There may be a plot somewhere in William Goldman's script, and there might even have been a structure, but Mel Gibson, James Garner and Jodie Foster are so highly charged, as they slide through riffs that have nothing to do with anything except their own enjoyment in being invited to the party, that it's magnetic -- at least for most of the time.

Stephen Hunter

Baltimore Sun

Too rich, too loaded, Maverick may have misplayed its cards, kept its eyes on the pot instead of the players. In movies, as in poker, you can't always trust a pat hand.

Michael Wilmington

Chicago Tribune

True deft wit is just plum missing from this good-natured, flat-footed, eager-to- please, tee-hee Western.

Lisa Schwarzbaum

Entertainment Weekly