Consumables

"Green Zone": The Iraq War Film Is "Bourne" Again

Green Zone reunites Matt Damon and director Paul Greengrass from the Jason Bourne sequels, but the complexities of the Iraq occupation prove too much for them.

By Tim Grierson, Mar 12, 2010

"The Ghost Writer": A Killer Thriller

Roman Polanski's smart, pulpy thriller is a B-movie pleasure. Elsewhere, William Hurt is one of the (few) highlights of The Yellow Handkerchief, and Bronson is worth checking out on DVD.

By Tim Grierson, Feb 19, 2010

"The Lovely Bones": Dying Is Easy, Adaptations Are Hard

Peter Jackson's adaptation of the Alice Sebold novel leaves a lot to be desired. Elsewhere, A Single Man breaks the heart, while The Headless Woman is an existential mystery to get lost in.

By Tim Grierson, Dec 30, 2009

'Brothers': Life (and Love) During Wartime

The American remake of a Danish drama looks at the cost of the War of Terror on one young family. Elsewhere, The Last Station celebrates the final days of Leo Tolstoy, and The Road isn't nearly as harrowing as it should be.

By Tim Grierson, Dec 4, 2009

"Red Cliff": John Woo Rides Again

After a few Hollywood bombs, Chinese director John Woo returns to his homeland to make an epic. Elsewhere, Broken Embraces disappoints, while Planet 51 is definitely not out of this world.

By Tim Grierson, Nov 19, 2009

"Collapse": The End Is Nigh

Director Chris Smith's documentary about a frighteningly prescient doomsayer makes the end of the world seem uncomfortably close. Elsewhere, Pirate Radio and A Christmas Carol are better than advertised.

By Tim Grierson, Nov 12, 2009

"The Men Who Stare at Goats": War (and Mind) Games

The Men Who Stare at Goats boasts a terrific performance by George Clooney and an incredible true story about the U.S. military's New Earth Army. Elsewhere, Precious finds the heart in a potentially predictable inspirational tale.

By Tim Grierson, Nov 5, 2009

'Antichrist': Damn Good

For those with a strong constitution, Lars von Trier's Antichrist has much to recommend, despite its obvious flaws. Elsewhere, Where the Wild Things Are astonishes, and A Serious Man is a quiet marvel of agony and dread.

By Tim Grierson, Oct 22, 2009

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