Robert Altman's Dr. T & the Women , starring Richard Gere, Helen Hunt, Farrah Fawcett, Kate Hudson, Laura Dern, Shelley Long, Tara Reid, and Liv Tyler, is receiving the kind of polarized reviews that Altman's films generally attract.

Several comment that the film reflects a "gentler" Altman. A.O. Scott in the New York Times writes: "The keen, almost cynical edge that characterized his masterpieces of the mid-70's and early 90's has softened, but his capacity to be surprised by what people can do, and to communicate that surprise to his audience, has not diminished."

Phillip Wuntch in the Dallas Morning News remarks that Altman's "satire is spun with affection, and the barbs are cushioned with warmth."

And Jay Carr in the Boston Globe comments: "Few directors have Altman's feel for pacing and intercutting an ensemble comedy. He brings the touch of a master to this admittedly slight and limited material."

Jack Mathews in the New York Daily News calls the movie "one of the curmudgeonly director's sweetest films."

On the other hand, Rita Kempley in the Washington Post writes that "Robert Altman is crabby, grouchy and bloated with male supremacist ideas in Dr. T & the Women."

And, referring to Altman's famous method of getting seemingly improvised performances from his actors, Gary Thompson in the Philadelphia Daily News concludes, "Dr. T isn't a dreadful movie, but its spontaneity does feel forced."

Source: Studio Briefing