wings." According to Variety "The pairing of Steve Martin and 19th-century novelist George Eliot seems about as likely an artistic union as Oliver Stone adapting Louisa May Alcott. Yet A Simple Twist of Fateinspired by Silas Marnerbetrays no tell-tale strains of clashing sensibilities. Martin leavens the material somewhat, but this is a faithful, heartfelt, somber piece about family and responsibility." Kevin Thomas, in the Los Angeles Times, gives Steve Martin and director Gillies MacKinnon credit for taking risks by updating the classic George Eliot novel. He describes it as a "charming update of Silas Marner" that is well written, well played and has substance and a musical score that successfully bring 19th century literature into a moving and powerful modern-day film. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film has an approval rating of 43% based on reviews from 21 critics, with an average rating of 5.4/10. Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film an average grade of "B+" on an A+ to F scale. Accolades Alana Austin was nominated for the Young Artist Award for Best Performance by a Young Actress Starring in a Motion Picture for her portrayal of twelve-year-old Mathilda. Her younger sister Alyssa was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress Under Ten in a Motion Picture for her portrayal of the character at the age of five. References External links 1994 films 1994 comedy-drama films American comedy-drama films Films about adoption Films about educators Films based on British novels Films set in Virginia Films scored by Cliff Eidelman Films with screenplays by Steve Martin Touchstone Pictures films Films directed by Gillies MacKinnon Films about father–daughter relationships 1990s English-language films 1990s American films