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
If you really hate your kids, pack them off to this slapdash farce, whose only funny moment is the PC disclaimer at the end about the Disney company's humanist concern for blind people.
Lawrence Van Gelder, New York Times
Incomplete as a cartoon, indecisive as comedy, halting as adventure, Mr. Magoo turns out to be a shortsighted project.
Jeff Millar, Houston Chronicle
Here's where I'm supposed to suggest how the film might be better. But I can't think of anything to say other than to make the film again, with different writers and a new director.
Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle
Only a couple of good gags in its pileup of otherwise lame jokes keep the production from being an unqualified stinker.
James Berardinelli, ReelViews
Mr. Magoo is not just an insult to the blind and near-blind, it's an insult to every human being who has the misfortune to suffer through this dreadfully unfunny, 90 minute atrocity.
, Film4
Nielsen, an actor who is either brilliant or abysmal depending on the material, veers towards the latter.
Ken Fox, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Instantly forgettable but fun while it lasts.
Clint Morris, Moviehole
Stinkier than a visit to the local tip
John R. McEwen, Film Quips Online
The film is almost unbearable.
Guy MacPherson, Apollo Guide
I grew up with Mr. Magoo. I watched Mr. Magoo. I loved Mr. Magoo. Leslie Nielsen, you're no Mr. Magoo.
Bob McCabe, Empire Magazine
When even the outtakes you see over the end titles don't raise a single titter, you know you're in trouble.
Oz, eFilmCritic.com
Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid.
Marc Savlov, Austin Chronicle
It's a mess best left to the nitrate ashes of forgotten film and television history.
Steve Rhodes, Internet Reviews
Hopefully, this picture will force producers to think harder about which subjects have promise and which do not.
Jeff Vice, Deseret News, Salt Lake City
Among those who will be insulted by this painfully unfunny comedy are women, the elderly and members of several ethnicities, as well as moviegoers with even the slightest modicum of taste.

Read all 16 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Jason O

I haven't ever watched the cartoon of Mr. Magoo, but I always heard what it was about. I don't know why, but when I heard about Leslie Nielsen (one of the best comedy actors there is) starring in "Mr. Magoo," I wanted to see it. Mr. Magoo is a VERY visually… More
I haven't ever watched the cartoon of Mr. Magoo, but I always heard what it was about. I don't know why, but when I heard about Leslie Nielsen (one of the best comedy actors there is) starring in "Mr. Magoo," I wanted to see it. Mr. Magoo is a VERY visually impaired and wealthy man. He unfortunately gets involved in the middle of a plot that deals with thieves stealing extremely valuable jewels. Whether Mr. Magoo successfully gets out of the middle of the action or not, one thing's for sure, he sure needs a new eye doctor. Unlike what I've read from some of the other reviews, I didn't think that Leslie Nielsen did a bad job at all in "Mr. Magoo." I do agree that the movie seems generic and that it is somewhat pointless, but I still moderately liked it. Mr. Magoo isn't trying to be funny, but he is, since he is nearly blind. You will see him do such things such as go fishing and catch a man, but think that he has a lunker of a fish, take what he thinks is a skiing detour, but that is actually the edge of a cliff, and a lot more. I thought Leslie Nielsen did a great job of acting like he was nearly blind, and the rest of the people in the film did ok, but not great, with the exception of the dog, who was brilliant. As for the movie itself, "Mr. Magoo" isn't one of the best comedies and it's not one of the funniest, but I did think parts were hilarious. But there were also many parts that tried to be funny, that didn't even make me grin. All in all, it's a mixed bag of laughs and failed grins. If you're a fan of comedy movies and Leslie Nielsen films, I would recommend renting "Mr. Magoo" before buying it. NOTE: That was my Amazon review from the year 2001.
Candy R

Leslie plays a millionaire who unwittingly defeats jewel smugglers.
Dan S

Pretty awful as I recall, Nielsen does his fair share of terrible movies.
Deb S

Based on the old cartoon, Leslie Nielson plays Mr. Magoo, a clueless myopic millionaire who has to solve the case of a stolen ruby from his museum. The CCTV footage makes him look like he was in on it so now he must hunt these ruthless jewel thieves down in order to clear his name.… More
Based on the old cartoon, Leslie Nielson plays Mr. Magoo, a clueless myopic millionaire who has to solve the case of a stolen ruby from his museum. The CCTV footage makes him look like he was in on it so now he must hunt these ruthless jewel thieves down in order to clear his name. Coming along for the ride are his dog, Angus and his nephew, Waldo. There are more laughs in the original Mister Magoo cartoons but if you're looking for something light and silly then this may be the film for you. Also starring Kelly Lynch, Ernie Hudson, Jennifer Garner, and Malcolm McDowell!
Yinalí R

Absolutely love this movie, super funny!
Sunil J

SO silly but doesn't mean it's not a good time.