A call to action, a sobering first-hand look at the grueling ordeals refugees face, a story of love persevering against all odds, and a visceral, real-life thriller, Midnight Traveler is a unique cinematic experience that will hopefully snap us all to reality.

Do has created a tense, heartbreaking ode to a tragic time; a deeply personal story, superbly visualized.

Any embedded message ultimately pales in importance to moving and understated story of love.

A House Made of Splinters tells a story that needs to be told as loud as possible. While uncomfortable at times, the filmmaker is respectful and empathetic.

With Gaudagnino’s signature framing styles and natural, lush settings, this movie warrants a re-watch to catch the full picture of a beautiful, ultimately tragic story of a family’s undoing through a woman’s search for herself.

It is Condon's adroit handling of the subject matter and the caliber of performances within that carry it above the norm.

The Auschwitz Report is an intense, visually bold tale of a courageous pair of people who endured the tortures of a concentration camp to escape and become heroes.

The film is a wonder and a joy to watch on any number of levels.

While the images presented here are peerless, James Nachtwey is a fascinating individual and it is a shame we cannot learn more about the man behind these extraordinary images.

To watch Midnight Cowboy is to find one of the great rewards of the movies, two of the finest performances ever seen, and a city made new every time you watch it.

Possibly the most European of major American directors, Jim Jarmusch wears his influences on his sleeve and makes no bones about it.

The animation is beautifully done, with striking color and simplicity.

Structurally, Science Fair is sound. Its a cross-section of human-interest stories is inspiring. The subjects are engaging and worth rooting for. It looks in depth at the processes of competing in a science fair. And the revelation of winners is exciting and nail-biting.

Smartly edited, utterly engrossing, and as intelligent an examination of American race relations as I've seen.

Jarman’s sophomore film Jubilee, is a Molotov Cocktail of celluloid – a film that practically dares you to watch it.

What Flags of Our Fathers is not, however, is moving, evocative, or very unique.

Reprise is an energetic romp through creative frustration, stagnant relationships, the fear of change and romance-fueled insanity.

Ultimately affirming Feels Good Man is a fun, feel-good doc.

Mamet loves to cast his current wives in lead roles -- Whatever you may feel about Mamet's writing, he has an uncanny knack for marrying mediocre actresses.

Though it may not be as iconic as the 1940s version, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio is still astounding. Every character is fleshed out and filled with eccentricities lacking in prior versions. Themes of empathy, fascism, dealing with death, and learning to live again run deep within this masterpiece. And for all the complexities, the film is just plain enjoyable.

Spiro has produced a beautiful film on loss, and the cycles of violence that all too many are understandably pulled into, yet she still manages to give us a glimmer of hope in a world of desperation.

In Dune: Part 2, Denis Villeneuve is a sci-fi visionary. He built two massive worlds (on a relatively modest budget) that give you a sense of place rather than feel like a series of random locations. Villeneuve gives us a seamless image, blending the real with CGI. The care and detail make everything feel practical.

Author Judy Blume had a profound effect on many a young girl and boy’s life and adults whether you read one of her books or all of them. Judy Blume Forever is a testament to why.

As Leth overcomes each obstacle set before him, the film becomes a work of extraordinary artistry, intellectual exhilaration, emotional uplift, and outright affection.

Loosely based on Linklater’s experiences growing up in the 1960s, Apollo 10 ½: A Space Age Childhood is not so much a space adventure as a pleasant reminder of the essence of youth and the comfort of memory.

Despite my ignorance of Hong Kong, I'm convinced that Iron Monkey could be the best, most entertaining martial arts film I may ever see.

While Altman and Liu may have failed to create a fully developed storyline in All These Sons, the filmmakers enlighten the audience to the plights of young men who have been affected by the gun violence that has been ingrained into the overall image of Chicago.

Monster stands as middle-tier Kore-eda. It’s a touching tale about childhood and emotional development in a relatively rigid society. Still, it’s never anything more, nor does it push the boundaries of what we should expect from the seasoned filmmaker.