Desson Thomson

Diabolically amusing without plunging into the Mel Brooks zone, and it's smart without being pedantic. And it's genuinely scary at times.

It is a fascinating dance between style and substance.

A firepowered, blood-drenched action picture that doesn't let up.

Terrifically funny romantic comedy, is a slam-dunk for Julia Roberts, the Michael Jordan of cuteness.

What keeps the film (adapted from the late John O'Brien's harrowing semi-autobiographical book) from being completely unbearable are the extraordinary performances.

It's a pleasant experience. But that's what it is: a sequel that replays every aspect of the original movie.

An entertainment to be seen and appreciated in momentum. As such, it is constantly gripping

The movie's entertaining for some wickedly funny situations and witticisms.

Cheerful, energetic and on the money.

A bare-bones outline ignores the performances, the stirring music, the close-in camerawork and the direction of Steve Anderson. The emotional punch and atmosphere of the movie soar through any hokiness. Plummer's search for the son he never saw grow up becomes a powerful odyssey.

It's more a collection of episodes that build to a complex, richly layered picture of these girls' lives. And the more time we spend with them, the more endearing they become.

It's full of good heart, and you can't help but like its unequivocal sentimentality.

Parents is an impressive debut, and certainly the most provocative new release around town. You may leave this movie realizing how dark your childhood actually was. You may also leave a vegetarian.

Start lining up now, bring a bullwhip -- and maybe some d-Con. Indiana will do the rest.

We are left with vivid images of Dominique, whose desire to change his country, despite formidable intimidation, is an inspiration to any supporter of democracy.

There may not be a bigger-hearted performance this year than Jamie Foxx's in Ray.

August, who also made "Pelle the Conqueror" and "House of the Spirits," steers this story to its stirring conclusion with firm lack of sentimentality.

Manages to be innocent, physically passionate, earnestly romantic and self-deprecatingly funny, all at once.

It's a B+, not an A. This would be enough for most filmmakers. But Anderson must contend with a higher standard. It's his fault for being original.

Admirable in its refusal to be politically correct.

The most enjoyable John Sayles movie in recent memory.

A deft, entertaining story that mixes menace with charm and satire with seriousness.

It's an intriguing experience.

So disarming, it's hard to say anything but good things about it. So get in line. The doctor is in.

Cruise is at the top of his form, and Gooding makes a brilliant opponent.

One extended guilty pleasure.

Tarkovsky pulls you into a dark, foreboding nightmare and Nykvist gives that nightmare an explosive awakening.

Hoffman's touchingly fractured performance gives the picture a warm dimension.