Credit the director for one thing. He could have stretched it to three hours, but he gets in and out of this mess in less than two.

The plot is an obvious parable for modern dilemmas, yet in the hands of the film's creators, and with their graceful use of 3-D, viewers feel as if they're watching how the future might actually unfold, glimpsing a conflict that's destined to take place 300 years from now.

Has some laughs - more than a few thanks to Michael Douglas as a dead swinger (the movie's Jacob Marley) - and some moments of tenderness, too.

A movie that doesn't quite have enough romance, thriller or revenge-fantasy elements to qualify for any of those genres. More than anything, it's a celebration of uncomfortable silences. The awkward moments in this movie far outweigh the joyful or tragic ones.

While recognizably Ceylan's work, is more of a genre piece - a noirish suspense film - and less successful.

Has an air of detachment and sadness, enhanced by the movie's being set a full quarter century ago.

In a genre where too many films are all brawn and no brain, Fighting is a contender.

We see the tormented, limited and potentially dangerous man underneath.

For all its sensitivity to the horrors of mental illness, The Soloist ends up as a fairly canned piece of work.

Part road trip, part music lesson, follows virtuoso musician Béla Fleck on a trip through Africa to reclaim the banjo's roots. It's an entertaining journey, and director Sascha Paladino injects humor and pathos into the musical sequences.

Toback has found a documentary subject as tragic and ridiculous, as bizarre and driven, as the heroes of his other films.

For adults, Earth misses the mark of riveting storytelling. Earth crams in the dramatic adventures of several species (including penguins) - with the result that it comes up short on telling one really good story.

A minimalist masterpiece.

For about 115 minutes, State of Play tells an alarming, tightly constructed story, with serious things to say about journalism and the state of the country. The movie appears to be all but over - and likely to stand as one of the best films of 2009. And then the filmmakers add one last embellishment, and they blow it.

Often silly but it's an honest, unselfconscious exploration of the conflict between a man's physical and psychological age.

An ideal movie for an ideal time in America.

The film is as much about the creation of the original show back in 1975 and the genius of the late Michael Bennett, who masterminded it, as it is about the newer version.

Requires us to repress any thoughts about stale material and keep Caine's heartfelt performance front and center.

The story, based on a real incident, may be simplistic, but that's the nature of fables.

Anvil lives somewhere in that thoroughly entertaining gray area between self-parody and the triumph of human spirit.

If you're no longer old enough to carry a Hannah Montana lunch box, this movie will feel like punishment.

Earnest but unconvincing film.

Funnier than the silliest comedy because it's surprisingly real.

A charming if unoriginal coming-of-age story.

This film makes you wonder why aren't there more young love movies?

A gripping look at the immigrant experience, with small moments as important - and visually arresting - as any on the baseball diamond.

Retro escapist fun.

The movie is ridiculous.