The Preacher's Wife 1996

Critics score:
60 / 100

Reviews provided by RottenTomatoes

Susan Stark, Detroit News: Penny Marshall's remake of The Bishop's Wife is very uneven -- sometimes sweet or soulful, often stiff. Read more

Stephen Holden, New York Times: Read more

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times: The Preacher's Wife is one Christmas picture that actually is in the spirit of the season. It's warm, sentimental, amusing yet serious, bringing fantasy to bear upon the painfully real. Read more

Entertainment Weekly: Read more

Liam Lacey, Globe and Mail: For a movie that might have offered a new twist of the mistletoe, The Preacher's Wife delivers the Scrooge-like acceptable market minimum. Read more

James Berardinelli, ReelViews: If not for the pervasive spirit of the season, something like this could easily send me into sugar shock. It's a little too nice and happy. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: This movie could have done more, but what it does, it makes you feel good about. Read more

Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle: The Preacher's Wife qualifies as old-fashioned Hollywood movie making at its corniest and most saccharine. But the mostly African American cast puts an engaging spin on the chestnut, and it works beautifully. Read more

Jeff Strickler, Minneapolis Star Tribune: Read more

Derek Adams, Time Out: Read more

Leonard Klady, Variety: Read more

Desson Thomson, Washington Post: A welcome boost for audiences seeking images of black characters without criminal tendencies. Read more