Affecting, sincere, and most importantly socially astute ... it’s one of the sharpest and most promising first films I’ve seen in some time.

A finely gradated study of race and masculinity in the age of Trump, Tyrel is also an engrossing portrait of the revealing power of language.

A Boy. A Girl. A Dream may seem simple but every frame is a vibrant work of a passionate filmmaker.

It’s a compelling ride. But the film also manages to accumulate a layered look at the nature of brotherhood, parenting, adoption, and above all the power we do or do not have over the mental and emotional tendencies woven into our DNA.

It’s effectively creepy, well-acted, and thoroughly engaging.

Absolutely perfect family entertainment for anyone over the age of ten. It is a celebration of not just the usual triumph of the human spirit, but a celebration of the human experience.

An endearing view of a past time and filmmaking style – think Corman with a heart – Eating Raoul offers a bare Woronov, a prime slice of sexy-ugly that can never be duplicated, just like this film.

An essential for all serious humor fans who don't mind verbal grossness of the most extreme sort.

While Cabin Fever takes its horror very seriously, it still shows that it has a sense of humor.

It is a rock-solid entertainment, made by adults, starring adults, and intended for adults.

Aviva is a palindrome, reflecting the film’s ouroboros-like narrative. It’s also a Hebrew name, which translates as “spring-like” or “fresh”–both adjectives applicable to the sensual and passionate Aviva. Love it or hate it, it’s… well, it’s art. I loved it, warts and all. Perhaps Yakin has finally discovered his style.

Easily the funniest and most charming film that has been or will be released in 1999 -- period.

A heartwarming, cleansing film that's simply good for the soul.

A delightfully silly romp which reinvents the legendary Italian lover's adventures into the realm of broad farce.

Aside from having some great animation, the writing is funny and clever.

You’re definitely going to laugh and laugh out loud. Young has several hilarious moments with his subjects, and the absurdity of these musicals and songs create an endless stream of silly giggles.

For non-actors, everyone in this film really pulls their character off extremely well.

The movie does an admirable job of juggling political, dramatic and comic elements.

The film works so well because of the development and portrayal of Nanning. He’s such a compelling character, slowly uncovering his family’s moral failings as the film progresses. He displays an inherent empathy for the world around him.

Predator is a classic action/sci-fi film, albeit a dated action/sci-fi film.

Los Lobos is like a short diary of less-privileged immigrants. Though the settings and characters are from a specific geographical and ethnic origin, the issues addressed by the filmmaker are prevalent, experienced by millions of immigrants all over the world. This universal appeal and incredible acting make the drama an absorbing watch.

No hack job. It has more impact than your Rings, Grudges, Eyes, Dark Waters…out there and it does it with a minimum of actual on-screen scares. Finally, a real filmmaker gives it like it should be given...and it hurts so good.

It’s rare that something as formulaic as an action thriller could be so moving.

The story of Happy Holidays starts out fragmented, so it’s a bit disorienting. But when the puzzle comes together, it clicks in a satisfying way.

A pretty great little movie.

While the more dramatic side of The Planters does not totally gel, when the movie works, it is a slice of delightfully idiosyncratic comedic genius. The cast is terrific, the screenplay is amusing, and the whole affair is immensely rewatchable.

While the audience has its laughs along the way, the violent tension of war often threatens to erupt, and slowly, subtly gathering force is the film's emotional weight, which is potently felt by the film's indelible (if not exactly unexpected) concluding image.

Has an underlying charm that drags its audience, kicking and screaming to have a good time.

If you are interested in the history of cinema, this is a very unique lens to look at it through.

What Daniel Roher has done with well-worn forms is to use them as setups, but put them together with a twist in a way that seems fresh and exciting.

Authentic and hilarious. This film sparks with a natural comic rhythm.

No stranger to eliciting powerful performances from his entire cast, Ozon does it again here, with nary a foot stepped wrong.

I love Together Together because it’s a sweet and straightforward story surrounding surrogacy. It’s void of Hollywood dramatics and firmly places Ed Helms into that older best friend category on screen.

The whole thing is perfectly cast.

While there are some serious themes at play, the movie still has plenty of gooey gory fun for horror fans.

Garofalo is amazing, as always, and the film is almost about her as much as the leads. The recreation of the casts' high school years is wickedly funny and dead on.

While Intoxicating is far from a perfect film, it is nonetheless a highly effective -- and affecting -- clash of two fiercely independent talents, Kirk Harris and Mark David.

The story is feather-light, but the pain, either felt or indirectly caused by Benjamin, can be harrowingly authentic. We want to simultaneously hug him for reassurance and physically restrain him to keep from the next nerve-induced verbal volcano.

To both the filmmaker and subject’s credit, neither feel that the transition to Zoey should excuse past behavior, and the director lets her sit with her thoughts. She processes her actions in front of the camera as she surveys the wreckage of her life. This is what makes Whirlybird such a wholly unique story, ultimately resonating as a portrait of a deeply flawed person.

Not since the breakthrough days of Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler and the Farrelly brothers have two hours of movie comedy simultaneously felt so wrong but oh so right.

Strong performances and moody cinematography make this film worth staying awake for, despite many pensive, hypnotically paced sequences.

The film gets points for style, boldness, and an innovative science fiction setup.

A compelling documentary.

Hits an edginess that will keep today’s audiences laughing.

Woman At War is one of the best films I’ve seen about climate change that isn’t either a documentary or an extremely pedantic horror story.

The appeal here is a solid story of an aging mobster with all the charm of indie filmmaking.

Wild Rose is one of those films that you have to hunt for, and it’s well worth the effort.

Filmmaker Ron Mann and actor/activist Woody Harrelson have followed up their hilarious 2000 documentary "Grass" with the equally amusing Go Further.

At times as gaudy as Flynt’s gold-plated wheelchair, it also depicts the dream of a country that refuses to sit down and remain silent.

Most of the cast is excellent, and the writing is very clever. Couple those elements with the fun, cartoony animation, and one gets a pleasing little family film that, thankfully, does not fit into a specific mold.

Princesas isn't the cliché "Pretty Woman" type romantic-comedy you'd expect – it's actually quite surprising.

At the finale of this visual delight, every hired hand and technician also deserve acclaim.

Like all memorable road trips, Threshold understands that the joys are found in the journey as much as the destination.

Costner sets course for one of the most stirringly choreographed shootouts in movie history.

War is chaos and confusion even under the best of circumstances, of which this current fiasco clearly ain’t. The Prisoner… underscores this fact, as well as muddying up the waters on such commonly accepted platitudes as "Support the Troops."

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem has something for fans of all ages.

I recommend this film more for fans of Jarmusch than for hardcore fans of the zombie genre. Although I hope that it does serve as an introduction to Jarmusch to people who haven’t seen his other films. Hopefully, most audiences can take away the message from the movie and don’t get too thrown off by the jokes or the star power involved.

The filmmaker casts an unflinching eye at his broken-down subject baring his soul, atoning for his sins, and lamenting the past. There’s no way back for him. This is a trip down a rabbit hole that’s as devastating as it is transfixing.

There is a great deal to admire here. The cast is the equal of that truly delightful dog, and the story feels everywhere and nowhere all at once as it flips from Dalia to Igor, at first having little in common, but gradually, as things progress, Igor’s satisfaction with the pace of rural life starts to impress itself upon Dalia, mending her resolve and ambition.

It may not break new ground when it comes to this genre, one involving betrayal and heavily-accented mob bosses and brotherly love, but when a familiar path is tread with such confidence, you just may want to take another stroll.

A gripping experience, and often downright sickening.

Lee gives us cross-section of characters, almost none of whom escape the summer unchanged.

One of those guilty pleasures of the summer. It’s also one of those action movies that could have been ruined if Jerry Bruckheimer had taken charge of it.

Backspot has the same punch as Run, Lola, Run. Just like that film, the thrills are time released into your system at critical points throughout your viewing.

Wolfwalkers is a beautiful movie for fans of animation and families with young children. If you want to ween the little ones off Disney’s overproduced glitz and turn them on to alternative forms of animation and storytelling, Wolfwalkers is a great place to start.

A rich drama that gradually evolves into a feel-good story.

The documentary is a life-affirming piece of filmmaking that will paint a smile on your face and leave a song in your heart.

The Tundra Within Me is a conventional but good romance. What makes the film stand out is its examination of modernity versus traditions, nature versus nurture, and artistic pursuits versus practicality.

The two young leads--Vincent Kartheiser and Taryn Manning--bring a sense of reality to their roles. This combines with Milgard’s direction and choice of backdrops to make Dandelion an unassuming journey.

One of the best films of 2007 but I wonder if it’s difficult message will turn away filmgoers. Haggis has constructed a very bitter pill that needs to be swallowed, especially by hardcore pro-war Americans.

This is a stunning examination of issues of doubt and control, as well as a cracking good little thriller.

A visual triumph, and also a work of surprising warmth. No small accomplishment for a bunch of cadavers.

You must see Operation Finale solely for this interaction between Malkin and Eichmann (Isaac and Kingsley).

Dack’s work as a director is on the screen, in the characters, and widely successful with how the actors convey her vision. Her writing and directing of Palm Trees and Power Lines will make a difference because it’s organic, original, and essential.

Ultimately, this drama is an essential piece of cinematic contemplation on the value of war.

Disclosure: Trans Lives on Screen not only leaves us with the hope that things will improve, but it also shows us how much better the industry is when everyone is included, represented, and respected. Here’s to a brighter, more diverse future for all trans actors.

Zombie Strain is the THC-heavy zombie jamboree your lungs have been waiting for.

Five Nights At Freddy’s has flaws, but it is an excellent adaption. It feels like the game while still being accessible to any newcomers by crafting an original story.

The film is never less than gripping, and past a certain point, you have no idea where this movie is going. With neither the budget nor the technology for flashy effects, the filmmakers had to fall back on quality acting, writing, directing, and editing. They succeeded.

Respectable in both intentions and execution, this is the kind of film that sneaks up on you and leaves a lasting impression. Like our man himself, it shouldn’t be overlooked.

Does the world need another Holocaust film? When the director is Roman Polanski, the answer is an unequivocal “yes."

Movies about writers are almost always romanticized affairs but Starting Out in the Evening is the rare exception. It is at once an elegy for the vanishing generation of Bellow, Cheever, Mailer and Updike and a dead on indictment of our culture’s current state.

The Quake hits a handful of the cliches one expects from a disaster film, as well as having one character’s death not mean as much as it should. However, thanks to strong characterizations and good acting the plot is still engaging. However, the reason to watch the film is the excellent cinematography and awe-inspiring effects.

Stir all of those ingredients together, and you have a production fuelled by countless hours of maneuvering a gamepad and the real-life trials and tribulations of those on the human side of the video screen.

With Settlers, Rockefeller and his crew have created a striking little treatise on our misguided ambitions.

The Assistant, without a doubt, leaves a lasting impression for any woman who has experienced an oppressive work environment without recourse. I don’t think there’s a woman alive who can’t relate to The Assistant’s main character Jane played by Julia Garner.

Before approaching the end of the film the seduction of the doctor is not that important because by that time the audience has already fallen under the spell.

Joseph Sackett’s feature film, Homebody, finds a charming and fresh take on the body swap formula.

Any film that can make you cringe at it's honesty, laugh at it's insanity and yet follow along hook line and sinker is something special.

The director creates a very candid and understandable story, offering an in-depth experience of the evolution of the artists with a great deal of artwork and amusing anecdotes. This goes well with archival materials and flurry of imagery, as well as the fun reenactments.

This one takes you on a fulfilling and haunting ride that will last long after in your nightmares.

Olympic Dreams offers a little love in a fantastic location.

This is a feel-good movie that tackles a bunch of tough topics, from politics, race, family traditions, social frustrations, and romance. It never feels preachy or overly cheesy.

In the vast wasteland of romantic comedies, this lovely film defies the tired genre.

When I Consume You is stunning to look at and beautifully acted. Even though not everything makes sense, Ewing and Dumouchel ensure that every emotional beat feels honest and the entire film breezes by, as it is startlingly original and unique. It is not perfect but it is ambitious and touching, and that is enough.

The excellent sound effects and editing build up the suspense. The well-placed visual cues — I especially enjoyed seeing a public phone — and cinematography add to the tense atmosphere. Yet, Cannon has more important themes at work.

All is True does justice to the Bard, and devout fans of Shakespeare are sure to find a place for it, if not on the shelf alongside his classics, but in a small place in their hearts.