Drama Reviews
Review: Extraordinary Measures
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Drama Reviews
A frivolous disease-of-the-week picture avoids a severe case of the blahs due to strong casting. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B-)
Review: The Lovely Bones
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
Director Peter Jackson condenses a frightful story of
loss into something between a Hitchcockian thriller and an Enya music video. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: The Book of Eli
The Hughes Brothers craft a compellingly abrasive tone of moral manipulation to embellish
the traditional post-apocalyptic tale. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B-)
Review: The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
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Drama Reviews
Perhaps Heath Ledger's death tore the heart out of this film. Or maybe Terry Gilliam never knew what to do with it. Either way, "Parnassus" is a mess. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: Sherlock Holmes
This reworked version of Sherlock Holmes goes far beyond pipe sucking and deerstalker hats. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Nine
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Drama Reviews
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Romance
"Nine" suffers from a debilitating case of the blahs. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: Brothers
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Drama Reviews
A tremendous film, "Brothers" gently reworks its inspiration into a raw emotional experience. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Up in the Air
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
Despite George Clooney's stellar performance, "Up in the Air" is a crude deconstruction of loneliness. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: The Twilight Saga: New Moon
While promising in spurts, "New Moon" is a stilted drag when concentrating on the love triangle. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: The Blind Side
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Drama Reviews
"The Blind Side" is a friendly, tender audience pleaser. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: Pirate Radio
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
Despite a sparkling cast and soundtrack supremacy, director Richard Curtis can't find solid footing. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: 2012
"2012" is disturbingly repetitive, obnoxiously noisy, and almost pornographic in length. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: The Box
Director Richard Kelly gets overly ambitious, making "The Box" feel like amateurish stalling. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
Review: A Christmas Carol
The latest version of "A Christmas Carol" takes a bold technological leap forward, with dazzling results. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire
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Drama Reviews
"Precious" retains an impressive dramatic grip through unimaginable horror. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Amelia
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Drama Reviews
Despite a wonderful director and fantastic actors, the ambition of "Amelia" never connects with its execution. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant
Director Paul Weitz offers up a joyless, verbose picture. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
Review: Law Abiding Citizen
Despite thought-provoking material, "Law Abiding Citizen" is morphed into a contrived thriller. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: Where the Wild Things Are
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Drama Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
Director Spike Jonze has his heart in the right place, but extending something so perfectly concise invites more trouble than triumph. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: Whip It
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
"Whip It" is a coming-of-age dramedy that bites off a little more than it can chew.Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B-)
Review: Fame
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Drama Reviews
Director Kevin Tancharoen is more devoted to hackneyed stylistics than emotional substance. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: Love Happens
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Drama Reviews
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Romance
"Love Happens" is passably engaging and semi-poignant, but can't elevate above mediocrity. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: Post Grad
"Post Grad" is a meandering mess of a motion picture. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: Bandslam
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
There’s a great movie somewhere
in "Bandslam," but director Todd Graff won’t allow it to emerge. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
Review: The Time Traveler's Wife
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Drama Reviews
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Sci-Fi Reviews
"The Time Traveler’s Wife" is a beautifully crafted mood piece placed in the center of an engrossing love story. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Julie & Julia
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
"Julie & Julia" surprises as much as it delights. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Funny People
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
"Funny People" offers keen insight into the mind of the stand-up comic at his most game, blistered, and vulnerable. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
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Drama Reviews
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Sequel Reviews
The latest "Potter" film ably taps teen angst while keeping the series' bar set high. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Public Enemies
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
Director Michael Mann misses with "Public Enemies," losing himself in deafening filmmaking. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: I Hate Valentine's Day
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
With "I Hate Valentine's Day," Nia Vardalos has elected to make
the same nondescript junk as everyone else, Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
Review: Chéri
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Drama Reviews
Michelle Pfeiffer ia a marvel in this sexy, pithy, and enchantingly cutting adaptation. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: My Sister's Keeper
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Drama Reviews
Director Nick Cassavetes creates moments of genuine tragic ache despite obnoxiously calculated emotional manipulation. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3
Skip this wasted effort from ineffectual filmmaker Tony Scott. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
Review: Watchmen
"Watchmen" may speak to fans of the original story, but the the film's execution is
muddy and jarring for newcomers. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: The International
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
"The International" is more concerned with protracted conversation than thrilling suspense. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: He's Just Not That Into You
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
Plagued by poor direction and unlikeable characters, "He's Just Not That Into You" never
reaches an insightful plateau. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
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Drama Reviews
"Benjamin Button" conveys a soul-rattling ache of life with storytelling electricity and piercing thematic resonance. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A)
Review: Valkyrie
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Drama Reviews
"Valkyrie" mixes classic thriller tones and invigorating compositional rhythms to erect an exquisite architecture of suspense. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: The Wrestler
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Drama Reviews
"The Wrestler" is a stupendous achievement of tone and emotional fullness. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A)
Review: Seven Pounds
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Drama Reviews
In "Seven Pounds," the end doesn't justify the protracted means. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: Gran Torino
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Drama Reviews
Clint Eastwood's latest is a pleasurably performed character study of racism and redemption. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Doubt
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Drama Reviews
"Doubt" is a magnificent experience with top shelf performances. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: The Reader
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Drama Reviews
Sexually charged "The Reader" is an unsettling depiction of mournful obsession. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Milk
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Drama Reviews
Gus Van Sant returns with a noble bio-pic awash with colorful characters and a pinpoint recreation of 1970s San Francisco. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review Cadillac Records
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Drama Reviews
"Cadillac Records" is a frustratingly thin depiction of the famed Chess
Records blues factory. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
Review: Frost/Nixon
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Drama Reviews
"Frost/Nixon" is an intelligent, riveting war of minds. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Australia
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Drama Reviews
"Australia" reaches dazzling heights of romantic sincerity and
nerve-racking adventure. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Twilight
Alternating between embarrassingly overindulgent and outright boring "Twilight" is a poorly contained unintentional joke. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
Review: Changeling
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Drama Reviews
"Changeling" is compelling and flush with period detail, but can't sustain its too-long running time. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: Pride and Glory
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Drama Reviews
Lack of innovation is overcome by emotionally searing execution in this exceptional cop drama. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2
Predictability and maudlin sentimentality make for a tiresome sequel. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
The X-Files: I Want to Believe
"The X-Files: I Want to Believe" offers faithful fans a rewarding odyssey. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: The Dark Knight
"The Dark Knight" is a mesmerizing crime story that just happens to be a comic book film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A)
Review: WALL-E
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Animation Reviews
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
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Sci-Fi Reviews
Pixar's latest is a misguided, preach-fest that suffers from storytelling lethargy. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
Review: The Happening
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Drama Reviews
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Sci-Fi Reviews
Despite a blood-spurting, skin-crawling first act, "The Happening" slowly, painfully deflates. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: Sex and the City
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
"Sex and the City" is a lazy, mean-spirited mess of materialism and melodrama. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
Review: War, Inc.
"War Inc," is a mischievous political satire full of outrage, slapstick, and ultraviolence. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian
"The Chronicles of Narnia" sequel lacks needed dimension and narrative. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
Review: Street Kings
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
"Street Kings" offers a compelling look at police corruption. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Smart People
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Drama Reviews
Faulty editing and directing squander a capable cast. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: The Visitor
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
Director Thomas McCarthy executes a courteous absorbing drama about relationships. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Flawless
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
"Flawless" proves to be an entertaining heist film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Stop-Loss
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Drama Reviews
Director Kimberly Peirce's stunning lack of vision results in a a fumbled
passion play. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
Review: 21
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Drama Reviews
"21" is a charming, slick adaptation. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Never Back Down
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Action Reviews
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Drama Reviews
Mixed Martial Arts' cinematic debut is a laughably directed artistic travesty. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D-)
Review: Paranoid Park
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Drama Reviews
An idiotic mash note to skateboarders and fluttery teen introspection. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: F)
Review: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day
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Drama Reviews
A mix of comedy and tragedy with thrilling results. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: The Other Boleyn Girl
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Drama Reviews
This melodramatic costume drama is a guilty pleasure. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Charlie Bartlett
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
Clouded execution and miscasting weaken a study on disenfranchised youth. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
Review: Vantage Point
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
A serviceable, but absurd, thriller. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: How She Move
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Drama Reviews
Promising young actors step up. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: There Will Be Blood
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Drama Reviews
Epic storytelling is spotlessly executed in this astounding film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A)
Review: P.S. I Love You
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Drama Reviews
Director Richard LaGravenese turns a potentially pleasing dramedy into a frustrating jumble. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: The Great Debaters
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Drama Reviews
A heartfelt portrait of intelligence and pride. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Charlie Wilson's War
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Drama Reviews
A too distant comedy about world conflict and giant personalities. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
Tim Burton's adaptation is a blood-spurting, brave embellishment. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: I Am Legend
An introspective study on isolation-until the unimpressive special effects ruin EVERYTHING! Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: The Kite Runner
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Drama Reviews
Based on the book by Khaled Hosseini, "The Kite Runner" is an
effective, deeply felt meditation on forgiveness. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Atonement
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Drama Reviews
"Atonement" is a sophisticated beautiful tragedy. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: The Golden Compass
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Drama Reviews
Despite an overly dense narrative and no ending, "The Golden Compass" offers a lively visually stunning fantasy. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: The Savages
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Drama Reviews
A refreshingly real family drama suffers from a lack of directorial vision. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: This Christmas
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
Charm and heart make for a pleasing, if overlong holiday movie. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: August Rush
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Drama Reviews
August Rush is undermined by melodrama and a distinct lack of focus. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: I'm Not There
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Drama Reviews
Surrealism, idolatry, and psychological babbling converge in a (sort of) Dylan biopic. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Love in the Time of Cholera
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Drama Reviews
An epic romance is undermined by its horny hero. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: Lions for Lambs
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Drama Reviews
Robert Redford's exhilarating direction makes for entertaining drama. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Martian Child
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Drama Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
A sweet well-intended family drama that's nothing new. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: American Gangster
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Drama Reviews
Style and substantial star power make for a dependable crime drama. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Before the Devil Knows You're Dead
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Drama Reviews
Intricate characters and flawless direction drive this multifaceted psychological drama. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A)
Review: Bella
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Drama Reviews
Wonderful performances elevate this modest drama. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Reservation Road
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Drama Reviews
Extraordinary performances drive this emotional and suspenseful drama. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Things We Lost in the Fire
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Drama Reviews
Exceptional directing and beautiful performances create an authentic exploration of emotion. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A)
Review: Rendition
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
This political drama preaches the obvious and is a complete bore. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D-)
Review: Gone Baby Gone
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Drama Reviews
Ben Affleck's directorial debut is an exceptional crime drama that explores conscience and morality. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A)
Review: Why Did I Get Married?
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
Tyler Perry's surprisingly sophisticated portrayal of interpersonal relationships is undermined by his inane comedy. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: We Own the Night
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Drama Reviews
Action and emotion combine in this potent crime drama. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Elizabeth: The Golden Age
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Drama Reviews
Impressive visuals and exquisite acting define this unlikely sequel. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Michael Clayton
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
George Clooney gives a complex performance as the morally ambiguous lawyer at the center of this compelling thriller. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: The Darjeeling Limited
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Drama Reviews
Wes Anderson doesn't reinvent his oeuvre with "Darjeeling," but devotees will still be pleased. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Into the Wild
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Drama Reviews
Natural vistas and a free spirt give director Sean Penn's "Into the Wild" a loose, experimental feel. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: The Kingdom
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Action Reviews
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Drama Reviews
"The Kingdom" is nothing more than a puffed-up action flick wrapped in flimsy politics. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: In the Valley of Elah
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Drama Reviews
Tommy Lee Jones' remarkable performance anchors this somber murder-mystery. (Grade: B)
Review: Eastern Promises
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Drama Reviews
David Cronenberg and Viggo Mortensen create another engrossing and intelligent thriller. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: The Brave One
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Drama Reviews
This revenge fantasy is elevated by A-list talent, but "Death Wish" impulses seep into the finale. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: 3:10 to Yuma
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Drama Reviews
This western had everything going for it -- cast, story, location -- but it fails to connect. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: Resurrecting the Champ
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Drama Reviews
Director Rob Lurie bludgeons this promising film's final act with overt sentimentality. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: The Invasion
This film's behind-the-scenes director switch leads to a jarring shift of pace. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
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Drama Reviews
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Sequel Reviews
"Phoenix" raises the bar for Harry Potter films while whetting the appetite for future installments. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Evening
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Drama Reviews
Despite sumptuous cinematography and a strong cast, "Evening" doesn't connect. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: A Mighty Heart
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Drama Reviews
"A Mighty Heart" respectfully chronicles Daniel Pearl's tragic death. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Gracie
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Drama Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
"Gracie" embraces coming-of-age and empowerment themes without caving to cliches. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Lucky You
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
Don't believe the rom-com marketing: Poker is the true star of this entertaining film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Year of the Dog
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
This film's detached observation staves off emotional connection to the story and characters. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
Review: Fracture
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
Anthony Hopkins vs. Ryan Gosling isn't a fair fight. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: Disturbia
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
"Disturbia" fancies itself a thriller, but tonal shifts and a cheap suspense spoil the mood. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
Review: Perfect Stranger
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
Halle Berry's turn as a hardened journalist is almost as bewildering as this thriller's finale. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D-)
Review: The Lookout
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
Director Scott Frank's intricate character development enhances this thriller's payoff. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Reign Over Me
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Drama Reviews
Adam Sandler and Don Cheadle are both excellent, but third-act melodrama detracts from the film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Premonition
Fate and time and all that other mind-bendy stuff get mushed up in this confusing thriller. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: The Namesake
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Drama Reviews
Despite a hurried third act, "The Namesake" offers a poignant look at multi-generation tensions. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Black Snake Moan
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Drama Reviews
The ribald atmosphere of this film's excellent first act is unceremoniously dropped in the second half. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: Zodiac
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Drama Reviews
David Fincher's newfound restraint allows for a meticulous examination of the Zodiac murders. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: The Astronaut Farmer
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Drama Reviews
"The Astronaut Farmer" is a pleasant and visually appealing film, but it doesn't resonate. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Ghost Rider
Nicolas Cage clearly enjoys himself, but "Ghost Rider" doesn't match its star's entertainment level. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: Smokin' Aces
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Action Reviews
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Drama Reviews
A surprisingly complicated story lies beneath this film's visual trickery and ultra violence. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Stomp the Yard
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Drama Reviews
"Stomp the Yard" works during its high-energy dance sequences, but sloppy melodrama kills the buzz. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: Little Children
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Drama Reviews
This remarkable drama expertly taps into suburban suffocation and ill-conceived desire. Review by Brian Orndorf.
Review: Dreamgirls
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Drama Reviews
Intricate production design and stunning vocals cannot mask this musical's gaping character holes. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: Apocalypto
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Action Reviews
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Drama Reviews
Yet again, we're faced with a massive dose of Mel Gibson's ultra-violence. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: Blood Diamond
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Action Reviews
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Drama Reviews
Shunning subtlety, "Blood Diamond" rams its "message" down the audience's throat. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: The Nativity Story
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Drama Reviews
Director Catherine Hardwicke's recount of Jesus' birth is oddly cold and distant. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
Review: The Fountain
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Drama Reviews
Darren Aronofsky masterfully tackles weighty themes in this revelatory film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A)
Review: Flicka
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Drama Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
Unnecessary family angst screws up what should have been a simple story of a girl and a horse. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
Review: The Prestige
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
A dark and dirty battle between magicians plays to director Christopher Nolan's storytelling strengths. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Marie Antoinette
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Drama Reviews
This film's risky second act should have been the norm, not the exception, for this loose historical picture. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: Flags of Our Fathers
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Drama Reviews
Clint Eastwood's well-crafted WWII film captures the horror of battle and the unexpected pitfalls of heroism. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: The Departed
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
Martin Scorsese makes a triumphant return to the crime genre in one of the best films of the year. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A)
Review: The Guardian
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Action Reviews
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Drama Reviews
Despite a decent performance from Kevin Costner, "The Guardian" caves under the weight of its action/heroism cliches. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: Fearless
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Action Reviews
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Drama Reviews
Jet Li's elegant performance gives "Fearless" a potent mixture of wire-fu and surprising drama. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: All the King's Men
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Drama Reviews
The cast and pedigree of "All the King's Men" scream "Oscar." Too bad the movie is such a bore. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: The Last Kiss
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Drama Reviews
This surprisingly honest film explores the battleground between commitment and desire. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Gridiron Gang
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Drama Reviews
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's earnest performance is the best part of this by-the-numbers sports flick. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: The Black Dahlia
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
"Black Dahlia" is a gorgeous noir, but this adaptation's final scenes are weighed down by immense exposition. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Hollywoodland
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Drama Reviews
Ben Affleck's pitch-perfect portrayal of former "Superman" George Reeves elevates this drama-mystery. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: The Quiet
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
"The Quiet" certainly isn't a good film, but where else can you find a menagerie of cheerleaders, revenge and incest? Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: The Wicker Man
This film's saving grace is its unintentionally funny third act. Beyond that, it's yet another unnecessary remake. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D-)
Review: Invincible
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Drama Reviews
This true story of Vince Papale's improbable rise to the NFL has undeniable charm. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: The Illusionist
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Drama Reviews
This period piece focuses on magic and awe, but it delivers neither. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: World Trade Center
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Drama Reviews
The tragedy of 9/11 is painful, but "World Trade Center" is ultimately a hopeful film. Review by Elizabeth Bronkesh. (Grade: B+)
Review: Miami Vice
Michael Mann delivers a vivid "Vice" update, but a disconnect between characters keeps the audience at arm's length. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Lady in the Water
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Drama Reviews
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Thriller Reviews
M. Night Shyamalan's intriguing bedtime story is brought to a grinding halt by the director's self-serving choices. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: A Scanner Darkly
Rotoscoping blends well with this hallucinogenic tale, but untethered acting sends the core story into a tailspin. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: The Devil Wears Prada
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
The soul-sucking venom of the fashion industry is watered down to TV movie-of-the-week levels in this soft adaptation. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
Review: Superman Returns
With the majestic "Superman Returns," director Bryan Singer has crafted one of the best films of the year. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A)
Review: Waist Deep
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Action Reviews
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Drama Reviews
This film aims for anti-hero revenge and gritty street violence. What it gets are unintentional laughs. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D-)
Review: A Prairie Home Companion
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
Robert Altman's laissez-faire directing meshes with the source material, but side-plots diminish the central story. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
Review: Akeelah and the Bee
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Drama Reviews
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Family Film Reviews
Can you use cliche in a sentence? "The film started well, but quickly fell victim to cliche." Cliche ... C-L-I-C-H-E ... Cliche. (Grade: B-)
Review: United 93
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Drama Reviews
Despite renewed anguish, "United 93" finds remarkable balance between heroism and fright. It is a must-see film. (Grade: A)
Review: Friends with Money
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Comedy Reviews
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Drama Reviews
Director Nicole Holofcener and her excellent cast examine the nuanced relationships between four complex friends. (Grade: B+)
Review: Take the Lead
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Drama Reviews
Melodrama and shallow character development give this dance film an unintended "After School Special" feel. (Grade: C)
Review: Lucky Number Slevin
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Drama Reviews
This crime caper is so busy trying to be clever, it forgets one key component: entertainment. (Grade: D)
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