Nicholas Peters

An historic middle ages war film of rare intelligence and stunning cinematic beauty set during the 100 Years War, replete with endless political machination and bloody violence. Its slow, winding pace is precisely its power, through mounting tension, culminating in the infamous bloody battle of Agincourt on Oct 25, 1415 between the invading English under King Henry V and the French under Constable Charles d'Albret. Not for everyone. But those who let it draw them in are in for a treat, and a post-battle surprise ending...a twist worth waiting for.

Anyone who has ever felt lost, miserably alone, drifting isolated in space as it were at a point in their life, will relate to this offbeat film that's half sci-fi, half psychological study of a man in space's "Major Tom" experience. Suspend any judgment on some of the cheesy production values at the overly drawn-out end, and of astronaut Jakub's imaginary spider/subconscious, and focus on the bitter and alienated feelings so ably portrayed by Adam Sandler and Carrie Mulligan. All in all, an interesting, thought-provoking and worthwhile film, for all its flaws.

Violent, grisly, but provocative look at Stalin's "paradise" Russia through the lens of a clandestine effort to find a serial murderer. Not for everyone. True to the book. Hardy and Oldman shine.

I disagree with the professional critics. I was deeply moved by this difficult movie to watch. It was thought-provoking and full of strong, emotional performances by a surprisingly all-star cast filling cameos (Max von Sydow especially). Suspend belief and just feel. Do not take it literally; it's a metaphor for the inexplicable. If, as most critics say, it's overwrought, well, so are emotions and, ultimately, feelings of guilt. Sometimes some mush, like the tears it generates, is cleansing. And Thomas Horn as young Oskar...wow!

Brutal, gripping, with a surprise payoff. Based on reporting by Luke Mogelson of The New Yorker. Very worthwhile.