Marta Barber

Offers a rose-colored picture of life, but one that Campanella makes ring true.

Not the kind of documentary that will appeal to a large number of moviegoers. Yet it makes perfect sense that it will be shown on the campus of University of Miami, famous for its strong medical school.

Fast, frantic and furious, but it is not steadily funny. While not boring, it is too light to be taken seriously.

Though all actors are up to the challenge, it is the plot that makes The Inheritance shine.

The cast of renegades is as appealing as ever, and you'd only wish that the fictional folks of "Friends" or the cast of "Real World" were so free and nonjudgmental.

May not be everyone's favored bloom in the garden, but it is still a fine work on film.

Touching.

One true gem is Daniela Piepszyk, Mauro's teen neighbor, who is a fireball and the leader of the neighborhood gang of boys. You can't take your eyes off her.

Adults expecting intellectual stimulation better skip this one. Not that the Philippe Muyl film is devoid of charm; it oozes it. The story is as predictable as a hot summer in South Florida.

As a war drama, Zelary is as gentle and pastoral as its setting. At times, you think it's a new chapter in "The Sound of Music."

Despite its stylistic flaws, the acting and the magic of the story make Maelstrom a different kind of film.

The filmmaker may not appeal to large numbers of filmgoers. But if you get his humor and delicate style, you'll enjoy his latest work.

Holds enough interest throughout to keep you entertained -- unless you're afraid of mice.

The star is the coming together of East and West, and how art provides the medium.

While the story starts tying up its loose ends nicely, as the end approaches, the film turns flat. It's a disappointment.

Although Leconte allows for a certain warmth to run through the film, he thankfully stays away from sentimentality. Therein lays the charm.

Some scenes drag, but Seagull's Laughter is still delightful.

An unexpected ode to peace.

Medem may have disrobed most of the cast, leaving their bodies exposed, but the plot remains as guarded as a virgin with a chastity belt. That's why Sex and Lucía is so alluring.

That the film avoids the conflicts making the daily headlines out of Israel is one good reason why James' Journey, though not very well made, is interesting.

Not only does the fragmented delivery become trying, but also the behind-the-camera dialogue and city shots with heavy Parisian traffic numb the senses. And as beautiful as it looks, there's really nothing new coming out of the lens of the revered Godard.

But by the time you understand the meaning of its title, Sabiha Sumar's film has delivered an emotional punch.

Though difficult to understand at times, the language -- a combination of local patois and the characters' particular Indian accent -- is as lush as the cinematography.

The film has good actors and enough quirky moments to keep it interesting.

Deep down, this is a film about childhood dreams and the determination to make those dreams come true. With such a positive message, you can't help yodeling on your exit from the theater.

Much like the good westerns, Coastlines keeps you entertained throughout its two hours, which says a lot about Nunez's storytelling.

Farmanara bears his soul, and his honesty permeates this work as strongly as the smell of camphor.

May disappoint those who expect a more traditional Chinese setting. But, despite its modern look, this is far from being a Western film.