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.

Inert, incompetent and emotionally fraudulent.

A little like spending the holidays with strangers. The spirits are high, the relationships are warm, the personal stories have a shared history, and even though you're on the outside of things, you appreciate the people in a remote and perhaps admiring sort of way. Still, when it's time to leave, you're not sorry.

Sparrows is a kind of cinematic fable. At times funny, sad, poignant and suspenseful, Sparrows is a showcase for Majidi's masterful storytelling - and Naji's superb acting.

It must be fun to make a film about a con artist when the con artist is a full and willing participant, literally going to the ends of the Earth to prove she is the real deal.

A tender, unforgettable comedy about a vanishing way of life.

Almost frighteningly alive.

The movie is reasonably entertaining, though it helps to be 6 years old.

Contains so many insults to the audience's intelligence.

As soon as Guest of Cindy Sherman ended, I wanted to see it again for its high entertainment value and to determine better what I had just witnessed.

An engaging romantic comedy that's deeper, smarter and more pessimistic than it appears at first glance, a film with shrewd insight into the mysteries of human attraction.