35
Metascore
17 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 60TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineIt's not a nice movie; like The Exorcist, it is ugly, cynical, and mean-spirited. Yet it's also rendered with the same gripping, unholy conviction that has been Friedkin's "saving grace" throughout his career.
- 50Time OutTime OutA severely flawed but not unamusing venture from a director who should know better.
- 40The New York TimesJanet MaslinThe New York TimesJanet MaslinA confused horror film custom-designed for those who prefer their scares set in a clean, comfortable, architecturally correct atmosphere, rather than the usual Gothic settings.
- 40The DissolveNoel MurrayThe DissolveNoel MurrayAny straight-to-video horror hack could’ve made The Guardian, which has almost no energy until its last 15 minutes, and never exhibits the command of visual storytelling that should be expected from the director of The French Connection and Sorcerer.
- 40EmpireKim NewmanEmpireKim NewmanPredictable and flat, the sort of cop-out horror movie which relies on sending up long-outdated female stereotypes of the matron vs the siren. Nothing particularly refreshing or even frightening resides within.
- 37Washington PostRichard HarringtonWashington PostRichard HarringtonThis is a surprisingly inept tale about an evil nanny and a killer tree that's right out of Jason's woods. Despite a prologue that aims to excuse subsequent plot deficiencies and a finale that's as absurd as you're likely to find in a modern horror film, The Guardian is simply ludicrous.
- 30IGNIGNProbably the only terrifying thing about this ludicrous excuse for a horror film – besides the fact that it's from the director of The Exorcist – is that Friedkin doesn't seem to realize it's a dreadful picture.
- 25Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertMaybe after years of banging his head against the system Friedkin decided with The Guardian to make a frankly commercial exploitation film. On the level of special effects and photography, The Guardian is indeed well made. But give us a break.