Variety's Scores

For 17,777 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 52% higher than the average critic
  • 4% same as the average critic
  • 44% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 2.4 points lower than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Movie review score: 63
Highest review score: 100 IMAX: Hubble 3D
Lowest review score: 0 Divorce: The Musical
Score distribution:
17777 movie reviews
  1. Its own mythology aside, this flamboyant, graphic and disturbing quasi-docu reenactment of a notorious chapter in U.S. counterculture life is a fascinating if peculiar accomplishment.
  2. Undeniably powerful on the bigscreen.
  3. Too slim to make much impression outside fests, this nevertheless reps another solid outing by former art director Huo Jianqi.
  4. An intense, precision-controlled psychological mystery built around a very creepy lead performance by Christian Bale.
  5. Viewers of this Sam Raimi-produced, sub-"Amityville" scarefest are likely to hold the real grudge.
  6. An almost mirth-free, poorly conceived comedy destined to offer Ben Affleck bashers satchels full of new ammunition.
  7. Preaches purely to the converted.
  8. A not terribly creative movie about the creative process.
  9. A muddled metaphysical allegory that isn't nearly sunny enough to camouflage its darker undercurrents.
  10. Laura Linney’s beautiful performance is most of the story in p.s.
  11. A ponderous, incoherent horror mishmash that turns King's short story into utter nonsense.
  12. Striking visuals help, but pic won't make the final cut with either genre fans, who've seen it all and better before, or the arthouse crowd, who will sneer at pic's cliches.
  13. This richly textured parable feels every inch the work of a master.
  14. Nine very good actors are wasted, if not embarrassed, by the thoroughly unconvincing shenanigans perpetrated by first-time writer-director Michael Clancy, while a tenth -- Zooey Deschanel -- somehow manages to float ethereally above it all with her dignity intact.
  15. A minor affair, a confection based on dalliances and the way a set of sophisticated theater people handle them, that lacks true distinction.
  16. An anemic sitcom pilot dragged out to an excruciating 108-minute running time.
  17. Well mounted, frequently gripping.
  18. An unabashedly old-fashioned entertainment loaded with traditional dancing and music.
  19. Goes the extra mile to piss off everybody -- which includes gleefully destroying renowned Hollywood liberals, literally and figuratively.
  20. Archival material -- especially rare B&W Soviet footage -- is a knockout, though the assembly of talking heads, nearly all Reagan loyalists, is predictable and uninspired.
  21. A 10-course treat for the eyes and ears.
  22. Mike Leigh is at the peak of his powers with Vera Drake, a compassionate, morally complex drama that stands easily alongside his best work, "Secrets & Lies" and "Topsy-Turvy."
  23. Self-consciously mannered yet fitfully interesting, Around the Bend gets the most mileage it can from the eccentric, low-key charisma of Christopher Walken.
  24. A little gem that takes a potentially grim subject and mines it for maximum humor and insight.
  25. Pic maintains a likable, breezy tone throughout but looks increasingly threadbare of real inspiration or originality as it proceeds.
  26. Unquestioning agitprop for vegetarianism, hemp fiber, solar energy, sustainable organic living and other causes espoused by actor-activist Woody Harrelson.
  27. Plays as a blackly comic slice of mock '70s-style exploitation that flirts with the viewer before applying its chokehold.
  28. Worthy intentions are drowned by schematic scripting and only OK direction in Silent Waters, an achingly PC drama on how Islamic fundamentalism wrecks families and oppresses women.
  29. This skillfully acted, handsomely crafted frock piece toys cleverly with gender confusion and sexual identity.
  30. Friday Night Lights is the "Black Hawk Down" of high school football movies. As exclusively as Ridley Scott's picture was about combat, this film concerns football and nothing but.

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