Waitress Critic Reviews

Waitress deserves an essay, not just a review. There are perfect moments that stand out, and the reasons for their perfection are interesting.Read the full review

The writer-director Adrienne Shelly, who died in New York City late last year at the age of 40, took such perishable ingredients as wit, daring, poignancy, whimsy and romance, added passionate feelings plus the constant possibility of joy, decorated her one-of-a-kind production with pastel colors and created something close to perfection.Read the full review

A wee romantic charmer, a delectable Dixie screwball romp that never loses its spry sense of discovery.Read the full review

Serves up an irresistible helping of delicious fun with writing that is tart and sharp and a story infused with sweetness.Read the full review

Part feminist fable, part romantic fairy tale, it is by turns tart and sweet, charming and tough, rather like its heroine and like Keri Russell, the plucky, pretty, nimble actress who plays her.Read the full review

Waitress isn't a great film, but it is great, deep-dish fun, with a generosity of spirit that extends first to the sisters on the screen and in the audience, then to the rest of humanity.Read the full review

This sweetheart of a comedy boasts a hilarious and heartfelt performance by Keri Russell.Read the full review

A pleasant dramatic comedy that overcomes its tonal inconsistencies by presenting an engaging lead character with whom its virtually impossible not to empathize.Read the full review

Among the joys here are the supporting players, each with well-defined stories and quirky personalities. Cheryl Hines (HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm") and Shelly play fellow waitresses searching for their own happiness, and good ol' Andy Griffith is memorable as the curmudgeonly diner-owner who takes a shine to Jenna.Read the full review