The film has enormous charm and zero pretense.

Topped by a fine cast, a first-rate script by Nick Hornby and tight direction by Lone Scherfig, the film is a smart, moving but not inaccessible entry in the coming-of-age canon.

Exotic and thoughtful.

Succeeds so beautifully because of a compelling story, great acting, intelligent writing and sensitive direction.

Engrossing and well-researched documentary.

Powered by two first-rate performances, Jorge Gaggero's debut feature is full of psychological nuance and keen social observation.

Not only is the film a powerful historical record and a warning for future generations, it is an essential reminder to people, including many in Japan today, who might deny that this massacre ever occurred. As such, Nanking honors the highest calling of documentary filmmaking.

Liz Garbus' documentary tells the compelling and powerful story of the late chess prodigy.

Foulkrod's film is not about taking a political side, though it is clear she is strongly opposed to the war in Iraq. Her focus instead is on the dehumanizing of eager young men and their transformation into killing machines.

The film and the controversy should generate interest at the boxoffice, but it's more a story about media manipulation and parental responsibility than art.

This is a film that should be seen by anyone who wants to learn where we've come from as a nation.

An incredibly powerful story of renewal, commitment and the resiliency of the human spirit, this is a movie that should attract a large theatrical audience, and no one will go home disappointed.

Designed to make you laugh and squirm, Lovers of Hate does more of the latter.

Chock full of wonderful lines delivered by a splendid cast, the film toys with the conventions and mostly transcends the limitations.

The only misstep Jun makes, and it's hard to fault him given the budget, is the mediocre and at times heavy-handed use of music. Still, it's an unqualified success from the heartland.

A knowledge of Smith's landmark contribution as a rock 'n' roll pioneer is not essential, and the film should be a joy for anyone interested in pop culture of the past 40 years.

This is clearly not a film made for everyone, but for a fortunate few, it will feel like a cleansing in nature.

For all of its access and exposure, American Teen seems skin-deep. It's well shot, with good production values and lots of cool music. But it's fun and facile in much the same way reality TV is.

More atmospheric than compelling.

Even if it's a one-joke movie that runs out of steam, director Scott Sanders manages to keep the gag going for 90 minutes.

Overall this is an impressive debut from a filmmaker with something to say and the talent to say it.

Compelling portrait of famed radical lawyer by his daughters.

The Last Mountain makes a powerful case against the coal mining industry in West Virginia. Films like this are largely preaching to the choir -- opponents are unlikely to go near it. But its importance cannot be underestimated.

An effectively emotional look at the power of music therapy to trigger memories lost after brain surgery.

A Very British Gangster is not only Noonan's story but a profile of a community dealing with poverty and drugs, and seeing no way out. In a sense, Noonan and his cronies are born into a life of crime.

Cleverly put together by writer-director Matthew Bate, the film takes a bizarre, cult folktale and turns it into a picture that is more provocative than entertaining.

More dumb than funny.

A smart and well-observed entry in the genre, is a cut above the usual hijinks.