Cinema Sentries

I was more enthralled with the previews for other films than the one I watched.

A compelling, if somewhat convoluted, noir thriller from director Fritz Lang receives the Criterion treatment in this recent DVD release.

Despite a strong structure, and a few throwaway gags that hit, the movie commits the worst sin of being flat-out boring.

The film is definitely fun to laugh at but don’t get too close.

Honestly, I forgot this movie existed.

This is a truly gorgeous piece of science fiction, where the Engineers’ technology is similar to ours, but more organic in nature.

The best movie of 2012 as measured against the known competition.

Without the presence of real danger, Fahai is nothing more than a mystic meddler.

Don’t let the title fool you, there’s an interesting biography here, just not on the people you expect.

I gained a new admiration and respect for everyone who likes to shut out reality for a bit and delve into the finer arts of fantasy.

Argo takes a really, fairly wild, story and turns it into an occasionally intense, professional film.

The 11th Doctor battles his recurring Cybermen foes with the assistance of a plucky lass.

It’s a solid film that is mostly well-made that just happens to be featuring a major character from film history.

If you liked the other BBC dramas out there, then you’ll like this.

Respect, respect…ain’t nothing easy about this money.

A mixed-bag of classic Tom and Jerry shorts and less interesting recent creations, this collection serves as a solid, child-friendly introduction to the famous cat-and-mouse duo.

You’ll bless the rains (and the deserts, and the oceans, and the jungles) down in Africa while watching this gorgeous nature documentary.

An interesting reexamination of the earliest English queens and their vilified roles as the “she-wolves” of history.

It’s well-acted, well-directed, and well-constructed. However, there are enough things that end up being off to limit the quality of the film.

If you just want a sort of coming-of-age comedy drama, Safety Not Guaranteed can fill that need for you quite well.

If you’re hoping to become a screenwriter, or just enjoy reading a good piece of writing, then grab this.

Not the best of the recent crop of Desert Storm-related flicks, but not the worst either.

Sex and drugs and…jazz in On The Road. And despite all that it’s still a little tame.

A pretty good movie, but it doesn’t really rise above that.

Who would have thought that bringing together a bunch of popular characters in one movie and handing the reins to a cult hero would yield such positive results?

Need some help for your Oscar pool?

The way they decided to make the film can’t help but make it feel somewhat hollow.

Detective Noah Cordin goes to investigate the murder of a young boy and winds up returning to his home town – not that he’s all that welcome.

The CliffsNotes version of being an elite chef with a three-star restaurant.

Animation can do anything quite literally.

Karloff is more than make-up in three interesting movies from Warner Archive Collection.

It is funny on the occasion, but it is also genuinely emotionally engaging as well.

It serves as an excellent introduction to the author’s two most popular creations: Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple.

This television miniseries adaptation ultimately suffers in comparison to both the original novel and David Lean’s 1965 film version.

Not as well-known as their more ubiquitous counterparts, they are (with two exceptions) entertaining additions to your yearly holiday viewing.

A story meant to be heartfelt only frustrates with its all-white cast and manipulative storytelling.

Did yours make the list?

You’ve never seen World War II quite like this before.

Rife’s book is an excellent reference for those new fans who can’t get enough of Quentin Tarantino.

Animator Bill Plympton’s ill-conceived “revitalization” of a Winsor McCay classic is a slap in the face to McCay’s legacy.

A satire of the American Heartland that also offers an emotional story about acceptance.

Star Matthew McConaughey gives a frightening performance in a film that tests your will.

A fair piece of “Sunday afternoon and there’s not really anything else on” fare.

Recommended for those who have been either naughty or nice.

How can a film about a murder be so darn delightful?

Subtle, understated dealings with grief in a club full of exotic dancers is a little unexpected.

Ronnie Wood comes to the Stones’ emotional rescue.

A perfect mix of dialogue and action.

These animated recreations of Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comic strip range from hilarious to predictable.

Magical realism and an astounding child actress do little to elevate a non-existent plot.