Russell doesn't give a damn about the material he started with, greatest art work of the century or not, and he just goes ahead and gives us one glorious excess after another. He is aided by his performers, especially Ann-Margret, who is simply great as Tommy's mother.

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Mr. Russell's Tommy virtually explodes with excitement on the screen. A lot of it is not quite the profound social commentary it pretends to be, but that's beside the point of the fun.

Vincent Canby

The New York Times

For all that Tommy bungles or overdoes, it’s still a powerful experience, musically and visually.

Noel Murray

The A.V. Club