John Petrakis

(Kids) are likely to reject Grizzly Falls as though it were a piece of chewed-over bear fat.

The performances are all superb, but special mention should go to Melanie Lynskey, a first-time film actress, who brings a frightening calm to the role of Pauline, and Sarah Peirse as Pauline's mother, whose main fault seems to be exhibiting too much care and concern for her strong-willed and imaginative daughter. [25 Nov 1994, p.M2]

A smooth-swinging fable that lays solid wood on the issues that matter. [15 July 1994, p.F]

Rife with wrong people in major jobs, which leads to a movie that lacks the requisite verve to make to it sparkle.

Much to enjoy in this potpourri of silly fun and forbidden games, but a bit less ambition and a tad more focus might have helped.

The key to the film, however, is the joyous performance of Mike Myers, who plays both the Beatle-mopped Austin Powers and the bald-headed Dr. Evil.

But once the action wanders off the playing field, "The Program" shows all the cleverness, originality and depth of the Chicago Bears' offense.

Falls prey to a boatload of screenwriting cliches that sink it faster than a leaky freighter.

It remains the best movie ever photographed in 3-D, although the film, adapted from Frederick Knott's stage play, seems less than ideal for the 3-D process, given its tight interiors and extended dialogue scenes. [19 May 2000]

A multilayered documentary that explores music and friendship, and in its own quiet way, the battle with fame.

Works better as a sociological study than as a gripping drama.

Most of the humor is aimed at 14-year-olds.

By the end we are left with a mildly amusing comedy and the lingering memory of a sterling cast that deserved better material.

Ultimately, the weight of the film falls on Goofy's powerful shoulders. He does his best, but like Norma Desmond, he can only do so much.

Though the final journey drags at times, the early expository scenes in the shadows of Saint Sophia and assorted mosques are impressive and quite moving.

If Shackleton's adventure was to be the swan song for those 19th century explorers whose exploits stirred the imagination of young men around the globe, it was a magnificent way to say farewell.

Custom-designed for 13 year-olds, laden with broad sight gags, gross sound effects and a bowlful of potty jokes.

Too-loud, poorly directed and seriously overedited.

Brilliant documentary.

The Mirror may not be the easiest place to start your Tarkovsky education, but its sublime images (including a memorable shot of a burning barn in the rain), are sure to whet your appetite for more. [26 May 2000, p.M]

Davies has said that he loves the "poetry of the ordinary." In that sense, he doesn't just wax nostalgic about the good old days, but rather, he makes us question and reevaluate those things we may not remember so readily-not the general, but the specific.

It has terrific moments, but whenever it starts to cruise along nicely, it hits a comedic pothole that forces it to sputter on down the road.

An all-too-familiar barfly story that often seems aimless. [25 Oct 1996, p.A]

Just Married is what industry people refer to as "January Junk," cinematic flotsam that gets tossed ashore once they have cleared the shelves of Oscar contenders.

So look for (Francis) at the 2000 games in Sydney, which may provide a more heated ending to this lukewarm story.

If you are looking for an abundance of eye-gouging, flesh-burning, blood-oozing and head-chopping, not to mention cauldron after cauldron of boiling oil, than THIS is the movie for you. [05 Jul 2002, p.C6]