Movie Review

Film 'Allegiance' Doesn't Inspire It

Filmed in the washed-out palette of an infomercial, this movie about an attempt to go AWOL in the National Guard is a depressing glimpse of great actors grappling with subpar material.

Fracking Drama 'Promised Land' Drills Without Hitting Paydirt

This Matt Damon drama raises awareness about an important environmental issue, but it’s not a particularly gripping piece of filmmaking.

'Django Unchained' Leaves No Blood Unsplattered

Despite some overly familiar Tarantino trademarks, this bloody Civil War tale boasts strong performances and an unapologetic examination of America’s racist past.

Break Your Heart With 'Amour'

“Amour,” in typical Michael Haneke fashion, is rigorous, relentless, and disturbing. But in atypical Haneke fashion, there is also a throbbing heartbeat beneath the placid surface

Less Would Have Been More in 'Les Miz'

Bringing the epic musical to the big screen took a quarter of a century. They should have waited another 25.

Action Movie ‘Jack Reacher’ Doesn’t Stretch Enough

This badass old-school thriller sports a jacked-up Tom Cruise, but the rest of the movie is a little too formulaic.

Returning to Middle Earth with 'The Hobbit'

Peter Jackson’s Tolkien prequel values spectacle, but Martin Freeman and Andy Serkis help give it soul.

Lizzy Caplan Can't Save 'Save the Date'

Caplan and Alison Brie are believable siblings, but this paint-by-numbers indie romcom is so low key it’s almost somnambulant.

Alan Cumming Is a Dynamo in 'Any Day Now'

This shattering period drama’s Movie-of-the-Week feel is elevated by Cumming’s powerful performance and a compelling social commentary.

Teen Girl’s Terrible Life, Terribly Told in ‘Yelling to the Sky’

A teen girl’s grim coming-of-age drama falls apart due to shoddy storytelling and misguided direction.