The science vs. faith argument bludgeons the audience and the central mystery has an absurdly silly resolution in this feature-length version of a mediocre TV episode.
A celebration of a genre-busting writer/rabble-rouser and an elegy for a time period when a freak like Hunter S. Thompson could get access to political leaders and actually affect radical change.
Christopher Nolan’s Batman epic may be a little overstuffed, but it’s also a riveting, morally complex tale with a standout villain and thrilling action.
Guillermo Del Toro’s love for creature features comes through, but his story is uncomfortably rote in this comic book sequel.
Chaplinesque whimsy and serious sci-fi themes combine to make this adventurous Pixar film an instant classic.
“Wanted” is, quite simply, every nerdy fanboy’s fantasy come true in fast-paced, ridiculously fun fashion.
Edward Norton and Liv Tyler star in this decent, by-the-books redo/continuation of Marvel’s mean green machine.
It makes a great advertising gimmick, but the R-rating becomes a crutch for director M. Night Shyamalan to fall back on.
Exotic locations, artfully designed camera angles, colorful art direction, and a remarkable lead performance from its young lead actress make this a fall worth taking.
Adam Sandler gets sticky with Charlotte Rae in “You Don’t Mess with the Zohan.” Yeesh.
Twilight
There’s enough teen angst and confusion for three movies, and that’s also what makes it work. A lack of distinct visual style and a low-budget flair to its limited special effects, but the movie takes its time developing every alienated inch of its characters’ lives.
Quantum of Solace
Daniel Craig’s second Bond movie is a worthy successor to the series reboot “Casino Royale.” Director Marc Forster explores issues of loyalty while Bond works through his shattered romance and a lot of jittery action scenes.
Role Models
Paul Rudd finally gets to headline an absurd comic film and gets support from a great cast that elevates the formulaic plot.
Zack and Miri Make a Porno
Kevin Smith’s latest potty-mouthed romantic comedy is a little contrived, but is helped by great chemistry between Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks.
RocknRolla
Featuring lots of tough guys talking trash and one-upping each other, Guy Ritchie’s latest gangster ensemeble is more of he same, only a little more stale.
Rachel Getting Married
Jonathan Demme’s verite-styled wedding flick is a subtle character piece with an effective Anne Hathaway and family.
W.
With the help of a very likable Josh Brolin, Oliver Stone pains an extraordinarily devastating portrait of an empty, sad man. Beware; not a satire.
Body of Lies
Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe turn in fine performances in a Middle Eastern-set Ridley Scott film that can’t seem to muster any emotional dynamics.
Religulous
Bill Maher leads the attack on Christianity in this agnos-terrific documentary that never gets beyond a bunch of talking heads.
Blindness
An epidemic of blindness takes over an unnamed city in this hard-to-swallow vision from director Fernando Meirelles. Starring Julianne Moore and Mark Ruffalo.
