Sharply written, superbly acted, funny and even occasionally touching.

Vaughn could have used an editor, but Wild West still is a romp with a likable bunch.

Give this to Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins: The dogs can act.

Caramel is a sweeter and more believable version of "Steel Magnolias," Middle Eastern style.

Bouncy tunes such as "Nobody's Perfect" and "Girls' Night Out" are delivered with a glib flirtatiousness that offsets their generically sensitive and empowering messages.

Though the tale may fall short on imagination, the principal actors make Over Her Dead Body livelier than one would expect.

There is a blessed dearth of dialogue, but much of it is unintentionally hilarious.

How She Move has two key assets: powerful dance sequences and an emphasis on education.

A wan version of the same old tired serial killer story, despite its updated milieu -- cyberspace.

Each story has its moments, but "Air" lacks an overarching vision.

Depressing and gut-wrenching, but always powerful and gripping.

In many ways delivers an experience that's even better than the real thing. It brings U2's dazzling rock spectacle to the multiplex with VIP comforts, all-access viewpoints and telescopic close-ups.

Farrell is quite good, though it's hard to buy the Scottish McGregor and the Irish Farrell as brothers. But mostly, the film feels rudderless, almost as if it's been directed on autopilot.

The genre may be old news, but the skillfully made Cloverfield offers a heart-racing experience with plenty of chills, thrills and exhilaration.

Moviegoers will come up empty with Mad Money. This lifeless comedy and uninventive caper feels as if it were cobbled together at a studio's obligatory consciousness-raising diversity seminar.

27 Dresses is like one of the many bridesmaid dresses featured in the film: frothy, predictable and over the top.

A misguided attempt at comedy that needs to go last on anyone's list of movie options.

Veggie Tales is a faith-based franchise that uses a blend of a religious/moral message and humor to teach about honesty and forgiveness. But Pirates lacks the humor of the videos and "A Veggie Tales Movie."

In a season filled with dark-themed films, it stands out as an elegantly mounted, surprisingly humane but terrifying horror thriller well worth seeing.

A searingly intense and artful tale that grabs hold of the viewer from its jarring and wordless opening scenes and doesn't let go.

The entire undertaking feels like a waste of time and talent.

An enjoyable, rousing film, despite its formulaic quality.

Cinematic poetry in black and white. It also is a deeply affecting tale of the power of resilience and an unflagging sense of humor through the worst of situations

Well-told fanciful tales aimed at children but appreciated by adults are a rarity, and The Water Horse should be savored for the exuberantly entertaining ride it offers.

This is definitely the year of Philip Seymour Hoffman.In Charlie Wilson's War, he and Tom Hanks make a particularly sharp and engaging duo, bouncing clever lines off each other as if it were a verbal ping-pong match.

This sequel is what you would expect: If you liked the original, you'll probably enjoy this retread. But be warned: It bogs down in a drawn-out scene near the end. There's certainly nothing to treasure about this movie, but if a popcorn movie with moderate intrigue and occasional humor is what you're after, this is just the ticket.

This misguided chick flick jumps through a lot of hoops just to state the obvious: "Life goes on, enjoy the time you have."

Mesmerizing and highly entertaining.