It's workmanlike and engrossing, but what sticks in the mind are Frank and Richie, not what anybody does.

While it boasts a lower profile than many other Christmas releases, it might catch on with parents who want to take their kids to a movie that the entire family will actually enjoy. Nifty special effects and a first-rate British cast elevate this production.

A pitch-perfect musical comedy that at long last moves the talented John C. Reilly up the billing ladder from second banana to top banana.

A "little" film with a great reach.

Iranian-American filmmaker Ramin Bahrani has followed up his well-received Man Push Cart with another penetrating portrait of life on the outskirts of New York.

Sustains itself through terrific forward momentum and two glorious star turns by gifted actresses Frances McDormand and Amy Adams.

In Paranoid Park, Gus Van Sant enters the world of high school kids just as he did in "Elephant," achieving this time a much sharper, more focused portrait of how these rapidly maturing young people act, think, speak and behave.

A delight, brimming with colorful, elastic characters and bountiful wit.

"Kings" covers familiar territory but does so with ruthless efficiency, intense performances and a densely packed plot designed to highlight the moral issues that most concern Ayer and Ellroy.

A compelling and illuminating story of four people who form an unlikely and momentary friendship of considerable depth.

The result is infectiously enjoyable.

Fugitive Pieces has a sharp, devastating story to tell.

As the heart and soul of the film, Chiwetel Ejiofor once again impresses.

With its dialogue largely improvised by many who had seen extensive combat in Iraq, Battle for Haditha has a gripping authenticity lacking in other similarly themed dramas.

Several shades darker in tone than the previous edition -- which, to be fair, didn't carry the burden of expectation that a sequel must bear -- the return to Narnia still casts a transporting spell.

This everything-but-the-kitchen-sink approach not only makes for pacey entertainment, it also allows director Christopher Bell to delve deep into the matter at hand.

A spare, creepily atmospheric psychological thriller with a death grip on the psychological aspect.

"Iron Man" has more wit and style, but Hulk is a neat thrill ride with an intelligent script by Zak Penn and smart, well-paced direction by the French director of "The Transporter" series, Louis Leterrier.

Beautifully acted and written so its themes are touched upon glancingly rather than with full force.

Offers solid, kid-friendly storytelling.

An invigorating, funny, and moving portrait of a Hollywood hero.

Stiller manages his movie nicely so that all actors get their share of the comic spotlight. Seldom does an ensemble comedy not contain a single weak character or performance as does this one.

Defies all but the most cynical not to get carried away by the force of its grandiose imagery and storytelling.

A tightly packed entertainment. It explodes through familiar teen-transition territory with dark ironies, but, all the while, touches are sentiments.

Engrossing and well-researched documentary.

A vigorous, fast-paced tale that entwines plot with character and psychology set against an incredibly exotic backdrop.

The new picture allows hardly any flourishes of style and character in the 007 tradition, but moviegoers seeking an adrenaline rush will be well pleased.

This intelligent, affectionate, beautifully acted movie gives crowd-pleasers a good name.