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Peter T. Chattaway (Christianity Today Movies) says, "The film is loaded with messages, some less subtle than others. The Interpreter is conflicted by its need to promote a message of international cooperation even as it delivers the blockbuster goods. If we were charitable, we might say that the film's climax captures the tension between justice and forgiveness; but given that the film is credited to no less than five writers, it's more probable that the cooks behind this particular broth just couldn't agree on what the point of it all is."

In her review, Annabelle Robertson (Crosswalk) reveals that she has worked for the U.N. "I know what a ridiculously incompetent organization it is. That its internal security officers are portrayed as being even remotely competent, when the U.N.'s international peacekeeping troops aren't allowed to fire their guns—even in the face of abject murder and mayhem—is laughable. And when country leaders who have committed mass genocide serve as heads of committees 'investigating' human rights violations—instead of being held accountable at The Hague for their crimes against humanity—it seems highly implausible that this organization is ever going to accomplish anything."

Regarding the film, she says, "Pollack is an excellent director … [but] while this film is mostly enjoyable, it lacks the heart-pounding drama a thriller should have. The script works, but it also lacks credulity on a number of levels."

Others were more impressed.

"Credibly written and superbly acted, The Interpreter is a taut thinking man's thriller," says Bob Smithouser (Plugged In). "Pollack has created a bustling head game that doesn't resort to pointless detours or red herrings that seem illogical upon reflection. In the end, everything makes sense—not just from a logistical, connect-the-plot-dots perspective, but from a human one."

Harry Forbes (Catholic News Service) writes, "If you can imagine The Man Who Knew Too Much, North by Northwest and The Manchurian Candidate rolled into one, you'll have a fair idea of what awaits you in The Interpreter, though the film is several notches below those distinguished forebears. Though the pacing is not consistently edge-of-your-seat variety, you won't be bored."

Michael Elliott (Movie Parables) says, "If it were easy to make an intelligent movie thriller, the world would be filled with them instead of the mindless, explosive-happy, stunt-heavy action pictures of which we are all too familiar. We can be thankful for … Pollack who excels in the genre. The movie is … helped by the setting in which it was filmed."

Mainstream critics are praising Pollack's direction as the finest aspect of the film.

Kevin Miller (Relevant) says: "The Interpreter is that rare film that is not afraid to tackle adult topics in an adult manner. The fact that it does so within the confines of a highly commercial, political-thriller formula makes its achievement even more amazing and delightful. Part message-movie, part big-budget thriller, The Interpreter is … an excellent example of how even a highly commercial film can impact hearts and minds for good, even if all you are looking for is a good night's entertainment."

Andrew Coffin (World) writes, "It's not that the film becomes especially didactic—it's that it lazily takes its underlying assumptions for granted. How well Silvia and Tobin's relationship and, really, the climax of the film resonates with viewers will depend largely on how closely they identify with Silvia's faith in the idealized international community represented at the UN." But he admires "some well-constructed action scenes" and "attractive cinematography."

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