28
Metascore
11 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 60The New York TimesJanet MaslinThe New York TimesJanet MaslinAs directed by Ralph S. Singleton, Graveyard Shift works better above ground than below. The early scenes that allow the actors a little color are more fun than the all-basement episodes, which are visually monotonous despite the fact that the film's monster plot is a multi-media affair.
- 40TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineThe film had the calculated feel of a movie made simply because the title was guaranteed to pull in audiences on opening weekend. Sadly, it's the kind of effort that gives horror films a bad name.
- 30Time Out LondonTime Out LondonWhere Misery restored one's faith in Stephen King adaptations, this travesty buries his reputation alive. Neither Singleton nor scriptwriter John Esposito has grasped the anti-capitalist undercurrents of King's story, relying instead on cheap shocks and dodgy creature effects.
- 30Los Angeles TimesKevin ThomasLos Angeles TimesKevin ThomasThis picture, which looks far, far better than it is, is so clunky that you can't be sure just how funny writer John Esposito, in adapting an early King short story, and director Ralph S. Singleton intended it to be.
- 25San Francisco ChroniclePeter StackSan Francisco ChroniclePeter StackThe rat problem happens only on the graveyard shift, accounting for the title of Stephen King's all-time worst movie -- and he's got a lot of them. [27 Oct 1990, p.C3]
- 25The Seattle TimesJohn HartlThe Seattle TimesJohn HartlIt's neither scary nor original. In fact, it's something of a chore to sit through. [27 Oct 1990, p.C3]
- 25Chicago TribuneMark CaroChicago TribuneMark CaroThe theory seems to be that if you indiscriminately toss in enough familiar ingredients, you get soup. But Graveyard Shift is more like lumpy water. [29 Oct 1990, p.5C]
- 25USA TodaySusan WloszczynaUSA TodaySusan WloszczynaNo one put in any creative overtime on this Shift, the 16th Stephen King story made into a film. About as clever as it gets is calling the mill owner Bachman - King's pseudonym. [29 Oct 1990, p.4D]
- 20Washington PostWashington PostGraveyard Shift is the latest failed attempt to visualize what King imagines so well. The acting and directing are substandard. Even the hackneyed plot is barely turned over.
- 12Boston GlobeMatthew GilbertBoston GlobeMatthew GilbertThe scariest thing about Graveyard Shift is the money, time and energy - however minimal - invested in its creation. If you're looking for a good rat scare, the alleys near Haymarket might be a better place to invest your time. [27 Oct 1990, p.11p]