Feather in Disney's Cap

The film certainly wasn't a critical favorite. A.O. Scott of The New York Times called it "a terrible movie." Entertainment Weekly's Lisa Schwarzbaum called the film "simplistic." Even the Boston Globe's Ty Burr, who said Chicken Little was "shiny and peppy, with some solid laughs and dandy vocal performances," added that "it doesn't come close to the genius of Pixar."

A more balanced appraisal came from Box Office Mojo's president, Brandon Gray. "It could have decent legs in theaters," he said. "These pictures usually do. I question whether it will be a lasting classic in the minds of moviegoers."