Back to the Future (1985)

The critic calls it an exquisite piece of narrative clockwork and one of the most intricately plotted films in modern cinema. They single out the friendship between Marty and Doc Brown, highlighted by Christopher Lloyd's deliriously enjoyable performance.

The critic calls the film an almost perfectly wrought slice of old-fashioned escapist fantasy that transcends its era, crediting the script's deft handling of time-travel paradoxes and Michael J. Fox's towering charm as the standout elements.

The critic praises the irresistible combination of dazzling special effects and sly comedy that propelled the leads and director, along with the ingenious script and adroit direction that balances effects and story.

The film is a rare big-budget entertainment that has improved with time thanks to its logistically perfect screenplay and subtle mockery of 1980s political pretensions.

The film is a high-octane, whiz-bang time-travel adventure that should deliver strong box office. Zemeckis's direction brings human comedy to the high-tech premise, with Christopher Lloyd's scene-stealing mad scientist performance standing out.

The film takes a sweet, ingenious premise about a boy traveling back to his parents' youth and runs with it inventively. Zemeckis keeps the story moving without going too far, anchoring it in family history with wit and a well-groomed 1950s look.

The critic calls the film pretty much perfect and notes that time has not blunted its fresh wit, Capraesque sweetness, effortless storytelling or charming performances.

The critic finds the film just as entertaining on its 25th anniversary re-release as in 1985, praising its watertight scripting, broad but brilliant performances and Fox’s charm. They single out the raunchier elements and witty asides for note while observing that it gazes lovingly backwards at a charmingly rendered 1950s.

The critic praises the film's inventive time-travel premise and comic surprises, noting how it allows the protagonist to help his parents as teenagers. He highlights director Robert Zemeckis's lighthearted humanism, comparing it favorably to Frank Capra's work.

The piece celebrates the film as timeless blockbuster fun that has aged remarkably well, crediting its script's narrative tricks and momentum. It singles out the clever handling of 1950s and 1980s nostalgia alongside strong performances and effects.

The critic praises it as pure entertainment of the highest order, with tight plotting, witty scripting and pacy direction that sweeps the viewer along. They single out the intricate interplay between past and future, along with Michael J Fox's uniquely energetic charm in the lead role.

The Spielberg-produced, Zemeckis-directed time-travel comedy about a teen meeting his parents as teenagers is highly entertaining, with sentiment from Spielberg and acid from Zemeckis. It features a memorable unknowing-incest sequence but remains essentially light and playful rather than biting.

Once past a shaky opening, this time-travel odyssey accelerates with wit, ideas and infectious wonder. The scenario's central elements—hurling the audience back to 1955 for pop-culture humor and delivering a 1985 teen to his parents' doorstep—make it a winner.

The film is big, cartoonish and empty, with an interesting premise that is underdeveloped and overproduced. It fails to make the most of its time-travel concept despite connections to Spielberg.

The re-release confirms the film as a masterpiece of cinema and expertly crafted crowd-pleaser whose set pieces remain thrilling decades later.

The critic calls the film a practically flawless picture and the decade's crown jewel in popcorn cinema, still fresh and exhilarating on re-release. They single out the seamless blend of action, comedy and human drama, along with the performances of Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd.

The critic calls it one of the most deservedly popular movies in cinema history, praising its brilliant script, excellent performances, wonderful score, inspirational ideas, and many memorable moments that have stood the test of time.

The first film is a crackerjack piece of entertainment. The transfers and extras make the Blu-ray trilogy set worth an upgrade for fans.

The film remains beloved for its perfectly executed plot full of set-ups and pay-offs along with its quotable comedy and enduring charm that transcends nostalgia.