58
Metascore
12 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- Gaffigan is able to do a lot with a little, and the comedian is a perfect fit for Ramsey’s gentle cluelessness. He’s effortlessly charismatic in this kind of role, and the arc of his relationship with Christmas is lovely for all the ways it doesn’t fall into easy, empty melodrama.
- 75Chicago Sun-TimesRichard RoeperChicago Sun-TimesRichard RoeperTroop Zero is so sugary you’d get a cavity if you bit into it — but it’s also a cozy, satisfying and inspirational underdog tale, featuring a wonderful performance by Mckenna Grace.
- 70Los Angeles TimesKimber MyersLos Angeles TimesKimber MyersTroop Zero is bursting with personality and stylistic flourishes; it might be too twee for some, but it’s better to let yourself be won over by its sincerity and sweetness, tempered by just enough sadness and quirk.
- 70The New York TimesLovia GyarkyeThe New York TimesLovia GyarkyeWhat Troop Zero lacks in complexity, it makes up for in heart.
- 63RogerEbert.comTomris LafflyRogerEbert.comTomris LafflyIf Wes Anderson were to mesh “Bad News Bears” with a live-action “Monsters University,” the result would look and feel something like Troop Zero, a whimsical, if not generic kiddie adventure more suited for young ones than grown-ups.
- 60The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThe Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeDavis isn't given a very satisfying backstory to work with, but when has she needed one? The actress strikes a satisfying balance between reluctance and protectiveness. Gaffigan and Janney offer just what their parts in the story need, but Davis keeps it all on the rails.
- 60VarietyAndrew BarkerVarietyAndrew BarkerNeither reinvents the wheel nor even attempts to redesign it all that much, but at least it gets where it wants to go, thanks in no small part to the work of Allison Janney, Viola Davis, and young actor Mckenna Grace.
- 58The A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloThe A.V. ClubMike D'AngeloViewed as any sort of follow-up to "Beasts," Troop Zero looks like a sellout. By the standards of mainstream live-action children’s fare, however, it’s more mature and thoughtful than average. Just don’t expect any Oscar nominations, even for recent winners like Davis and Janney.
- 50The Film StageJordan RaupThe Film StageJordan RaupTroop Zero drowns in its cloying aim to please at every moment. It doesn’t bring anything new to the table, but that wouldn’t be a problem if its familiar heart and humor landed in any memorable way.