Familiar Science Fiction + Dull Romance 'Equals' Disappointment
A new film imagines a dystopian future where feelings are forbidden — but never manages to generate an emotional response in the viewer.
Movie Reviews
'Tony Robbins: I Am Not Your Guru' Fawns Over Its Charismatic Subject
A new documentary about motivational speaker Tony Robbins falls helplessly under the coal-walking life-coach's magnetic, intoxicating sway.
The Making Of A Propaganda Film In 'Under The Sun'
Director Vitaly Mansky started out working on a government-sanctioned film about children in North Korea. But when approval was withdrawn, he made a different documentary entirely.
A Boy With Autism Makes Connections Through Cartoons In 'Life, Animated'
A new documentary tells the story of Owen Suskind, a boy with autism whose love of Disney helps him navigate the world. David Edelstein calls Life, Animated "heartbreaking and exhilarating."
Movie Review: 'Our Little Sister'
Japanese dramas don't get the publicity of that country's animated films but our reviewer says there is a new drama that deserves our attention. He says Our Little Sister must be seen to be believed.
Just Fur Fun, Peeking At 'The Secret Life Of Pets'
An animated animal version of Toy Story sounds like a good idea, but when the animals don't act like animals, the film runs low on inspiration.
A Television Giant Comes Into Focus
Norman Lear: Just Another Version Of You doesn't address itself to all the current manifestations of the national attitudes at stake in All In The Family, but there's much to be learned from it.
A Story Of Sisters And The Pain They Carry
While less emotionally urgent than some of director Hirokazu Kore-eda's previous work, Our Little Sister retains the director's interest in the plight of emotionally neglected children.
What's Worth Watching In Movie Theaters This Summer?
New installments in the X-Men, Ghostbusters, Star Trek and Captain America franchises are hitting the big screen this summer. NPR film critic Bob Mondello talks about what to see.
Can You Really Rebuild Tarzan Out Of Whole (Loin) Cloth?
The Legend Of Tarzan tries to reinvent the story as an indictment of colonialism, but it lacks the wit or liveliness of the Tarantino revisionist histories it seems to be trying to emulate.