Michael Roney

Nice special effects, but just another in a decades-long series of clichéd, predictable “we’re fighting against the Empire” space fantasies. And Christopher Walken as the emperor? Sorry, it doesn’t work. Disappointing.

A fine, thoughtful film that stays in your mind long after you see it. Superb cinematography, with an award-worthy performance from Frances McDormand. If you're expecting a typical Hollywood-style plot, you may be disappointed in its unorthodox pace. Instead, it is Bergmanesque in its atmospheric meditation on life and the things we value.

Set in picturesque Sussex, England on the eve of World War II, this memorable film features superb performances from Ralph Feinnes, and Carey Mulligan, along with a beautiful screenplay that explores the themes of regret, the continuity of all things over time (past, present and future), seizing life and what or who you love while you can. (The impending war played nicely into the latter.) The Dig is most definitely worthy of several award nominations.

This is not an action movie or Hollywood-formula sci-fi. It’s pace may seem slow to some people, but it is thoughtful, dramatic, visually arresting and ultimately both memorable and satisfying.