Drama Reviews
Review: Street Kings
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, Thriller Reviews
"Street Kings" offers a compelling look at police corruption. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Smart People
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Faulty editing and directing squander a capable cast. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: The Visitor
Posted to: Comedy Reviews
, Drama Reviews
Director Thomas McCarthy executes a courteous absorbing drama about relationships. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Flawless
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, Thriller Reviews
"Flawless" proves to be an entertaining heist film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Stop-Loss
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
"21" is a charming, slick adaptation. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Never Back Down
Posted to: Action Reviews
, Drama Reviews
Mixed Martial Arts' cinematic debut is a laughably directed artistic travesty. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D-)
Review: Paranoid Park
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
A mix of comedy and tragedy with thrilling results. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: The Other Boleyn Girl
Posted to: Drama Reviews
This melodramatic costume drama is a guilty pleasure. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Charlie Bartlett
Posted to: Comedy Reviews
, Drama Reviews
Clouded execution and miscasting weaken a study on disenfranchised youth. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
Review: Vantage Point
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, Thriller Reviews
A serviceable, but absurd, thriller. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: How She Move
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Promising young actors step up. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: There Will Be Blood
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Epic storytelling is spotlessly executed in this astounding film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A)
Review: P.S. I Love You
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Director Richard LaGravenese turns a potentially pleasing dramedy into a frustrating jumble. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: The Great Debaters
Posted to: Drama Reviews
A heartfelt portrait of intelligence and pride. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Charlie Wilson's War
Posted to: 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
"Atonement" is a sophisticated beautiful tragedy. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: The Golden Compass
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
A refreshingly real family drama suffers from a lack of directorial vision. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: This Christmas
Posted to: Comedy Reviews
, Drama Reviews
Charm and heart make for a pleasing, if overlong holiday movie. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: August Rush
Posted to: 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
An epic romance is undermined by its horny hero. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: Lions for Lambs
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Robert Redford's exhilarating direction makes for entertaining drama. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Martian Child
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, Family Film Reviews
A sweet well-intended family drama that's nothing new. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: American Gangster
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Intricate characters and flawless direction drive this multifaceted psychological drama. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A)
Review: Bella
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Wonderful performances elevate this modest drama. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Reservation Road
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Extraordinary performances drive this emotional and suspenseful drama. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Things We Lost in the Fire
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Exceptional directing and beautiful performances create an authentic exploration of emotion. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A)
Review: Rendition
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, Thriller Reviews
This political drama preaches the obvious and is a complete bore. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D-)
Review: Gone Baby Gone
Posted to: 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?
Posted to: Comedy Reviews
, 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Action and emotion combine in this potent crime drama. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Impressive visuals and exquisite acting define this unlikely sequel. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Michael Clayton
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Action Reviews
, 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Tommy Lee Jones' remarkable performance anchors this somber murder-mystery. (Grade: B)
Review: Eastern Promises
Posted to: Drama Reviews
David Cronenberg and Viggo Mortensen create another engrossing and intelligent thriller. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: The Brave One
Posted to: 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Despite sumptuous cinematography and a strong cast, "Evening" doesn't connect. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: A Mighty Heart
Posted to: Drama Reviews
"A Mighty Heart" respectfully chronicles Daniel Pearl's tragic death. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B+)
Review: Gracie
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, Family Film Reviews
"Gracie" embraces coming-of-age and empowerment themes without caving to cliches. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: B)
Review: Lucky You
Posted to: Comedy Reviews
, 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
Posted to: Comedy Reviews
, Drama Reviews
This film's detached observation staves off emotional connection to the story and characters. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D)
Review: Fracture
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, Thriller Reviews
Anthony Hopkins vs. Ryan Gosling isn't a fair fight. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: D+)
Review: Disturbia
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, Thriller Reviews
Director Scott Frank's intricate character development enhances this thriller's payoff. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Reign Over Me
Posted to: 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Action Reviews
, 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
This remarkable drama expertly taps into suburban suffocation and ill-conceived desire. Review by Brian Orndorf.
Review: Dreamgirls
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Intricate production design and stunning vocals cannot mask this musical's gaping character holes. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: Apocalypto
Posted to: Action Reviews
, 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
Posted to: Action Reviews
, Drama Reviews
Shunning subtlety, "Blood Diamond" rams its "message" down the audience's throat. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C+)
Review: The Nativity Story
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Director Catherine Hardwicke's recount of Jesus' birth is oddly cold and distant. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C-)
Review: The Fountain
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Darren Aronofsky masterfully tackles weighty themes in this revelatory film. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A)
Review: Flicka
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, 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
Posted to: Action Reviews
, 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
Posted to: Action Reviews
, 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
This surprisingly honest film explores the battleground between commitment and desire. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: A-)
Review: Gridiron Gang
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
This period piece focuses on magic and awe, but it delivers neither. Review by Brian Orndorf. (Grade: C)
Review: World Trade Center
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, 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
Posted to: Comedy Reviews
, 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
Posted to: Action Reviews
, 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
Posted to: Comedy Reviews
, 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
Posted to: Drama Reviews
, 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
Posted to: 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
Posted to: Comedy Reviews
, Drama Reviews
Director Nicole Holofcener and her excellent cast examine the nuanced relationships between four complex friends. (Grade: B+)
Review: Take the Lead
Posted to: Drama Reviews
Melodrama and shallow character development give this dance film an unintended "After School Special" feel. (Grade: C)
Review: Lucky Number Slevin
Posted to: Drama Reviews
This crime caper is so busy trying to be clever, it forgets one key component: entertainment. (Grade: D)
Spider-Man 3