Kristi Turnquist

In Little Buddha, the Italian director offers an utterly sincere, respectful introduction to a religion that is, for people raised in the Judeo-Christian tradition, largely a mystery. [27 May 1994, p.21]

There are moments of exceptional sweetness in Faraway, So Close, and Jurgen Jurges' photography is fine, though not as indelible as Henri Alekan's work in "Wings of Desire." But the film feels both too long and too truncated, with plot twists left dangling in the wind. [04 Feb 1994, p.15]

Just when it seems like Axe Murderer is headed to the gas chamber reserved for bad comedies, something amazing happens: It gets funny. [30 July 1993, p.AE15]

After seeing Eat Drink Man Woman, it's a toss-up whether you'll want to reach for tissues or for General Tso's chicken. [19 Aug 1994, p.AE17]

It would make a fine TV after-school special. But after getting to know the thoughtful, funny Chantel from the first half of Just Another Girl on the I.R.T., you may find yourself thinking this terrific character deserves a better movie around her. [07 May 1993, p.AE15]

The handful of laughs is overwhelmed by a dull assemblage of chase scenes (one involving a huge dog and an orange tabby), tilted camera angles and dangling plot threads. [23 July 1993, p.AE17]

For all its cleverness and moments of power, What's Love Got to Do With It is missing more than the question mark at the end of the title. [18 Jun 1993, p.18]

All the characters are treated with respect and affection, even at their most comical and deluded, but Lee knows how to stop just short of overplaying the emotional scenes. [27 Aug 1993, p.AE13]

Ruby in Paradise has small flaws. But it also has enough small pleasures to make it a warm-hearted, well-intentioned alternative to noisier Hollywood fare. [11 Nov 1993, p.B08]

Adapted by Polanski and his longtime collaborators Gerard Brach and John Brownjohn from a novel by Pascal Bruckner, Bitter Moon works as a kinky sex farce, comedy of manners and playful spin on national stereotypes. [22 Apr 1994, p.AE15]

Allen's newest film is his best artistic work in years. [20 Aug 1993, p.AE17]

All in all, Geronimo is a well-intentioned disappointment; the film chronicles the struggle not of the Apaches, but of the filmmakers. [13 Dec 1993, p.D05]

What director Chen Kaige and his superb cast give us are larger-than-life passions, betrayals, and sacrifices, unfolding before the canvas of history. [29 Oct 1993, p.AE15]