Stuart Little (1999)

66% of critics liked it
(97 reviews)
45% of users liked it
(426,973 ratings)

E.B. White's classic children's story is brought to the screen in this fantasy, which combines computer-animated characters with a cast of live actors. Mrs. Little (Geena Davis), Mr. Little (Hugh Laurie), and their son George (Jonathan Lipnicki) live in a brownstone near New York's Central Park. The… More E.B. White's classic children's story is brought to the screen in this fantasy, which combines computer-animated characters with a cast of live actors. Mrs. Little (Geena Davis), Mr. Little (Hugh Laurie), and their son George (Jonathan Lipnicki) live in a brownstone near New York's Central Park. The Littles have decided to adopt a younger brother for George, and while they're meeting the children at an orphanage, they are greeted by a mouse named Stuart (voice of Michael J. Fox), who can talk, walk upright, wear clothes, and do nearly anything a human child can do. The Littles are so taken with Stuart that they decide to adopt him, and soon the rest of the family is just as charmed by Stuart -- with the possible exception of Snowbell (voice of Nathan Lane), their house cat. The cast of humans includes Jennifer Tilly, Bruno Kirby, and Dabney Coleman; animal voices are contributed by Chazz Palminteri and Steve Zahn, Jim Doughan, and David Alan Grier. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 24 min.
Directed By: Rob Minkoff
Written By: M. Night Shyamalan, E.B. White, Gregory J. Brooker
Genres: Action & Adventure, Kids & Family, Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 17, 1999 Wide
On DVD: Apr 18, 2000
Studio: Columbia Pictures

Critic Reviews

Lisa Alspector, Chicago Reader
[Uses] class and ethnic stereotypes in support of the idea that it's best to be adopted by rich white people.
Todd McCarthy, Variety
Stuart Little is top-notch.
Bob Longino, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The movie casts off its charm for cheap laughs.
Susan Stark, Detroit News
Doesn't even get close to the spirit of White's wonder - filled but hilariously matter - of - fact story.
Mark Caro, Chicago Tribune
Patronizing and predictable.
Joe Baltake, Sacramento Bee
Stuart Little betrays a beloved book.
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media
A terrific family movie based on a terrific book.
Richard Luck, Film4
A likeable, highly entertaining film that endears in spite of the odd spot of Disney-esque schmaltz.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
I found myself caring for the humble little mouse, and that's the whole point.
Wally Hammond, Time Out
The film is strangely uninvolving.
Chris Gore, Film Threat
This simple story features amazing computer effects to render Stuart and a story that will bore anyone over the age of ten.
Robin Clifford, Reeling Reviews
Now this is what I call holiday movie fare for the whole family.
Staci Layne Wilson, StaciWilson.com
Little is big on heart.
David Nusair, Reel Film Reviews
...never boring.
Laura Reiley, Palo Alto Weekly
It is just as E.B. White envisioned it when he conceived of the children's story on a train to New York 50 years ago.
John R. McEwen, Film Quips Online
Too bad director Minkoff couldn't inspire his actors to show a little more energy.
James Rocchi, Netflix
Mouse tale with heartwarming emotion and eye-popping effects is anything but cheesy.
Sarah Hall, ViewLondon
Clever, cute but insipid.
Jean Lowerison, San Diego Metropolitan
I would hate to know that this was any child's first encounter with Stuart.
Margaret A. McGurk, Cincinnati Enquirer
Stuart Little offers a neat package of warm-hearted charm and sly wit.

Read all 21 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

Directors C

This movie for me as a kid, even as an adult now, down right creeps me out. I dont know why. Michael J Fox isn't the best voice actor ever, neither is he that charismatic about voicing the "adorable" titiluar character. The plot is flimsy and as for the laughs, some but… More
This movie for me as a kid, even as an adult now, down right creeps me out. I dont know why. Michael J Fox isn't the best voice actor ever, neither is he that charismatic about voicing the "adorable" titiluar character. The plot is flimsy and as for the laughs, some but very few work. There's barely any action for the kids either. It's not that bad but it's just a bit rubbish.
Brad W

A childhood favorite of mine, I loved it.
Lucas M

Some parts are interesting, but surely, not fresh. Stuart Little, could be a good film to watch with our kids, without a doubt, but really the movie presents some boring scenes and plot, that go annoy the audience. Rotten.
Bethany M

A childhood favourite and a classic!
Michael E

great effects and a heartwarming story, with good acting, and comedy
Richard C

it was okay, not bad but not really good. C
Jani H

"He's not just a mouse! He's... He's... he's family." 'Stuart Little' is a good adaptation of a classic novel from the 40's. I remember that I somebody read the thing to me as a kid. When the film came out, I had to see it. If I would not… More
"He's not just a mouse! He's... He's... he's family." 'Stuart Little' is a good adaptation of a classic novel from the 40's. I remember that I somebody read the thing to me as a kid. When the film came out, I had to see it. If I would not be familiar to the novel, I'd probably have skipped it. These kind of films are usually not my kind of business. A mouse is adopted by a family but it turns out that everyone in the family aren't that fond of him. Sorry..it. The cat, Stuart's human "brother". Through some adventures and "soul searching", Stuart gains the love of those who were against him and the overall acceptance in the family, including the cat. Man, I should've said SPOILER ALERT but I guess when looking at the picture of the film you know that troubles are ahead but the ending shows a lot of heart. Sorry... This might come as a surprise to you. M. Night Shyamalan is one of the screenwriters of the film. Surprised? Definitely, considering the films that he has made since 'Stuart Little'. His most successful movie, 'The Sixth Sense' came out the same year as this film... The films biggest strength is the voice actors. Michael J. Fox is very good as Stuart but there are a lot of other good actors behind their characters. Nathan Lane, Chazz Palminteri and one of the sexiest women alive, Jennifer Tilly, just to name a few. Hugh Laurie and Geena Davis gets kinda put aside but as you know, the focus is on the computer generated animals 'Stuart Little' is a good family film. For a man in his early 30's, even though a fan of the original novel, I'd put it on hold and wait for a more proper time, like having an own family.
Conner R

In some ways this movie really works, especially the kid oriented material. However, translating a story about a mouse to the big screen in a serious way is just ridiculous. The logic of this movie just doesn't fit. Part of it is a representation of the real world and then the… More
In some ways this movie really works, especially the kid oriented material. However, translating a story about a mouse to the big screen in a serious way is just ridiculous. The logic of this movie just doesn't fit. Part of it is a representation of the real world and then the other part is this warped version in which mice are peddled off as foster children. It's not really a fantastic looking film or all that well acted, it's just an average children's movie.
Dead A

A rat who becomes part of a human family. Weird story, but it was nice.
KJ P

Obviously not possible! But it is amazing entertainment for the whole family to take the awesome adventure!
Anthony L

Sweet film, well played by the actors (Voice & real)
Thomas B

a great film for the family but it won't stand up to intense scrutiny.
Film C

Great its interesting funny and a goo kiddies movie!! not to shore why it has to be a ouse in the normal family bt it works i guess and is a decent enough film!!
Red L

Years ago, I read Stuart Little books to my kids. Cute story. Special effects are well done.
Taylor B

Cute
Sophie B

ahaha this filkm is rather funny. because of how sad it is actually. Ok its an ok film.
Candy R

Cute story about a mouse living in amongst normal folk.
Rachel F

very cute
Dean M

An orpahned mouse Stuart is cute and funny who joins the Little family in this based on E.B. White's popular children book film.
Sanjaya &

great story....