Elizabeth Weitzman

Brodsky's last film before his death is a moving tribute to his career.

The movie's intense focus skillfully exposes the raw pain just under the skin of a seemingly ordinary citizen.

Works on two levels: Goldfinger does a terrific job exploring the broader history of Yiddish theater, while also homing in on the compelling story of the Burstein family itself.

What most interests the directors is the way young minds are shaped by adults with clear moral and political agendas.

Directors Adi Barash and Ruth Shatz do a brilliant job of letting the South African, Israeli, Cuban and Namibian men aboard speak for themselves.

Once isn't especially complex, but the chemistry between its appealing leads (who contribute to the lovely score) feels deeply true. You'd have to look awfully hard to find such sincerity in a Hollywood romance.

it's Van Zandt's family that provides the film's most memorable moments.

An old-fashioned joy.

Aside from some resonant hints that all is not as it seems, the movie leaves it to you to decide where the truths begin and ends. You'll be untangling Dresnok's knotty reality long after you leave the theater.

Corcuera is a deft and determined storyteller, and it's a testament to his passion that we're left wanting to know a great deal more about each of his subjects.

Beautiful, witty and provocative, this is one genre film that ought to appeal to fans and non-fans alike.

What makes the film feel genuine, however, are the performances.

Charming, funny and poignant. But it's also a reminder that if we want an intelligent teen romance, we have to import it.

Nearly every actor has his or her moments of hilarity, but it's the surprises, like Herzog's terrific turn as a bunny-loving sadist, that make the biggest impact.

Director Daniel Burman examines the ways people cope with the passing of time, whether it's weary mall employees, a broken family or the diminishing Argentinean-Jewish community.

The power of this plot comes from the drudgery of daily existence, not shocking revelations or dramatic encounters. Some stories, Teixeira is wise enough to realize, are best left unadorned.

Burman tends to focus very tightly on the details of individual identity - religion, nationality, gender. It is all the more striking, then, that his restrained and unassuming films are wise enough to speak to every adult.

Director Wisit Sasanatieng uses every trick imaginable to create surreal postmodern nostalgia. Has he wound up with pure camp, or a cult classic? As he clearly understands, the best B-movies are both.

While it's a geek's paradise from scene one, newcomers are likely to feel left out until they get their bearings. Fortunately, Whedon's characteristic humanity, coupled with the slyest sense of humor in Hollywood, greatly eases the transition.

The slapstick gets a little too silly, and a rushed ending feels unsatisfying. But everyone whose family boasts an excess of opinions will relate.

Everyone involved, from Marla's defensive parents to the cynical journalists who promoted and then turned on her, seems to have some sort of agenda.

Breillat has made an important, even essential work about the exploitation of young women's sexuality, but is not she complicit as well?

Her update on “Ice Storm”-style suburban ennui feels particularly potent right now, in its vision of a rotting establishment. But in the end, Anders’ deeply-rooted entitlement proves regrettably unassailable.

Thomas does an excellent job exploring the incendiary environment that shaped the band in the late 1960s. His primary interest, however, is simply to express and explain the thrill the MC5 still inspires.

As insightful as it is entertaining.

It's hard to imagine what Akin left unexplored - but here's hoping he'll share his discoveries if he ever returns.

Long stretches go by without dialogue or discernible action. But there are significant rewards for those willing to accept the movie's deliberate pace.

There were a lot of people who came to regret investing their time and money in Park's brash dream. You won't be one of them.