Elizabeth Weitzman

With a soundtrack that ranges from classical to jazz to bluegrass, this is not only an obvious choice for ­music lovers, but required viewing for anyone interested in the mysteries of creative inspiration.

This is powerful stuff, offering us not only a new look at the past, but to the unavoidably relevant insights into the present.

Even if this movie doesn't quite hit the highs of its predecessor, it's nice to know that there are still filmmakers ready to respect the eternal struggles of freaks and geeks.

While Enchanted wittily updates traditional tales, it is, in the end, as carefully calculated in its appeal as any movie ever was.

It’s no easy task to find a fresh way to approach a familiar face, but D’Apolito does a wonderful job ushering us through the highs and lows of Gilda Radner’s life.

As stripped down as its title, this gentle Argentinian road movie makes much out of very little.

Dynamite perfectly describes this riveting documentary.

With this moving, contemplative portrait of an artist who has suddenly become an old man, de Oliveira refuses to patronize either his hero or his audience.

It's part grim Beckett-like drama, part joyous picaresque, and all quite mesmerizing.

A powerful drama that turns a common event -- the rending of a family -- into an intimate, personal affair.

Only the most hardhearted would fail to be swayed by Messner's surprising strength, and -- dare I say it -- irresistible charm.

A suddenly vital biography, Make It Funky, pays apt homage to the unique gifts New ­Orleans has given its country over the last century. Watching it ought to inspire anyone to return the favor.

Overly reverent but still immensely touching.

Li's performance is stronger here than it has been in previous films.

A classic Michael Bay mega-movie. Interested in plot and character development? Move along. You're blocking the view.

Likable Lohan doesn't exude the vulnerability that would give the movie true heart, and Fey, head writer for "Saturday Night Live," crafts better punch lines than plots.

Filmmakers Vardit Bilu and Dalia Hagar don't seem as interested in taking sides as they do in exploring universal themes.

Exhilarating.

When these two powerhouse performers come together, a rather predictable tale ignites with surprising force.

The plot is woven from minutely observed details that beautifully evoke a rarely seen world.

The scale in which Fukada works — as both writer and director — is so deliberately intimate that immense experiences feel microcosmic, while tiny moments make a huge impact.

A fascinating capsule of an era long past.

The resulting jolts add up to one unforgettably surreal nightmare. Just be sure your heart can handle any surprises headed your way.

It is the devastating testimony from survivors themselves that leaves the most indelible impression.

Though he's working with an unavoidably sentimental story, Kon embraces the dark underside of his characters' lives, giving this animated film a satisfyingly three-dimensional feel.

Sensitive and thoughtful coming-of-age story.

It will be a long time before you forget the deep pain etched into the weary face of Carmelo Muñiz, the mariachi singer at the center of Mark Becker's immensely moving documentary.

Both Adams and Judd have been let down by Hollywood. Here they have the freedom to express their uniquely Southern takes on music, faith, family and femininity. This intensely personal film may not bring either of them widespread acclaim, but it's a small triumph nonetheless.