It captures both the exhilaration and tedium of the filmmaking process--and of looking for and finding passion wherever it might be.

In a sense, Raging Dove serves as an entirely unintentional, I'm sure, metaphor for peace prospects in his homeland.

I especially enjoyed that it was more than just a straight-up boxing film.

Traverses between past and present, using archival material and computer techniques to paint a portrait of the effects of predatory mining practices on this small American town.

Initially turns the dour field of psychiatry into an amusing, absurdist romp. Unfortunately, the further the film progresses, the more it relies on silliness and triteness for ever-less frequent laughs.

If Stalin's Wife doesn't provide solid answers, it nonetheless offers a fascinating tapestry of love, madness, politics, suspicions and jealousies.

Has its rollicking moments and snappy lines but even Pacino can't elevate them into more than a fleetingly juicy treat. This is a movie that desperately wishes it had been written by David Mamet.

Yiddish Theater: A Love Story is a slight but moving documentary focusing on the final performances given by Zypora Spaisman, the Polish-born star of New York’s Yiddish theater.

Bolstered by Mark Bradshaw and Marcus Whale’s electronic drone soundtrack and Bonnie Elliott’s atmospheric cinematography, Run Rabbit Run could’ve used some more forward momentum. It lacks outright scares and novelty but makes up for it in some psychological depth. Reid’s film may not reach the profundity it strives for, but how many horror titles even strive for anything these days?

Jaglom has the good sense to cast the legendary Lee Grant in an extraordinary role.

It is clear from the film's onset that Griffin is striking a chord with his audience: They love him and, in return, he relishes their laughter.

Everything about this is borderline brave and dangerous. And this is part of the problem with the documentary.

Whip It doesn’t just refer to whipping around the track or whipping ass. It’s about a girl who must whip herself into shape and grow up.

The art direction and costumes are gorgeous and finely detailed, and Kurys' direction is clever and insightful. Even so, it feels very, very long.

The absurdity and the noir banter combine into a Lynchian high weirdness mix of the familiar plus the strange. Goofy fun for a rainy afternoon though you may have to work to follow along. Great score by Ryan Bayne, the music is a treat.

There isn’t as much art as you would expect, but it is more about what goes into the exam to be a part of the Academy of Fine Arts. The film creates a picture that is quite unique in one way or another.

The film wants to be a revealing character study of aimless Hollywood wannabes, but the story is just not compelling enough to make the viewer care.

Until this past Friday, the worst werewolf film ever made was, hairy hands down, Mike Nichols' "Wolf." Cursed now assumes that dubious distinction and someone is going to have to try very hard to wrestle it away.

The standout star here is Cailey Fleming as Bea.

As a look at the disenfranchised of America, Explicit Ills could use some work. As a debut, however, it's quite promising. I'm looking forward to seeing what Webber comes up with next.

1408 isn’t great cinema, but does an adequate job in spite of its flaws.

A smooth ride boils down to a claptrap, 'Usual Suspects'-style finale.

Simple, it is as by-the-books formulaic as can be, and there's not a surprise around that the corner that isn't obvious immediately.

Marull's Pilar is quietly powerful and agonizingly terrorized as the '50s-style wife muted and bound by duty.

Worth seeing for its solid first two acts, some terrific acting by some favorite character actors, and a several solid spook-show scares.

There isn’t a subtle bone in its body, and some of the acting choices are poor, but it’s pleasant enough.

Stevan Mena nonetheless is adept at creating images that disturb and disgust on levels most horror filmmakers can only dream of.

The screenplay has a strong sense of fun but after establishing its concept and characters it doesn't know where to take them.