The film made its American debut on October 2, 1992, and grossed $5,471,088 from a total of 398 theaters. Despite what the "Los Angeles Daily News" described as a "poor box office performance", the film received positive critical acclaim. Critic Roger Ebert gave the film 3.5/4 stars, and complimented the cast on their attention to detail. Writing for "Variety", Todd McCarthy was impressed at the set design, and contrasted the film's "lovely, burnished hues" with the studio-produced 1939 film. He went on to say that the actors' performances were "sterling" and gave the supporting cast positive reception. Vincent Canby of "The New York Times" also praised the physical production and supporting cast, but added that the film "is not very exciting", possibly because "looking back at Lennie and George with the perspective of time robs them of their urgency." "The Austin Chronicle" Steve Davis called "Of Mice and Men" "unassuming but well-made", and gave the film 3/5 stars.