Archive: Film section: Metro Weekly magazine, Washington, DC newspaper

Archive

Film Section

2013, May 16Star Trek ReturnsJ.J. Abrams's latest has plenty of bang, but also rekindles the franchise's noble rootsBy Chris Heller
2013, May 09Wretched ExcessBaz Luhrmann tromps across Fitzgerald's ''The Great Gatsby,'' all too eager to interpret subtle tension as over-the-top melodramaBy Chris Heller
2013, May 09Texas Hold 'EmYen Tan's ''Pit Stop'' offers a story about rural gay lifeBy Doug Rule
2013, May 02Flash over SubstanceAll of Iron Man 3's potential for meaningful moments goes up in a box-office bangBy Chris Heller
2013, Apr 11Puzzles''Trance'' is a sexy, violent revenge fantasy and a letdown from Danny Boyle, while ''Room 237'' guides ''The Shining'' down a loony-tunes pathBy Chris Heller
2013, Mar 14Magic Show''Burt Wonderstone'' is a comedy that isn't quite as funny as it should be, with actors we know to be much funnier than they are hereBy Chris Heller
2013, Mar 07Woes of OzSam Raimi's ''Oz'' is mired in fructose – it's syrupy, artificial, and most definitely terrible for your healthBy Chris Heller
2013, Feb 21And the Oscar Goes To...Our film critic takes a hard-nosed look at the Oscars and comes up with his predictions on who will and who should take home a prizeBy Chris Heller
2013, Feb 14Die Hard Death KnellThe latest offering of the action-packed franchise is an unworthy iterationBy Chris Heller
2013, Feb 07Swan Song''Side Effects'' is an oddly ho-hum send-off for one of this generation's most fiercely independent, daring filmmakersBy Chris Heller
2013, Jan 31Zom Rom ComA rare, delightful sort of commercially minded film, ''Warm Bodies'' is a charmingly self-aware entertainmentBy Chris Heller
2013, Jan 10Hunting Bin Laden''Zero Dark Thirty,'' Kathryn Bigelow's fearless critique of the War on Terror, digs deep into the moral hazards of tortureBy Chris Heller
2013, Jan 03Mazel TovToasting this year's LGBT highlights at the Washington Jewish Film FestivalBy Doug Rule
2013, Jan 03Chain MaleQuentin Tarantino has created a revisionist history of the American South that focuses on the violent nature of intoleranceBy Chris Heller
2012, Dec 27The Best and Worst Films of 2012Even if there were a few duds in the last twelve months, several ambitious movies stood out for daring to try something new.By Chris Heller
2012, Dec 20Vocal ProwessLes Misérables captures the spirit and emotional power of a staged vocal performance by having every actor sing live on set
2012, Dec 13Hobbit Forming''The Hobbit'' is a lighter, simpler story than ''Lord of the Rings,'' but rather than disappoint, Peter Jackson's new movie delightsBy Chris Heller
2012, Nov 29Mobster Capitalism''Killing Them Softly'' is a lame attempt to look cool and pass down ideological judgments without a hint of substance or functionBy Chris Heller
2012, Nov 09Bond That BindsWith ''Skyfall,'' Sam Mendes has made a movie that's a friendly criticism of its own genre. It's a Bond flick about Bond flicks.By Chris Heller
2012, Nov 08Log Cabin Fever''Lincoln'' is a witty, confident, emotionally satisfying telling of an incredibly monumental part of American history.By Chris Heller
2012, Oct 25Unfilmable''Cloud Atlas'' is a film with a thousand moving targets, all of them together darting impossibly out of reachBy Chris Heller
2012, Oct 11Survival InstinctsThe magnificent ''How to Survive a Plague'' serves as a stunning reminder that at its darkest hour, the gay community banded together to save itselfBy Chris Heller
2012, Oct 04Killing Yourself''Looper'' is a fine example of a tight, satisfying sci-fi movieBy Chris Heller
2012, Oct 04Hot Mess''The Paperboy'' is a sloppy excuse for Oscar bait, and it doesn't deserve serious consideration.By Chris Heller
2012, Sep 27Teenage Idols''Perks of Being a Wallflower'' is big-hearted and earnest in its approach to the pleasure and pain of the teenage conditionBy Chris Heller
2012, Sep 20Cult ClassicWith ''The Master,'' Paul Thomas Anderson wants to unsettle us, and the result is the most difficult, mysterious film he's ever made
2012, Sep 13Mean Girls''Bachelorette'' is every bit as funny on screen as it was onstage, but it's nowhere near as blistering as its reputation suggestsBy Chris Heller
2012, Sep 07Sleeper FilmA sleepwalking jump out a window translates into a heartfelt cinematic experienceBy Chris Heller
2012, Aug 30Bootleg BeautyCave and Hillcoat team for another shoot 'em up, short on substance but with plenty of styleBy Chris Heller
2012, Aug 30Hollywood ''Bra-mance''The latest R-rated female-driven comedy in the ''Bridesmaid'' era was directed by a gay manBy Doug Rule
2012, Jul 26Generating Sparks''Ruby Sparks'' smartly picks apart romantic tropes, but then indulges in a sticky-sweet narrative that rings false against its refreshing self-awareness.By Chris Heller
2012, Jul 12Magic Realism: 'Beasts of the Southern Wild'Behn Zeitlin has made a gorgeous film that's not only technically impressive, but beams with optimism about the human conditionBy Chris Heller
2012, Jul 05Stuck''Spider-Man'' putters along, only able to get by with what's already worked for its ancestors. It's not fit, so it won't survive.
2012, Jun 28Magic TricksWith skin, bromance and just enough story to pull you along mindlessly, ''Magic Mike'' is better than you expectBy Will O'Bryan
2012, Jun 17Crock Rock''Rock of Ages'' deserves a special place to suck on its ownBy Chris Heller
2012, Jun 07Pro-meh-theusWhile it's certainly above-average blockbuster fare, Ridley Scott's ''Prometheus'' falls short of its transcendent predecessorsBy Chris Heller
2012, May 24Black OutThe only reason why ''Men in Black III'' is tolerable is because it unabashedly falls into its old, successful rhythmsBy Chris Heller
2012, May 18Bull's EyeThe marriage between top-notch acting and real-life narration pays off in BernieBy Chris Heller
2012, May 17Black ComedyJack Black explores the gentle side of murderBy Chris Heller
2012, May 10The Hole TruthDrummer Patty Schemel reveals life in her former band HoleBy Doug Rule
2012, May 10Blood Sucking''Dark Shadows'' is another nail in Tim Burton's artistic coffin – a reminder that style doesn't guarantee qualityby Chris Heller
2012, May 02Avenging MarvelsMagnificently helmed by Joss Whedon, ''The Avengers'' is a gargantuan joy, so see it in the largest, loudest theater you can findBy Chris Heller
2012, Apr 19Bully for 'Bully'It's a documentary with some shortcomings, but the power of the content fills the gapsBy Chris Heller
2012, Apr 19Cylindrical CinemaA custom-designed film projects around the museum's perimeter nightlyBy Doug Rule
2012, Apr 13Cabin FeverWith ''Cabin in the Woods,'' Joss Whedon proves filmmakers can make something smart and scary, self-aware and compellingBy Chris Heller
2012, Apr 13Comic CultureA documentary exploring the devotion of Comic-Con fans is long on love, slight on scrutinyBy Chris Heller
2012, Mar 22Death Match''The Hunger Games'' allows for social commentary and the very kind of mindless bloodshed it's allegedly trying to decryBy Chris Heller
2012, Mar 15Fixer Uppers''Jeff'' accomplishes something few others reliably can -- it entertains without patronizing or ostracizing its audience
2012, Mar 08Mars BarredAwkward and inconsequential, ''John Carter'' tries to pass itself off as an epic worthy of sequels, but can't justify its $250 million price tagBy Chris Heller
2012, Mar 01Review: We Need to Talk About Kevin''We Need to Talk About Kevin'' is an utterly bleak, masterfully executed piece of work that demands your attentionBy Chris Heller
2012, Feb 23Hooray for HollywoodThe Center toasts the town with an Oscar party at TownBy Doug Rule
2012, Feb 23Oscar FixOur critic offers up his thoughts about for what should win -- and what he'd like to see win -- at The 2012 Oscars this Sunday nightBy Chris Heller
2012, Feb 09Vanity AffairW.E.'s good moments are weighed down by Madonna's penchant for filming what seems to be the world's longest perfume commercialBy Chris Heller
2012, Feb 03Fly GuysIn ''Chronicle,'' rookie director Josh Trank chains himself to a distracting gimmickBy Chris Heller
2012, Feb 03Review: The InnkeepersWith ''The Inkeepers,'' Ti West provides minimalist horror with slow-burning scares and unbearable tensionBy Chris Heller
2012, Jan 26Man PowerGlenn Close and Janet McTeer give Oscar-worthy performances in the gender-bending Albert Nobbs, so why isn't the film any good?By Chris Heller
2012, Jan 20Review: Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close''Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close'' suffers a fate of its own cloying, manipulative design.by Chris Heller
2012, Jan 12Review: Corman's WorldA new documentary celebrates the legendary filmmaker Roger Corman, who launched some impressive Hollywood careersBy Chris Heller
2012, Jan 05From Short to FeatureFor years, Dee Rees honed her craft, resulting in a critically acclaimed film, ''Pariah,'' about a young black lesbian's coming outBy Chris Heller
2012, Jan 05Coming OutPersonal, stirring and poignant, ''Pariah'' is the finest coming-of-age movie to find its way into theaters in yearsBy Chris Heller
2011, Dec 29The Best and Worst Movies of 2011The year gave us a bounty of film magic, as well as cinematic sore pointsby Chris Heller
2011, Dec 22Tattoo ParadiseDavid Fincher has put his personal stamp on a compelling murder mystery, ''Girl with the Dragon Tattoo,'' delivering a film that's exceptionally thrilling to watchBy Chris Heller
2011, Dec 22Nostalgic AdventureSpielberg delivers a Tintin for the 21st century with nostalgia for the initiated, thrills for the newcomersby Will O'Bryan
2011, Dec 16Prickly ProtagonistYoung Adult is a movie about someone who's supremely unlikeable, but has an odd way of being awfully likable itselfby Chris Heller
2011, Dec 01Love ShotsTomer Heymann's doc, ''I Shot My Love,'' about identity, family and desire is the LGBT highlight of this year's Washington Jewish Film FestivalBy Chris Heller
2011, Dec 01Over SexedDespite the buzz, Steve McQueen's ''Shame'' is not an innovative film -- it's got dicks and tits, but it's not crusading for their causeBy Chris Heller
2011, Nov 23Puppet Masters'The Muppets' may operate from a common conceit, but it has freshness and grit, while 'My Week with Marilyn' is nothing if not funby Chris Heller
2011, Nov 17Midlife AlohaAlexander Payne's latest, ''The Descendants,'' is a movie about what families are stuck with and how they manage to figure it outby Chris Heller
2011, Nov 10InsecurityClint Eastwood and Dustin Lance Black's 'J. Edgar' is a mess of a biopic with plenty to say, but no idea how to say it wellBy Chris Heller
2011, Nov 04Building Violation''Tower Heist'' aims so broadly, it doesn't have a target audience as much as a supreme unified theory of box-office gross attraction; plus ''Like Crazy'' questions loveBy Chris Heller
2011, Nov 03Inspiring Betrayal''Ides of March'' executive producer Stephen Pevner commissioned the original work based on his own experienceBy Chris Heller
2011, Oct 27Cult ClashForget about answers -- sometimes Sean Durkin's ''Martha Marcy May Marlene'' doesn't even bother to give you questionsBy Chris Heller
2011, Oct 14Rip-Off Artist''The Thing'' is a plodding mess, adding nothing of consequence to its predecessor and taking away anything meaningfulby Chris Heller
2011, Oct 06Love StoryAndrew Haigh's ''Weekend'' is a great love story about gay men that deserves better than a niche labelBy Chris Heller
2011, Oct 06Girl on FilmHead back to the '80s for ''Dirty Girl,'' the gay-themed, shit-kickin' road romp opening this year's Reel Affirmations film festivalBy Will O'Bryan
2011, Sep 30Good Chance50/50's art imitates the life of a cancer patient with humor, reality and heartby Chris Heller
2011, Sep 15Shorts CircuitThe DC Shorts Film Festival presents nine LGBT films on Friday night -- the quality varies but the message is distinctly gayBy Chris Heller
2011, Sep 01Midnight MadnessE Street Cinema screens fun and 'ridiculous' films on weekendsDoug Rules
2011, Aug 25Radical FaeriesWhile the original Don't Be Afraid of the Dark may haunt producer Guillermo del Toro, his remake falls shortBy Chris Heller
2011, Aug 18Unkind CutUnless you're going for laughs, you may want to bypass the latest barbarian at the cinema gatesBy Chris Heller
2011, Aug 12Reality CheckThere's a disturbing real-life story at the core of the comedy '30 Minutes or Less' that may give audiences the creepsBy Chris Heller
2011, Jul 29Western EncountersCowboys & Aliens is Independence Day without heartening speeches and a whole lot more revolvers and period costumeryBy Chris Heller
2011, Jul 22American IdolCaptain America has potential but winds up as little more than a two-hour trailer for next summer's The Avengersby Chris Heller
2011, Jul 14Everybody HurtsThe final Harry Potter is a blockbuster whose pain and mourning resonates through the franchise's length. Just avoid it in 3DBy Chris Heller
2011, Jul 08Killer Jobs'Horrible Bosses' reeks of a bland sitcom's worst sensibilitiesBy Chris Heller
2011, Jun 29Required ViewingThe Atlas offers films with gay appealby Doug Rule
2011, Jun 09Classic GraceHillwood and One In Ten present their annual 'Diva-ish' film seriesBy Doug Rule
2011, Jun 09Father-Son OutingMike Mills pulls from his own backstory to make a movie about life and death and loveby Will O'Bryan
Photography by Todd Franson
2011, May 05Hammer TimeThe first of the big, summer blockbuster films, Thor explodes on the screen with the thunder of a godBy Tim Plant
2011, Apr 14Scream MachineWes Craven hasn't quite figured out how to restore a brand so spoofed and parodied that laughter trumps fearBy Tim Plant
2011, Mar 31Deja ViewA hash of ideas from various films, the sci-fi thriller Source Code more-than-ably stands on its own meritsBy Tim Plant
2011, Mar 10Minor AdjustmentsStraddling the genres of romance and science fiction, The Adjustment Bureau never truly finds solid groundby Tim Plant
2011, Mar 03MatchmakingYou Should Meet My Son is rife with clichés, most of which are pretty funny – because they're trueby Tim Plant
2011, Feb 24Oscar NightIf you like film, the DC Center's Oscar-watch fundraiser at Town this Sunday is the place to beBy Doug Rule
2011, Feb 24Sex and the ApocalypseGregg Araki's Kaboom is destined to either become a cult classic or fade into obscurity; also, we pick the OscarsBy Tim Plant
2011, Feb 10Insurance FraudDespite valiant efforts from star Ed Helms and John C. Reilly, 'Cedar Rapids' fails to amuse in an abundance of waysBy Tim Plant
2011, Jan 19A Good YearIn his latest film, Mike Leigh captures a gratifying and grating year of life that is remarkable for its normalcyBy Tim Plant
2011, Jan 16Stung'The Green Hornet' bludgeons the audience into a stupor with explosions, stupid jokes, and far too much of Seth Rogenby Tim Plant
2011, Jan 05Ripped ApartBlue Valentine tracks a couple's story backward to examine how love and hope can be replaced by resentment and regretby Tim Plant
2010, Dec 29Best & Worst Films of 2010It was a rocky year for movies, but a few snuck by on great acting and solid directing, while others just bombedBy Tim Plant
2010, Dec 23Western StarsThe performances are uniformly great, but the story has a been-there, done-that feel in the Coen brothers' True GritBy Tim Plant
2010, Dec 16Knock OutThe Fighter is filled with amazing performances, but the championship belt really belongs to Christian Baleby Tim Plant
2010, Dec 09Convicts in LoveStereotypes are stereotypes for a reason and the gay-themed Phillip Morris wallows in each and every one of themBy Tim Plant
2010, Dec 09Emotional ReleaseI Love You Phillip Morris finally hits the big screenBy Randy Shulman
2010, Dec 02Lake EffectEven when things are most their most bizarre and confusing, Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan is gripping and stunningBy Tim Plant
2010, Dec 01Israeli GleeEytan Fox's musical miniseries tells the story of a gay man in search of his mother and himselfBy Yusef Najafi
2010, Nov 25ShowgirlsBurlesque takes itself too seriously to be enjoyable, and it's not bad enough to really wallow in its own miseryby Tim Plant
2010, Nov 18Mr. WizardAided by nuanced performances and a rich plot, director David Yates delivers big in the penultimate ''Harry Potter''By Tim Plant
2010, Nov 10Rock SolidAs Aron Ralston, a hiker infamous for his horrific act of survival, James Franco is nothing short of astonishingBy Tim Plant
2010, Oct 28Poetry in Motion'Howl' takes a fully artistic approach to the infamous poem, while 'Hornet's Nest' never really amounts to very muchBy Tim Plant
2010, Oct 20Law and OrderDesigned to tug at the heartstrings, Conviction features strong performances impeded by a fractured narrative styleby Tim Plant
2010, Oct 13Mini AffirmationsOne In Ten presents BearCity, proving bears can be bitchy queens and a pair of DADT-movies that miss the bullseyeby Tim Plant
2010, Oct 13Furry FriendsDoug Langway's Bear City is the first American feature about gay bear lifeby Doug Rule
2010, Oct 13TalkiesCinematic Titanic picks up where MST3K left offBy Randy Shulman
2010, Oct 07[Comment] [Like]David Fincher's The Social Network is a spectacular film that may make you reluctant to log onto the site againBy Tim Plant
2010, Oct 01Terror TweenIn a world overrun with vampires, Let Me In is a welcome addition to the genreBy Tim Plant
2010, Sep 18Making the GradeWhile it doesn't quite merit top marks, Easy A easily surpasses satisfactoryby Tim Plant
2010, Sep 01The Lonely GuyThe American is less about action and thrills and more about one lonely man questioning his life's choicesby Tim Plant
2010, Aug 25PilgrimageBased on the graphic novels by Bryan Lee O'Malley, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is every dork's wet dreamBy Tim Plant
2010, Aug 12Life ChangingRyan Murphy's movie adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat Pray Love promises to transport you, if not transform youby Tim Plant
2010, Jul 23Salt DeficiencyVery little makes Salt stand out from other spy-espionage-conspiracy films, except its star Angelina Jolieby Tim Plant
2010, Jul 14Modern FamilyAnnette Bening and Julianne Moore finesse their roles as a lesbian couple to near perfection in The Kids Are All Rightby Tim Plant
2010, Jul 14Dream StateThough it has plenty of action set-pieces, the high-concept Inception does little to involve us with its charactersby Tim Plant
2010, Jul 14Camp CelluloidAtlas Summer film series celebrates camp classicsBy Doug Rule
2010, Jun 29Monster TrashSitting through the extravagantly dull Eclipse is akin to slowly having your soul sucked out through your eyeballs.by Tim Plant
2010, Jun 17Unsaintly ActionsReed Cowan's documentary about the Mormon influence on Proposition 8 is uneven but jarring in its overall messageBy Tim Plant
2010, Jun 17True StoriesThere are several documentaries of particular interest to the LGBT community in this year's Silverdocs festivalby Tim Plant
2010, Jun 17Spiritual CinemaLocals launch first BuddhaFest film festivalBy Will O'Bryan
2010, Jun 10Money GirlA year in the life of a legendary comic makes some small missteps, yet delivers in the endby Tim Plant
2010, Jun 04Greek ComedyGet Him to the Greek allows Russell Brand and his out-of-control rock star character to comedically shineby Tim Plant
2010, May 27Fluff for FansSex and the City 2 is like a Magnolia Bakery cupcake -- you know exactly what you're going to get and it's a guilty pleasureby Tim Plant
2010, May 14Big-Screen CrimeWith this disappointingly dull Robin Hood, it's not the rich who suffer -- it's the audiencesby Tim Plant
2010, May 06Iron FortifiedIron Man 2 is most fun when being the least serious, but when soul-searching takes center stage, it drags the film downby Tim Plant
2010, Apr 22Death MatchThe Americanized version of the British comedy Death at a Funeral works surprisingly well, thanks to strong castingby Tim Plant
2010, Apr 15Heroic DeedsIf you appreciate humor that's outrageous, offensive and just plain makes you gasp, Kick-Ass is right up your alleyby Tim Plant
2010, Apr 07Jett LagDespite terrific performances from its stars, The Runaways is oddly monotone; Dragon is a fire-breathing spectacleby Tim Plant
2010, Mar 31Gods ForsakenThe remake of Clash of the Titans sacrifices brains for brawn in an attempt to appease the box-office godsBy Tim Plant
2010, Mar 10Son DanceThe documentary Prodigal Sons is not what you expect and not always easy to watch, but it's well worth your timeBy Tim Plant
2010, Mar 04Small WonderTim Burton's take on the Alice tale has a few smatterings of visual splendor, but lacks compelling performancesby Tim Plant
2010, Mar 04Easy PickingsThe 2010 Academy Awards will feature a parade of already-anointed winners and a bloated Best Picture categoryBy Tim Plant
2010, Feb 24Mystery ManAdapted from a novel by Robert Harris, Roman Polanski's The Ghost Writer is a political thriller of the highest orderby Tim Plant
2010, Feb 17Mysterious IslandThe payoff to Martin Scorsese's Shutter Island makes the increasingly frustrating build-up all seem worthwhileBy Tim Plant
2010, Feb 10Love Lies BleedingFlooded with useless star-power, Valentine's Day is a disjointed mess of tenuous links and uncanny coincidencesby Tim Plant
2010, Jan 14Broken BonesPeter Jackson has no problem creating mind-boggling visuals and it's one of the reasons The Lovely Bones failsby Tim Plant
2010, Jan 07Hormonal ActivityYouth in Revolt is obsessed with sex, sex, sex, while Crazy Heart offers washed-up redemption, country styleby Tim Plant
2009, Dec 24Sleuthing AroundGuy Ritchie's re-imagines Sherlock Holmes as an action property, complete with bloody fights and huge explosionsby Tim Plant
2009, Dec 24Singular SensationA Single Man is heartbreaking in its subject matter and uplifting in its beauty, while Nine is a messy adaptationby Tim Plant
2009, Dec 17Virtuoso VirtualityJames Cameron's Avatar is a spectacle that should be seen by all who appreciate movie making at its finest.By Tim Plant
2009, Dec 10Playing the HeartstringsWith Invictus, Clint Eastwood crafts a sports movie calculated to reach maximum emotional velocityby Tim Plant
2009, Nov 26Road WearyMoments of horror and suspense alleviate The Road's slow pacing, but mostly we're trudging along with the travelersby Tim Plant
2009, Nov 20Moon MenThe Twilight Saga: New Moon presents a clash between the book's self-righteous morals and movie marketingby Tim Plant
2009, Nov 19Tears Worth SheddingPrecious documents an adolescent life in a hellish world, yanking on heartstrings and finding hope in the endby Tim Plant
2009, Oct 29Parting GlancesMichael Jackson's This Is It is nothing less than a gift to fans, allowing a rare glimpse at Jackson the mortalby Doug Rule
2009, Oct 22Freak ShowThe Vampire's Assistant tries to be funny, dark, lighthearted and macabre -- all at once.by Tim Plant
2009, Oct 01Ungrateful DeadZombieland is so entertaining it's hard to care about the huge plot holes, while Fame is a useless, pointless wreckby Tim Plant
2009, Sep 17Punctuation's Mark!Matt Damon gives exclamation-point worthy performance in The Informant!, but the movie fails to ignite or exciteby Tim Plant
2009, Sep 03Ball BearingsWith the comedy Extract, Mike Judge answers the question of how many testicle jokes can be crammed into one film.by Tim Plant
2009, Aug 20Numbed by NazisQuentin Tarantino's latest drags on with intermittent action, dull dialogue and merely a few bright spotsby Tim Plant
2009, Aug 13AlienationDistrict 9 lead Sharlto Copley saves the movie from a plot that may leave you scratching your head in bewildermentby Will O'Bryan
2009, Aug 06Cook's CountryThe two stories that comprise Julie & Julia are like pairing Kobe beef with a side of McDonald's french friesby Tim Plant
2009, Jul 30Leukemia LaughsAdam Sandler shines and some jokes hit the target, but 'Funny People' weighs in too heavy and runs too longby Tim Plant
2009, Jul 23F**k BuddiesTwo straight guys set out to make a porno with each other in Lynn Shelton's slow but occasionally funny ''Humpday''by Tim Plant
2009, Jul 16Hormonal HarryHarry Potter and pals find their hormones raging away as they battle the usual forces of evil threatening Hogwartsby Tim Plant
2009, Jul 09Gay PureeWhile it's got its share of over-the-top, awkward moments, Sacha Baron Cohen's ''Brüno'' incites more grins than groansBy Tim Plant
2009, Jul 02Guns and RosesJohnny Depp plays John Dillinger as a cocky, cool criminal that is the very definition of hubris and sexy swaggerby Tim Plant
2009, Jun 25Life's Lessons'The Country Teacher' delivers a well-wrought tale of friendship and desire in the European countrysideby Tim Plant
2009, Jun 04The Morning AfterThe humor that fills ''The Hangover'' is of the rude, crude, vile, riotous, ''spit soda through your nose'' varietyby Tim Plant
2009, May 28Hell RaiserAfter years of big-budget superhero films, Sam Raimi has trimmed everything to the bare essentials: fear and funby Tim Plant
2009, May 21Geared UpIf you're looking for an action flick where things go boom and bodies pile up, 'Terminator Salvation' delivers big timeby Tim Plant
2009, May 14Blinded by ScienceWith Ron Howard's adaptation of 'Angels & Demons,' audiences certainly have more than enough reason to complainby Tim Plant
2009, May 07Space BallsJ.J. Abrams takes 'Star Trek' and polishes it for a new generation, creating a daring reboot of a culture fixtureby Tim Plant
2009, May 07Secret LivesKirby Dick's new documentary looks at closeted politiciansby Tim Plant
2009, May 01De-ClawedWolverine offers a boring back-story, light on effects and feelingby Tim Plant
2009, Apr 30Closet CasesKirby Dick's new documentary manages to make recent gay political sex scandals seem academic and dullby Tim Plant
2009, Apr 23The PittsWriter-director Rawson Marshall Thurber gets his mitts on Michael Chabon's 'Mysteries of Pittsburgh' and butchers itby Tim Plant
2009, Apr 09Collision Course'Sin Nombre' is filled with heart and pain, carrying them off better than most films that have come out so far this yearby Tim Plant
2009, Apr 02Roller CoastingThe coming-of-age comedy 'Adventureland' is stuck in low gear -- rather than be the best, it's content to be averageby Tim Plant
2009, Mar 19Male Bonding'I Love You, Man' pays homage to the strong yet often unspoken, and completely not-gay, connection between guysby Tim Plant
2009, Mar 05Identity CrisisThe film adaptation of 'The Watchmen,' Alan Moore's genre-changing comic book, is unlike any superhero epic you've ever seenby Randy Shulman
2009, Feb 19Choosing OscarThe Academy Awards are upon us, and we offer our best educated guesses as to who will take home the prizesby Tim Plant
2009, Feb 12Attention Shoppers!Director P.J. Hogan has taken a barely stitched-together script and created something approaching fashionableby Tim Plant
2009, Feb 05Frame by FrameA visual wonder, Coraline is narratively sluggishby Randy Shulman
2009, Feb 05Hopelessly UndevotedKen Kwapis turns in a romantic dudby Tim Plant
2009, Jan 29Out for BloodIt takes time, but 'Taken' settles into a solid action groove, and 'Frost/Nixon' is a brilliant cinematic achievementby Tim Plant
2009, Jan 15AfterbirthA horror film comprised of one cliché too many, 'The Unborn' makes morning sickness seem like a picnic in the parkby Tim Plant
2009, Jan 08StalledClint Eastwood's latest limps along like a car with a flat tire; 'Benjamin Button' is an epic tale of love and timeby Tim Plant
2009, Jan 01The Best and Worst Films of 2008If you missed these best films, time to get caught up, and if you saw anything from the worst list, we feel your pain.by Tim Plant
2008, Nov 27Chilled MilkVan Sant's Milk never attains its potential as a rousing, rich drama -- it's 2 percent when it should be whole.by Randy Shulman
2008, Nov 20Bonding Behavior'Quantum of Solace is good Bond fun, once again proving Daniel Craig is a man you can count on to get the job doneby Tim Plant
2008, Oct 30Money ShotDiehard Kevin Smith fans might wonder if their bad boy is selling out, but what he's selling is pure pornographic funby Tim Plant
2008, Oct 23Swept AwayFans of 'Noah's Arc' should jump to see the film, because it will likely be sweeping into and out of theaters quicklyby Tim Plant
2008, Oct 16Bush WhackedOliver Stone's look at George W. is boring to the point of torture, which 'Rachel' is a wedding you might want to skipby Tim Plant
2008, Oct 09Tune TownBolstered by carefree characters, 'Nick and Norah' is a new, fresh take on the teenage coming-of-age genreby Tim Plant
2008, Sep 25Deep Throat'Choke' is a dirty, nasty film, featuring one gag-inducing scene after another. All the more reason to see it.by Tim Plant
2008, Sep 18Feminine Imposition'The Women' is a series of linked sketches designed not to develop character but to amplify celebrity momentsby Kate Wingfield
2008, Sep 18Ball BearingAlan Ball brings a powerful drama to the screenby Randy Shulman
Photography by Todd Franson
2008, Sep 04Blurred VisagesParvez Sharma's documentary examining the struggle of gay Muslims is less informative than it is repetitiveby Tim Plant
2008, Aug 28Offending the MassesWillfully offensive and wildly funny, 'Hamlet 2' bitch slaps the bard while 'The House Bunny' is dumb as they comeby Tim Plant
2008, Aug 21Getting a WoodyWoody Allen explores love in his latest film and while doing so takes us on a mesmerizing tour of Barcelonaby Tim Plant
2008, Aug 14Laugh Attack'Tropic Thunder' is one of the year's most outrageous, inventive comedies, while 'Pineapple Express' derails itselfby Randy Shulman
2008, Aug 07Brit LitA collection of moments, 'Brideshead Revisited' sacrifices a smooth, flowing storyline in the interest of brevityby Tim Plant
2008, Jul 31Teen Spirit'American Teen' is a rollercoaster of hormones and emotions, while 'X-Files' is an inconsequential bit of filmmakingby Tim Plant
2008, Jul 24Going BattyPropelled by Heath Ledger's spectacular, disturbing turn as The Joker, 'The Dark Knight' is a grand theatrical experienceTim Plant
2008, Jul 17Merry Melodies Buoyed by infectious ABBA songs and terrific performances, 'Mamma Mia!' makes for two hours of unadulterated joy Tim Plant
2008, Jul 10Hellacious What was fresh the first time around feels stale and derivative in Guillermo del Toro's 'Hellboy II' by Tim Plant
2008, Jul 03UndersexedThe 'Sex and the City' movie feels like one 'really' long episode of the iconic HBO show. It's a huge letdown.by Tim Plant
2008, Jul 03SaviorsA patchwork of genres, 'Hancock' is not completely successful at any, while 'Wanted' is a pretty-to-watch brain-cell killerby Tim Plant
2008, Jun 26Jokesters'Get Smart' is a moderately funny update of the '60s TV show, while 'Love Guru' will leave you annoyed and laughlessby Tim Plant
2008, Jun 19Dead ZoneIn 'The Happening,' written and directed by M. Night Shyamalan, the big surprise is just how bad the movie really isby Tim Plant
2008, Jun 12MarvelousFor the Hulk reboot, director Louis Leterrier wipes the slate clean -- and it's a damn good thing he doesby Tim Plant
2008, Jun 05M ShutterflyTiona M's film, 'black./womyn.: conversations with'by Will O'Bryan
2008, May 29WhiplashAn indecisive, cluttered script and a formulaic, dull narrative render this Indiana Jones outing a non-starterby Randy Shulman
2008, May 22Princely ReturnWith 'Prince Caspian,' Andrew Adamson takes the Narnia series into darker, more brutal and more successful territoryby Tim Plant
2008, May 15Cold WheelsSpeed Racer provides all the hallucinogenic benefits of an LSD trip without any of the nasty side-effects.by Randy Shulman
2008, May 08Metal Head'Iron Man' deserves better than iron, but not quite solid gold. Silver would be the most appropriate.by Tim Plant
2008, May 01Pregnant PauseHer timing off and the humor sparse, Tina Fey's first major movie role also represents her first major missby Tim Plant
2008, Apr 24Best ForgottenDespite its much chattered about male full-frontal nudity, 'Sarah Marshall' is a routine, dull and barely funnyby Randy Shulman
2008, Apr 17Dumbed DownWith its well-known cast, 'Smart People' strives to be quirky and original, but winds up being sophomoric and commonby Tim Plant
2008, Apr 10Screwed BallSloppy and uncertain of its aim, 'Leatherheads' lacks a script worth all the obvious effort invested in itby Randy Shulman
2008, Apr 03Marathon ManIn 'Run Fat Boy Run,' Simon Pegg once again proves he's a comedic force who should be taken very seriouslyby Tim Plant
2008, Mar 27High RollersEven though the start, middle, and finish of '21' is predictable, the movie remarkably does not disappointby Tim Plant
2008, Mar 13Heist TimesThough lacking the star power of the 'Ocean's Eleven' series, 'The Bank Job' is a great heist film that holds its ownby Tim Plant
2008, Mar 06Raiding Spielberg'Raider of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation'by Randy Shulman
2008, Mar 06Pig StyUnsuitable for anyone, 'Penelope' is a boarby Randy Shulman
2008, Feb 21Choosing OscarWe guess which movies, directors, designers and actors will be rewarded by the Academy at this Sunday's Oscar ceremonyby Tim Plant and Randy Shulman
2008, Feb 07Death Unbecomes Her'Over Her Dead Body' delivers exactly what you'd expect. So long as your expectations are really, really lowby Tim Plant
2008, Jan 24RampageFor all the fuss and pre-release furor, 'Cloverfield' doesn't amount to much more than a very well-produced noveltyby Randy Shulman
2008, Jan 17Creep ShowIt's more accurate to call 'The Orphanage' a horror film rather than a scary movie, as the film is simply horrifyingby Tim Plant
2007, Dec 27Movie Heaven (and Hell)Looking back over 2007's cinematic landscape, our film critics pick their five best and worst films of 2007by Tim Plant and Randy Shulman
2007, Dec 20Human Remains'Sweeney Todd' finds Johnny Depp hellbent on revenge, while 'I Am Legend' gives Will Smith a chance to save humanityby Tim Plant
2007, Dec 13Intimate Encounters'Atonement' is an intensely rich cinematic experience that leaves you shattered, while 'Juno' is a pure, blissful joyby Randy Shulman
2007, Dec 13Tangled Kite'The Kite Runner' is touching and terrifying, yet it can't begin to live up to its over-saturated pre-release hypeby Tim Plant
2007, Dec 06Dust Off'The Golden Compass' makes a moderately successful play to become the next great fantasy series from New Line Cinemaby Tim Plant
2007, Dec 06Holy HateNitzan Gilady's magnificent documentary chronicles the efforts to mount the World Pride celebration in Jerusalemby Randy Shulman
2007, Nov 08Lion's ClubWith 'Lions for Lambs,' Robert Redford turns up the preach-factor and in a way that inspires yawns over actionby Tim Plant
2007, Oct 25Cat and MouseKenneth Branagh's remake of 'Sleuth' is visually engaging, but its narrative ambiguity can be a little tiresomeby Tim Plant
2007, Oct 18Bite NightIn '30 Days of Night' gore serves as a replacement for genuine terror and dread. It's hardly horrific.by Randy Shulman
2007, Oct 11Law and Disorder'Michael Clayton' provides an unforgettable visit to a genre missing from the movie landscape for much too longby Randy Shulman
2007, Oct 04Spiritual ShenanigansWith 'The Darjeeling Limited,' Wes Anderson doesn't just drop us into a different country, but a whole new worldby Tim Plant
2007, Sep 27Dangerous LiaisonsDavid Cronenberg's masterful, brutal tale of an innocent among Russian mobsters is as surprising as it is memorableby Randy Shulman
2007, Sep 20Beatle Mania'Across the Universe' uses the songs of the Fab Four as a storytelling device with decidedly mixed resultsby Tim Plant
2007, Aug 23Super DuperGloriously profane and brimming with heart, 'Superbad' gleefully traipses into wild teenage fantasy territoryby Randy Shulman
2007, Aug 16GracelandIf you're a sucker for romantic comedies, 'Falling for Grace' is a perfect fit, while 'Interview' is shallow and triteby Tim Plant
2007, Aug 09Star Bust'Stardust' is a cross between 'Willow,' 'Princess Bride' and 'The Lord of Rings' -- if those three movies were poorly madeby Tim Plant
2007, Aug 02Bourne AgainThe super-spy action franchise returns with a competent third entry, but be sure to bring your Dramamineby Tim Plant
2007, Jul 26Homer's Odyssey'The Simpsons Movie' remains true to its TV roots while expanding its scope to suit the big screenby Randy Shulman
2007, Jul 19Power SprayWith a flip, a tease and a song, 'Hairspray' is a stunner, while 'Chuck and Larry' is a 115-minute hate crime of a movieby Tim Plant
2007, Jul 12Kid StuffBoth 'Harry Potter' and 'Transformers' bring the best of overblown, bigger-than-life movie fun to summer screensby Tim Plant
2007, Jul 05Medical Incredible'SiCKO' may make you think twice about doctors (and fact-checking), while 'Ratatouille' is pure laugh medicineby Tim Plant
2007, Jun 28Death Becomes Him'You Kill Me' offers a refreshing change of summer pace with a darkly comic tale of a hit man and redemptionby Tim Plant
2007, Jun 21Banal BunchThe new 'Fantastic Four' flick offers a slick new bad guy, but bogs down in a contrived plot and petty bickeringby Tim Plant
2007, Jun 21Summer SplashOne in Ten engages in a little 'Pillow Talk'by Will O'Bryan
2007, Jun 14Blood Bath'Hostel: Part II' is more than a regurgitation of the first film, but not much lurks below the blood and gutsby Tim Plant
2007, Jun 07Cutting CrewWhile 'Mr. Brooks' has a veneer of seriousness about its killings, 'Severance' goes for both jugular and funny boneby Tim Plant
2007, May 31ShipwreckedWith a cluttered, confounding storyline and a three-hour running time, 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' sinks faster than a three-ton anchorby Randy Shulman
2007, May 10God Knows'The Believers' is at heart an old-fashioned success story of a transgender choir that succeeds against the oddsby Sean Bugg
2007, May 10Time MisspentHollywood spits out not one, but two, huge clunkers with an unfunny 'The Ex' and an unscary '28 Weeks Later'by Tim Plant
2007, May 03Web HeadWith too many villains and a cluttered, sometimes dull narrative, 'Spider-Man 3' fails to swing into greatnessby Randy Shulman
2007, May 03Moviegoing MarylandWeekend series of films at Baltimore's Charles Theatre and Maryland Institute in Mount Vernon neighborhood
2007, Apr 26Hot StuffThe British-made 'Hot Fuzz' takes its time to start, but once it gets going you'll be glad you're on the rideby Tim Plant
2007, Apr 12Culture ClubRough at the start and smooth by the end, 'Boy Culture' is a surprisingly enjoyable journeyby Sean Bugg
2007, Apr 12Monsters and Mayhem'Grindhouse' provides a lesson in exploitation cinema history while entertaining you with its over-the-top exploitsby Randy Shulman
2007, Apr 05Scene StealerJoseph Gordon-Levitt gives a flawless performance in 'The Lookout,' an otherwise predictable, flawed filmby Randy Shulman
2007, Mar 29Switch BladesWill Ferrell's latest comedy, 'Blades of Glory,' isn't worthy of a gold medal, but it at least deserves a bronze for comedic effortby Tim Plant
2007, Mar 22Long Life Journey'Reign Over Me' meanders its way through the post-9/11 landscape, giving Adam Sandler another chance to play legitby Tim Plant
2007, Mar 15The Buff StuffAs a visually stunning war film, '300' has a lot going for it -- especially the eye-candy of the warriors themselvesby Tim Plant
2007, Mar 01Snake on a ChainJackson and Ricci make 'Black Snake Moan' an uneven, but ultimately enjoyable, tale of violence and rebirthby Tim Plant
2007, Feb 22Law Breaking'Breaking and Entering' sits like a month-old stew hiding in the back of the fridge: thick, gummy, indigestible; plus Randy's Oscar Picksby Randy Shulman
2007, Feb 15People Eater'Hannibal Rising' is a lavishly-made but emotionally vapid experience -- simultaneously humdrum and mediocreby Randy Shulman
2007, Jan 18Flights of FantasyA pair of intelligent movies deal with fantasy worlds to different effect, but both achieve ultimate magnificenceby Randy Shulman
2007, Jan 04Star BrightWhen Jennifer Hudson sings, 'Dreamgirls' transcends its celluloid confines, becoming spiritual and profoundby Randy Shulman
2006, Dec 21UberdullDespite a gripping performance from Cate Blanchett, 'The Good German' is an incredibly boring, bland dramaby Randy Shulman
2006, Dec 14Bling BangEd Zwick's morality-enriched 'Blood Diamond' boasts gripping performances from its stars, plus a message to bootby Randy Shulman
2006, Dec 07Boys on Film'The History Boys'By Will O'Bryan
2006, Nov 30Destiny's Child'Tenacious D 'is a melding of Cheech and Chong stoner-comic sensibilities with Spinal Tappish musical parodiesby Randy Shulman
2006, Nov 23Strong BondA direct descendant of Connery's Bond, Daniel Craig is a virile secret agent determined to get the job doneby Randy Shulman
2006, Nov 16Unwelcome GuestChristopher Guest's new comedy is painful for the audience and humiliating for the otherwise gifted actors involvedby Randy Shulman
2006, Nov 09BusloadJohn Cameron Mitchell discusses his new film 'Shortbus'by Randy Shulman
2006, Nov 02Social StudyHilariously inappropriate, 'Borat' turns out to be a comic goose that keeps laying one golden egg after anotherby Randy Shulman
2006, Oct 26Magic FreeA tale of revenge and obsession, 'The Prestige' fails to deliver a twist that truly knocks your socks offby Randy Shulman
2006, Oct 05Killer QueenBuoyed by a remarkable performance from Helen Mirren, 'The Queen' examines how Di's death nearly destroyed a royal lineby Randy Shulman
2006, Sep 28Revenge of the NerdIn the amusing 'School for Scoundrels,' Jon Heder and Billy Bob Thornton go head-to-head in a game of male witlessnessby Randy Shulman
2006, Sep 21Unsolved MiseryThere's style in 'The Black Dahlia,' but no substance, as Brian De Palma tosses another bomb onto his stockpileby Randy Shulman
2006, Aug 31Ray of LightA winning and delightfully quirky comedy, 'Little Miss Sunshine' comes with double helping of charmby Randy Shulman
2006, Aug 24Plain SnakesApart from a few well-timed jolts, 'Snakes on a Plane' is a suspense-free, B-movie that is profoundly mediocreby Randy Shulman
2006, Aug 17Hero WorshipOliver Stone's magnificent 'WTC' is a reminder that even the most horrifying events bring out the good in our societyby Randy Shulman
2006, Aug 10Down Under'The Descent' chugs along better than most modern-day terror trains, but it's weakened by a tacked-on endingby Randy Shulman
2006, Aug 03Humor Most FoulA clumsily-crafted romantic comedy, 'Scoop' is completely devoid of anything remotely resembling pleasureby Randy Shulman
2006, Jul 27Splish SplashOne narf, one scrunt, and a bunch of helpful humans add up to a engaging bedtime story from M. Night Shyamalan's 'Lady in the Water'by Randy Shulman
2006, Jul 20Independent SpiritKevin Smith's 'Clerks II' is a fine return to form, while Richard Linklater's 'Scanner Darkly' is an experimental adventureby Randy Shulman
2006, Jul 13SwishbucklingThe 'Pirates of the Caribbean' sequel succeeds brilliantly at its misson to entertain us with a big, brazen Yo-Ho-Ho and a bottle of rumby Randy Shulman
2006, Jul 06Strangely FamiliarAmy Sedaris of 'Strangers with Candy'by Will O'Bryan
2006, Jul 06Fashion StatementDespite a stunning performance from Meryl Streep, 'Prada' never amounts to more than a heap of lovely, little scrapsby Randy Shulman
2006, Jun 29Hero's WelcomeAfter two decades, the Man of Steel returns in a blockbuster that soars with action and an unrequited romance in 'Superman Returns'by Randy Shulman
2006, Jun 22Masked UnmarvelDespite Jack Black's valiant efforts, 'Nacho Libre' fails to live up to the promise of its marketing planby Randy Shulman
2006, Jun 15Bad Omen'The Omen' is a clumsily made, lazily written, watered-down remake of the '70s classic about an nasty little devilby Randy Shulman
2006, Jun 08Broken'The Break-Up' is proof positive that a movie can be about absolutely nothing and still draw an audienceby Randy Shulman
2006, Jun 01Mutant FortifiedBret Ratner takes charge of the X-Men franchise and serves up an all-you-can-eat buffet of mutants and actionby Randy Shulman
2006, May 18Adult DrownThe biggest danger faced by the cast of 'Poseidon' is that they'll bore themselves to death reciting the dialogueby Randy Shulman
2006, May 11Mission ForgettableStar Tom Cruise and director J.J. Abrams serve up a moderately entertaining yet instantly forgettable sequelby Randy Shulman
2006, Apr 20Hard Satire'Smoking' takes a sharp satirical path, while 'Scary Movie' throws everything at you, including the kitchen sinkby Randy Shulman
2006, Apr 13Lucky Boy'Lucky Number Slevin' is a hip, fast, engaging and fun romp through mistaken identity, mobsters and murderby Randy Shulman
2006, Mar 30Crime SolversSpike Lee's sturdy bank heist thriller 'Inside Man' is a sensational, don't-you-dare-miss-it evening at the moviesby Randy Shulman
2006, Mar 23Rabble RousingThe sensational 'V for Vendetta' seems politically meaty, but it's really just a tale of a wronged man who seeks revengeby Randy Shulman
2006, Mar 16Naked Launch'Failure to Launch' is just funny enough to make you feel a little dizzy, a tad lightheaded and occasionally giddyby Randy Shulman
2006, Mar 09Urban Blockage16 Blocks resembles a compressed season of '24,' with one seemingly unresolvable situation morphing into the nextby Randy Shulman
2006, Mar 02Sex in the City'Gay Sex in the 70s' deftly captures the feel of an iconic era, while balancing the celebration with what came laterby Sean Bugg
2006, Mar 02Oscar, Oscar, Oscar!Will the GLBT community's hope of a gay cowboy sweep crash? No one knows for sure, but we do our best to pick 'em.by Randy Shulman
2006, Feb 23Boiling OverFractured, clichéd and overwrought, 'Freedomland' resides in areas better known as half-baked and knee-jerkby Randy Shulman
2006, Feb 16Unpretty in Pink'The Pink Panther' remake, while pointless, is not as bad as it could have been, while 'Garcon Stupide' is steeped in sexby Randy Shulman
2006, Feb 02London CallingWoody Allen ventures abroad and rejuvenates his creative side, turning out to be an impressive master of suspenseby Randy Shulman
2006, Feb 02The Weinstein TouchWith its clever pairing of whimsy and moral decay, the Weinsteins have found the perfect release in 'The Matador'by Randy Shulman
2006, Jan 26Comic AbroadAlbert Brooks goes 'Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World' but comes up empty-handedby Randy Shulman
2006, Jan 12Torture GardenHostel's purveyors of terror are ordinary human beings who have a depraved sense of what constitutes entertainment.by Randy Shulman
2006, Jan 05Cinema MagicThe best films of the year were truly transcendental, while the worst were all of the flushable varietyby Randy Shulman
2005, Dec 22Great ApeBig, expensive and spectacular, Peter Jackson's super-sized 'King Kong' updates a story we know a little too wellby Randy Shulman
2005, Dec 15Love Story'Brokeback Mountain' is every bit as good as you've wished, while 'Narnia' is more engaging than you might expectby Randy Shulman
2005, Dec 08Austen Powers'Pride & Prejudice' is a lovely, fully romantic piece of work, while 'Good Night' is compelling, stark and brilliantby Randy Shulman
2005, Dec 08Preview of 'Brokeback Mountain'HRC screens much anticipated gay cowboy filmPhotographs by Rudy Lawidjaja
Text by Dan Odenwald
2005, Dec 01Squatter's SqualorChris Columbus succeeds in opening up 'Rent' in a movie backlot sort of way but fails to unearth genuine emotionby Randy Shulman
2005, Dec 01Magic ShowHarry Potter returns in his most dangerous adventure yetby Randy Shulman
2005, Nov 17Cashing InDespite great performances, 'Walk the Line' is dramatically static, while 'Kiss Kiss' is too gimmicky for its own goodby Randy Shulman
2005, Nov 10Marine LifeSet during the first Gulf War, 'Jarhead' tells the story of a few good men who wait for a chance that never comesby Randy Shulman
2005, Nov 03Gaul FodderPlaywright / Director Craig Lucas adapts 'The Dying Gaul' for the moviesby Will Doig
2005, Oct 27Country CourageCharlize Theron's grounded portrayal of a woman who fights harrassment gives 'North Country' its soulby Randy Shulman
2005, Oct 20All Fogged UpA remake no better, no worse than the original tells the story of a ship full of angry ghost lepers bent on revengeby Randy Shulman
2005, Oct 06Resurrected RenegadesSmart and engaging, 'Serenity' is no easy glide through pace. It's a loud, clattery, explosive big bangby Randy Shulman
2005, Sep 29High AnxietyJodie Foster proves she can be one tough mother in 'Flightplan,' while Tim Burton creates a stop-motion morgue with 'The Corpse Bride'by Randy Shulman
2005, Sep 01DisenchantmentAn $80 million exercise in pointlessness, 'The Brothers Grimm' is not just a mess, it's a painfully static messby Randy Shulman
2005, Aug 25Wondrous WomanLynda Carter discusses her two new movie roles and why gay men love Wonder Womanby Randy Shulman
2005, Aug 18Haunted MansionKate Hudson gets a taste of hoodoo in 'Skeleton Key,' while 'The Aristocrats' offers a taste of the ultimate dirty jokeby Randy Shulman
2005, Aug 04Superteen Spirit'Sky High' serves mainly to entertain. And, as a bonus, it entertains with a dash of brainsby Randy Shulman
2005, Jul 28Foul BallIn remaking 'Bad News Bears,' Richard Linklater strikes out with a mechanized film completely lacking in heartby Randy Shulman
2005, Jul 21Candy CornTim Burton's 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' fizzles like a lone Pop Rock placed on the tip of a tongueby Randy Shulman
2005, Jul 14Fantastic FlopMarvel's latest comic book hero offering has the distinct feel of a rejected television pilot -- from the '70sby Randy Shulman
2005, Jul 07Martian LawSteven Spielberg's gripping, thrilling adaptation of the Wells classic satisfies our summer disaster-movie urgeby Randy Shulman
2005, Jun 30Skin ShowGreg Araki skillfully crafts 'Mysterious Skin' into much more than a sexfestBy Randy Shulman
2005, Jun 30DisenchantedNora Ephron's update of a TV classic turns out to be pure witchcrap, while George Romero lets his zombies feast awayby Randy Shulman
2005, Jun 23Batting ZeroBatman Begins is a dark, humorless, fumbled attempt to explain the inner-workings of a comic book iconby Randy Shulman
2005, Jun 09Wild Boys'Lords of Dogtown' pays homage to those who, out of a desire to surf the world's 'concrete waves,' created a phenomenonby Randy Shulman
2005, Jun 02Moving PrideOne In Ten's Reel Affirmations helps start the Capital Pride festivities with its annual Pride Film Festby Will O'Bryan
2005, May 26Star TurnThe other characters may fall by the wayside in 'Star Wars: Sith,' but it is the shining moment for Ian McDiarmid's Palpatineby Will O'Bryan
2005, May 19I Remember NomiNew Wave surfer Klaus Nomi catches a posthumous second wave in Andrew Horn’s engaging biopic, 'The Nomi Song'by Will O'Bryan
2005, May 12Wax Works'House of Wax' has a few good scares and Paris Hilton, who has an unfortunate encounter with a big sharp stickby Randy Shulman
2005, Apr 28Martial ArtistryA freewheeling escape into fantasy, 'Kung Fu Hustle' is thrilling, awe-inspiring, uproarious and even poignantby Randy Shulman
2005, Apr 14Sinfully Delicious'Sin City' straddles reality and comic book fantasy with eloquence, while 'Walk on Water' is flat-out phenomenalby Randy Shulman
2005, Mar 31Learning Experience'Walk on Water' thriller opens at E Street CinemaBy Sean Bugg
2005, Mar 24Water TortureIt has a few scary moments, but mostly 'The Ring Two' is a nonsensical, waterlogged journey down the drainby Randy Shulman
2005, Mar 17Embattled Bots'Robots' is a deeply dented film, boasting an assortment of characters as interchangeable as their mechanical partsby Randy Shulman
2005, Mar 17Cinematic Surge'Surge of Power' brings super powers to Reel Affirmations XtraBy Will O'Bryan
2005, Mar 10Winning EntriesThe Oscar-winning 'Born in Brothels' and 'The Sea Inside' are welcome respites from meaningless Hollywood piffleby Randy Shulman
2005, Mar 03Crying WolfHorrormeister Wes Craven's latest, 'Cursed,' is a werewolf howler with no bite or bark. It's completely scream free.by Randy Shulman
2005, Feb 24Hell Boy'Constantine' follows your basic keep-evil-down-below storyline but is still enjoyable, plus our Oscar picksby Randy Shulman
2005, Feb 17Masked UnmarvelThe first 'Mask' was an enjoyable kick, but its sequel is more akin to a swift kick in the family jewelsby Randy Shulman
2005, Feb 10Boxing Hilary'Million Dollar Baby' packs a knock-out punch like no other film this year. And it does so without breaking a sweat.by Randy Shulman
2005, Jan 27Hard Lessons'In Good Company' is a breezy comedy with a message, while Almodovar's 'Bad Education' is a masterpiece of deceptionby Randy Shulman
2005, Jan 13Second ChancesIn the powerful and compelling 'The Woodsman,' a pedophile struggles to reclaim a place in societyby Randy Shulman
2005, Jan 06The Best and Worst Films of 2004Middle-aged superheroes and high flying tycoons soared with the best, while Halle Berry made a feline fool of herselfby Randy Shulman
2004, Dec 23Broken English'Spanglish' with Adam Sandler and Tea Leoni, plus our Top Movies of 2004by Randy Shulman
2004, Dec 09Uncoupling'Closer' is the most abrasive material Mike Nichols has ever touched, but the film is all talk and no actionby Randy Shulman
2004, Dec 02Mythbuster'Kinsey' examines contribution that the father of modern sexuality provided society, and 'Spongebob Squarepants Movie'by Randy Shulman
2004, Nov 18Living Dolls'Seed of Chucky' abandons fear for laffs, but the joke is on those who pay good money to endure its mediocrityby Randy Shulman
2004, Nov 18Home MoviesJonathan Caouette discusses 'Tarnation,' his new documentaryRandy Shulman
2004, Nov 11California Dreamin'In 'Sideways' Alexander Payne blends childish antics and awkward romance with dramatic impact and humorous fizzby Randy Shulman
2004, Nov 04Buzz Kill'Saw' is cutrate horror that's more laughable than terrifyingBy Randy Shulman
2004, Nov 04That's Incredible!'The Incredibles' from Pixar Animation lives up to its titleby Randy Shulman
2004, Oct 28Scare Tactics'The Grudge' is a haunted house that leaves you feeling less than spooked, and more than a little ripped offby Randy Shulman
2004, Oct 21Puppet StateThe comic strings are pulled taut in 'Team America', an uproarious movie featuring puppets doing the darndest thingsBy Randy Shulman
2004, Oct 07Fin Rot'Shark Tale' is a fish story borne out of tediumBy Randy Shulman
2004, Sep 30Dead Heads'Shaun of the Dead' is that rare parody which transcends basic farce and enters a realm of full emotional resonanceby Randy Shulman
2004, Sep 30Heart of the Matter'Tying the Knot' finds compelling stories of gay marriageBy Sean Bugg
2004, Sep 23Virtual Reality'Sky Captain' with Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow; 'Cellular' with Kim Basingerby Randy Shulman
2004, Aug 19Alien Wear'Alien Vs. Predator' lacks excitement, entertainment and eleganceby Randy Shulman
2004, Aug 12Not So Chummy'Open Water' is a stunt that quickly grows tiresomeby Randy Shulman
2004, Aug 05Into the Woods'The Village' is less a horror film than a gothic romance with a twistby Randy Shulman
2004, Aug 05'Manchurian Candidate'A creepy but flawed remake with Meryl Streep and Denzel Washingtonby Randy Shulman
2004, Jul 29Feline Trouble'Catwoman' is Halle Berry's drastically im-purr-fect cat-astropheby Randy Shulman
2004, Jul 22Mr. Roboto'I, Robot' comes up sterile in both ideas and emotional resonanceby Randy Shulman
2004, Jul 15Mass Hysterics'Anchorman' with Will Ferrell puts the uproar in uproariousby Randy Shulman
2004, Jul 01Super Hero''Spiderman 2'' is a defining moment for the genreby Randy Shulman
2004, Jul 01Cole ComfortInterview with Ashley Judd of ''De-Lovely''by Doug Rule
2004, Jun 24Groin Busters''Dodgeball'' with Ben Stiller and Vince Vaughn is an uproarious farceby Randy Shulman
2004, Jun 17Darker, Richer, More Adventurous''Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban''by Randy Shulman
2004, Jun 17Short Circuit''The Stepford Wives'' with Nicole Kidman takes the bland roadby Randy Shulman
2004, Jun 03Festival OccasionReel Affirmations Pride Film Festival at Lincoln Theatre, June 3-4by Randy Shulman
2004, Jun 03Box office juggernaut''Shrek 2'' is lovely but not as magicalby Randy Shulman
2004, Jun 03Christian Right''Saved!'' with Mandy Moore and Macaulay Culkinby Randy Shulman
2004, May 27Blockbuster SeasonFinding movie gold amid Hollywood's upcoming summer of coalby Randy Shulman
2004, May 20Grecian Formula''Troy'' with Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, and Eric Banaby Randy Shulman
2004, May 13Monster Hash''Van Helsing'' is a broken-down thrill rideby Randy Shulman
2004, May 06Defanged''Mean Girls'' with Tina Feyby Randy Shulman
2004, Apr 29Future Shock''13 Going on 30'' shows how good Jennifer Garner really isby Randy Shulman
2004, Apr 22Pulp Friction''Kill Bill, Vol. 2'' is wickedly entertainingby Randy Shulman
2004, Apr 08Shlock Art''Games People Play''by Sean Bugg
2004, Apr 08Demon Seed''Hellboy'' with Ron Perlmanby Randy Shulman
2004, Apr 01Natural Borin' KillersThe Coen brothers' ''The Lady Killers'' with Tom HanksBy Randy Shulman
2004, Mar 25Resurrection''Dawn of the Dead''by Randy Shulman
2004, Mar 18Missionary Positions''Secret Window'' with Johnny Depp, ''Latter Days'' is a powerhouseby Randy Shulman
2004, Mar 11Unhappy Together''Starsky and Hutch'' is a tame comedy dudby Randy Shulman
2004, Mar 04Bloody PulpitMel Gibson's obsessively savage ''The Passion of The Christ''by Randy Shulman
2004, Feb 26Holiday Road''Eurotrip,'' plus Oscar Picksby Randy Shulman
2004, Feb 12Hair CutteryBarbershop 2: Back in Businessby Randy Shulman
2004, Feb 05Vive la Chomet!The Triplets of Bellevilleby Randy Shulman
2004, Jan 29Torso EnvyWin a Date with Tad Hamilton, The Butterfly Effectby Randy Shulman
2004, Jan 22Puppy LoveDisney's Teacher's Petby Randy Shulman
2004, Jan 15The Woman BeneathCharlize Theron plays serial-killer Aileen Wuornos in Monsterby Randy Shulman
2004, Jan 08Folk LureTim Burton's Big Fishby Randy Shulman
2003, Dec 25The Best and Worst Films of 2003Return of the King and Boat Trip top best and worst listsby Randy Shulman
2003, Dec 18Ring PowerReturn of the King is a spectacular ending to cinema's greatest achievementby Randy Shulman
2003, Dec 11Battle FatigueThe Last Samuraiby Randy Shulman
2003, Dec 04Santa ClawsBad Santa, The Haunted Mansionby Randy Shulman
2003, Nov 20Amazing AdventureMaster and Commander: The Far Side of the Worldby Randy Shulman
2003, Nov 06Bear NecessityBrother Bearby Randy Shulman
2003, Nov 06RevolutionaryThe Matrix Revolutionsby Randy Shulman
2003, Oct 30Classic Cut UpsScary Movie 3, Texas Chainsaw Massacreby Randy Shulman
2003, Oct 16Thrill KillKill Bill: Vol. 1by Randy Shulman
2003, Oct 09UnforgivableMystic Riverby Randy Shulman
2003, Oct 02Club FlubParty Monsterby Randy Shulman
2003, Oct 02Rock HardSchool of Rock with Jack Blackby Randy Shulman
2003, Sep 25Up a CreekCold Creek Manorby Randy Shulman
2003, Sep 18Mucho MexicoOnce Upon a Time in Mexico, Cabin Feverby Randy Shulman
2003, Sep 11Sugar and SpicyThirteenby Randy Shulman
2003, Sep 04Ordinary PekarAmerican Splendorby Randy Shulman
2003, Aug 21Requisite RequiemFreddy Krueger meets Jason Voorheesby Randy Shulman
2003, Aug 14Freakin' AwesomeFreaky Fridayby Randy Shulman
2003, Aug 07ToiletriesAmerican Weddingby Randy Shulman
2003, Jul 31Blurred VisionSpy Kids 3Dby Randy Shulman
2003, Jul 24Agent ZeroJohnny Englishby Randy Shulman
2003, Jul 17Buccaneer BustPirates of the Caribbeanby Randy Shulman
2003, Jul 10Demolition DerbyTerminator 3: Rise of the Machinesby Randy Shulman
2003, Jul 03Missing Persons28 Days Laterby Randy Shulman
2003, Jun 26CircuitryCircuit movie next in Visions' gay film series
2003, Jun 26Caught on TapeCapturing the Friedmansby Randy Shulman
2003, Jun 19Big Green MachineHulkby Randy Shulman
2003, Jun 05Sea WorthyFinding Nemo, The Tripby Randy Shulman
2003, May 29The Good and the BadDanny In the Sky, Yossi and Jaggerby Sean Bugg
2003, May 15Virtual HeavenMatrix Reloadedby Randy Shulman
2003, May 08Oh, Daddy!Daddy Day Careby Randy Shulman
2003, May 01XstacySmart, sophisticated, and studded with thrilling set-pieces, 'X-Men: X2' opens the summer movie season with a bangby Randy Shulman
2003, Apr 24Faux FolkA Mighty Windby Randy Shulman
2003, Apr 17High InfidelityFrances McDormand's considerable talent prevents a lackluster film from becoming cinematic landfillby Randy Shulman
2003, Apr 10When a Sniper CallsThe notion of a man trapped in a 'Phone Booth' is brilliant. The execution, however, is not.by Randy Shulman
2003, Apr 03State of AmusementHead of Stateby Randy Shulman
2003, Mar 27ShipwreckedIn 'Boat Trip' Cuba Gooding, Jr. takes a gay-oriented comedy cruise that promptly sinks to the bottom of the seaby Randy Shulman
2003, Mar 20Chicago Bound?Critic Randy Shulman's Oscar picksby Randy Shulman
2003, Mar 20Bad DreamDreamcatcher, Walking on Waterby Sean Bugg
2003, Mar 06Rose DudThe Safety of Objects, Gerryby Randy Shulman
2003, Feb 27Family TiesFriends and Familyby Randy Shulman
2003, Feb 27Death RattleThe Life of David Galeby Randy Shulman
2003, Feb 06Italian HamThe Recruitby Randy Shulman
2003, Jan 30Death TripFinal Destination 2by Sean Bugg
2003, Jan 30Spy GameConfessions of a Dangerous Mindby Randy Shulman
2003, Jan 23Jack's BackAbout Schmidtby Randy Shulman
2003, Jan 16Finest HoursAn actor's film, 'The Hours' is driven by three leading performances that achieve a cumulative magnificenceby Randy Shulman
2003, Jan 09Killer DillerChicagoby Randy Shulman
2003, Jan 02FilmThe Best & Worst 2002by Randy Shulman
2003, Jan 02ToweringLord of the Rings: The Two Towersby Randy Shulman
2002, Dec 12Space WasteStar Trek Nemesisby Randy Shulman
2002, Dec 12UntappedAnalyze Thatby Randy Shulman
2002, Dec 05Un-scary MovieWes Craven Presents: Theyby Randy Shulman
2002, Dec 05Bond UnboundDie Another Dayby Randy Shulman
2002, Nov 14Rhapsodic"8 Mile"by Randy Shulman
2002, Nov 07Shooting Gallery'Bowling for Columbine'by Randy Shulman
2002, Oct 24Terror Tape''The Ring''by Randy Shulman
2002, Oct 10Dragon Ire"Red Dragon"by Randy Shulman
2002, Oct 03Cornpone'Sweet Home Alabama'by Randy Shulman
2002, Sep 26Problem Child'Igby Goes Down'by Randy Shulman
2002, Sep 12Swimmer's Cramp'Swimfan'by Randy Shulman
2002, Sep 05San Francisco Treat''The Cockettes''by Randy Shulman
2002, Aug 29Girl Trouble'The Good Girl' and 'Tadpole'by Randy Shulman
2002, Aug 15Lustrously Independent"Luster"by Randy Shulman
2002, Aug 15Diesel Engine''XXX''by Randy Shulman
2002, Aug 01Unsettling Signs"Signs" and "Goldmember"by Randy Shulman
2002, Jul 25Infestation"Eight Legged Freaks"by Randy Shulman
2002, Jul 18Freaks and Greeks''Attack of the Giant Moussaka''by Randy Shulman
2002, Jul 18Mob Mentality"Road to Perdition"by Randy Shulman
2002, Jul 11Space Dud''Men in Black II''by Randy Shulman
2002, Jun 27Minority Rules'Minority Report' with Tom Cruise and Collin Farrellby Randy Shulman

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