Steve Geise

Veteran show continues its predictable and comfortable run.

A step down from the first entry, but not without its charms – until the final act.

Miyazaki Jr. proves to be an adept director on his second attempt.

Dark animated fantasy demands parental attention to PG rating.

Satyajit Ray’s first portrayal of contemporary Indian life reveals the impact of women in the workplace.

Exquisite sets, direction, and performances serve a far too predictable tale.

Alec Guinness is just so, so impressive in the role, offering a master class in both subtlety and directness as he contributes a reserved and yet passionately intelligent take on le Carre’s classic character.

Through it all, Maslany develops thoroughly convincing and wholly independent characters.

Portrait of a Japanese woman’s gradually declining station in life takes far too long to make its entirely obvious point.

An admirable job of bringing kinetic energy to the static frames.

Denmark’s first female prime minister continues to battle adversity at home and work.

Second season finds the show firing on all cylinders, making its cancellation all the more baffling.

Second DVD collection from the TV series contains fast-paced standalone episodes with no unifying arc.

After rejoining the CIA, Michael Westen gets burned again.

New co-star inevitably changes the chemistry, but not for the better.

Feature-length film expands on the story of the Lego Batman 2 videogame.

Standalone movie format makes latest series of ’60s-set British mystery show accessible to all viewers.

British TV import follows a group of five lottery winners from poverty to riches

Marvel’s latest motion comic is a welcome spotlight on an overlooked classic

Tragic love story fails to build credibility, negating the tragedy

Short and unamusing project wastes both licenses.

Daniel Day-Lewis is completely mesmerizing, but the literary writing is what truly elevates the film.

Danish political drama offers compelling characters but somewhat lightweight stories.

Terrence Malick’s debut feature film sets the standard for the rest of his career.

There’s little of interest here for most girls over the age of about six.

Director Kenji Mizoguchi’s adaptation of a classic Japanese story is actually about a family torn asunder by a political feud, and their decade-long quest to reconnect.

Continuing adaptation of Ayn Rand’s epic novel recasts lead roles but doesn’t improve lackluster quality.

Home video release features exclusive interviews with President Carter and the actual subjects of the film.

Animated series has a tired monster-battling premise but a winning art style.

Masterful political drama anchored by a mesmerizing lead performance by Ian Richardson.

Faithful adaptation of Frank Miller’s classic comic book delivers epic clash of the superhero titans.

Second season features the last appearances of the full original cast.

Marginally funny mockumentary series about the planning committee for the London Olympics loses something in translation.

Stunning craftsmanship elevates this meditation on the effects of war as experienced by a child

Acclaimed director Michael Apted continues his legendary documentary series in its latest seven-year installment.

This year’s Christmas episode has a disappointingly lame villain but an extremely effective setup for the Doctor’s newest companion.

First series stretches a glacially-paced tale over six hours.

Indie darling of the year is indie for a reason: it’s defiantly non-commercial.

Alain Delon is a dashing, magnetic force in this early adaptation of novelist Patricia Highsmith’s “The Talented Mr. Ripley”.

Scrat is still the star. Too bad he can’t support an entire film on his own.

Lushly produced UK period drama takes a nauseating look at a profession I’d prefer to ignore.

Not in the top tier of today’s best animated series, but a worthwhile and enjoyable monster-fighting show with decent plots and artistry.

Chris Marker’s black and white still film runs rings around his pretentious color full-motion travelogue.

Screen legend Jimmy Stewart upholds his legacy with an effective TV turn as a Southern defense attorney.

Exceptionally high production qualities and writing elevate TV series above toon standards.

There’s a funny story to be mined from the concept of hapless neighborhood watchmen, but this isn’t it.

Joss Whedon’s conventional alien war story fails to impress, but John Cassaday’s artwork shines in simulated motion.

Early tandem between legendary director Akira Kurosawa and actor Toshiro Mifune yields this undisputed classic film.