Pete Hammond

Sure you could just go and rent the original DVDs, but this kind of gut-busting, hit 'em in the groin humor is still funny as hell, especially in the hands of the Farrelly Brothers.

The kids, especially Néron and Nélisse are irresistible and supporting players are well-cast. Human dramas like Monsieur Lazhar are a rare breed these days and this exceptional example is one to be cherished.

The result is the best slice of Pie yet: a savvy sequel that's flat-out hilarious raunchy fun.

Strictly for kids, but pure movie fun nonetheless,

Although Westfeldt's sharp screenplay is mostly talk, it's very good talk.

A smart, winning and comic, if at times bittersweet, treat.

This is purely warm, wonderful, wise and hilarious family entertainment that is fantastic movie fun for everyone.

Norton's tale of an undetected community of tiny people is perfectly suited for a cartoon and this beautifully rendered, almost old-fashioned version is a gem.

The result is an odd, very personal film that the pop star-turned-director has made with tender loving care, but the results of the final final film are mixed.

Inspiring, real and heartwarming, Big Miracle is something of a miracle itself - a family film everyone in the family can love that doesn't talk down to its audience and makes more salient political points than "Free Willy" or "Dolphin Tale."

This Americanized version of the 2008 Nordic thriller "Reykjavik Rotterdam" transfers the original's gritty, violent action into an entertaining and intense starring role for Mark Wahlberg.

Ultimately an inspiring, stirring and unforgettable human drama in the face of a horrifying war. It is highly recommended.

It's an emotional powerhouse of a film, an unforgettable and rewarding motion picture experience.

Uncomfortably tense but worth savoring, particularly because of Tilda Swinton's devastating lead performance.

Even with a big name cast that includes three Oscar winners - Halle Berry, Robert De Niro and Hilary Swank - New Year's Eve is at best a pleasant diversion.

Overall it's a game effort but despite its strong ambitions and provocative themes, Shame may leave you just like its main protagonist - in need of a very cold shower.

Aimed at kids, Arthur Christmas could be a little trying if you're over 10, but if you want an easygoing flick to get you into the mood for the holidays you could do a lot worse.

Magical and imaginative, this eye-popping masterpiece from director Martin Scorsese will transport audiences to a place they won't believe.

The holiday season just got a whole lot brighter.

This new round of toe-tapping musical numbers from the penguin population is shot in eye-poppingly gorgeous 3D.

The film's charm and delight of discovery, plus its sterling international performances, could make it a breakout hit in theaters.

A highly entertaining and heartfelt action comedy that ought to steal more laughs than any other film this holiday season.

With the best use of motion capture yet, Spielberg has translated the story of the youthful Tintin, his spirited pooch Snowy and the eccentric Captain Haddock into a first class action adventure that serves as the perfect cross between "Pirates of the Caribbean" and Spielberg's own "Indiana Jones" series.

The results are so funny and irresistible audiences are bound to be swept away into this kitty's universe.

The Big Year turns out to be one of the smartest and funniest films this year.

Although the marketing looks like "Transformers 4," Real Steel is the real deal, a Rocky with robots that ought to have audiences standing up and cheering.

Call it Prosthetic Flipper, but the truly inspiring Dolphin Tale is perfect family entertainment.

The exploitation title may not do it any favors, but this biopic based on the incredible life journey of Sam Childers is gripping, inspirational and well told.