Certified Fresh Pick of the Week
The White Ribbon (87%)
Controversy-courting director Michael Haneke (CACHÉ) earned the Palm d’Or at Cannes in 2009 for this arresting drama set just before World War I. In a small German village, a number of unexplained accidents beset the schoolchildren and their parents. Though they at first appear coincidental, it begi...[More]
Directed by: Michael Haneke
Rated: R
What's Fresh In Theaters?
What else has the Critics talking? |
Reviews | |
|---|---|---|
| 87% | The White Ribbon | 63 |
| 88% | Up in the Air | 186 |
| 75% | The Young Victoria | 119 |
| 82% | Avatar | 241 |
What's Fresh On DVD?
What else has the Critics talking? |
Reviews | |
|---|---|---|
| 74% | Capitalism: A Love Story | 150 |
| 78% | $9.99 | 50 |
| 91% | Ponyo | 113 |
| 84% | The September Issue | 98 |
Browse Certified Fresh Movies in Theaters
An Education
Critics' Consensus: Though the latter part of the film may not appeal to all, An Education is a charming coming-of-age tale powered by the strength of relative newcomer Carey Mulligan's standout performance.
Synopsis: Author Nick Hornby turns from novels to screenplays with this talent-driven drama. Carey Mulligan (BLEAK HOUSE) stars as Jenny, a young woman full of promise and intent to study at Oxford. But meeting an older man (Peter Sarsgaard) leads Jenny to believe that she can learn things outside the classro...[More...]
Rated: Not Rated
Runtime:
Release Date: Oct 09, 2009 (Limited)
Avatar
Critics' Consensus: It might be more impressive on a technical level than as a piece of storytelling, but Avatar reaffirms James Cameron's singular gift for imaginative, absorbing filmmaking.
Synopsis: ALIENS and THE TERMINATOR director James Cameron returns to the genre that made him famous with AVATAR. As an avatar (a human mind housed in an alien body), an ex-Marine finds his inner conflict competes with the far-flung war he must fight. This sci-fi film reunites the director with his ALIENS act...[More...]
Rated: PG-13
Runtime:
Release Date: Dec 18, 2009 (Wide)
Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans
Critics' Consensus: Befitting its unorthodox origins, this Bad Lieutenant benefits from Werner Herzog's typically fearless direction and a delightfully unhinged Nicolas Cage in the title role.
Synopsis: Remakes of classics often seem to be horrible ideas, but this redo of the 1992 Abel Ferrara film has promise since it is directed by the respected filmmaker Werner Herzog (RESCUE DAWN). This time around, BAD LIEUTENANT stars Nicolas Cage, Eva Mendes, Val Kilmer, Jennifer Coolidge, and Xzibit.
Rated: R
Runtime: 2 hrs 1 mins
Release Date: Nov 20, 2009 (Limited)
Broken Embraces
Critics' Consensus: Pedro Almodovar's fourth film with Penélope Cruz isn't his finest work, but he brings his signature visual brilliance to this noirish tale, and the cast turns in some first-class performances.
Synopsis: After LIVE FLESH, ALL ABOUT MY MOTHER, and VOLVER, director Pedro Almodóvar and his muse Penélope Cruz unite for a fourth time with this drama. Here, Almodóvar delves into noir style to tell a tale of a man (BAD EDUCATION’s Lluis Homar) with dual identities who tries to compartmentalize his life aft...[More...]
Rated: R
Runtime: 2 hrs 1 mins
Release Date: Nov 20, 2009 (Limited)
Crazy Heart
Critics' Consensus: Thanks to a captivating performance from Jeff Bridges, Crazy Heart transcends its overly familiar origins and finds new meaning in an old story.
Synopsis: Jeff Bridges stars in this drama based on Thomas Cobb's first novel about an alcoholic country singer. The musician's career is going downhill as he watches his protégé's star ascend, but his encounters with a journalist (THE DARK KNIGHT's Maggie Gyllenhaal) might just keep him from hitting rock bot...[More...]
Rated: R
Runtime: 2 hrs 1 mins
Release Date: Dec 16, 2009 (Limited)
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Critics' Consensus: Fantastic Mr. Fox is a delightfully funny feast for the eyes with multi-generational appeal -- and it shows Wes Anderson has a knack for animation.
Synopsis: With this animated adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic, director Wes Anderson moves from quirky films for adults, such as The Darjeeling Limited and The Royal Tenenbaums, to imaginative children's fare. The Fantastic Mr. Fox reunites Anderson with previous collaborators Bill Murray and Cate Blanche...[More...]
Rated:
Runtime: 2 hrs 1 mins
Release Date: Nov 25, 2009 (Wide)
Invictus
Critics' Consensus: Delivered with typically stately precision from director Clint Eastwood, Invictus may not be rousing enough for some viewers, but Matt Damon and Morgan Freeman inhabit their real-life characters with admirable conviction.
Synopsis: After both Clint Eastwood and Morgan Freeman walked away with Oscars after their last collaboration, MILLION DOLLAR BABY, the celebrated pair reteams for this drama based on a true story. Freeman stars as Nelson Mandela, who has just been elected president of South Africa. To bring his country toget...[More...]
Rated: Not Rated
Runtime: 2 hrs 1 mins
Release Date: Dec 11, 2009 (Wide)
Me and Orson Welles
Critics' Consensus: Me and Orson Welles boasts a breakout performance by Christian McKay and an infectious love of the backstage drama that overcomes its sometimes fluffy tone.
Synopsis: Richard Linklater directs this drama about real-life actor/director Orson Welles and his stage production of JULIUS CAESAR. But instead of focusing solely on the auteur, ME AND ORSON WELLES also puts the spotlight on a young man (played by HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL favorite Zac Efron) who is cast in the p...[More...]
Rated: PG-13
Runtime: 2 hrs 1 mins
Release Date: Nov 25, 2009 (Limited)
The Messenger
Critics' Consensus: A dark but timely subject is handled deftly by writer/directer Owen Moverman and superbly acted by Woody Harrleson and Ben Foster.
Synopsis: An Iraq War veteran who just narrowly escaped death in combat struggles with his new post at the Casualty Notification Office in this military drama starring Ben Foster, Woody Harrelson, Jena Malone, and Samantha Morton. Will Montgomery (Foster) has spent his fair share of time in army hospitals, an...[More...]
Rated: R
Runtime: 1 hr 45 mins
Release Date: Nov 13, 2009 (Limited)
Paranormal Activity
Critics' Consensus: Using its low-budget effects and mockumentary method to great result, Paranormal Activity turns a simple haunted house story into 90 minutes of relentless suspense.
Synopsis: A haunted house makes no secret of the fact it is not pleased with its new tenants in this independent tale of supernatural horror. Katie (Katie Featherson) and Micah (Micah Sloat) are a twentysomething couple who've just moved into a new home in San Diego, California. Katie has an interest in the p...[More...]
Rated: R
Runtime: 1 hr 26 mins
Release Date: Sep 25, 2009 (Limited)
Precious: Based on the Novel PUSH by Sapphire
Critics' Consensus: Precious is a grim yet ultimately triumphant film about abuse and inner-city life, largely bolstered by exceptional performances from its cast.
Synopsis: Rocker Lenny Kravitz makes his debut as a film star in this indie drama based on the beloved novel PUSH. Clareece "Precious" Jones (Gabourey "Gabbie" Sidibe) is a Harlem teen who is pregnant with her second child. But with the help of a teacher (Paula Patton) and a nurse (Kravitz), Precious may be a...[More...]
Rated: R
Runtime: 1 hr 49 mins
Release Date: Nov 06, 2009 (Limited)
The Princess and the Frog
Critics' Consensus: The warmth of traditional Disney animation makes this occasionally lightweight fairy-tale update a lively and captivating confection for the holidays.
Synopsis: The classic tale of a princess, a kiss, and a frog gets an update (and a change of scenery) with this film in Disney's grand tradition of animated classics. DREAMGIRLS' Anika Noni Rose provides the voice of a beautiful young woman living in New Orleans who may just have to pucker up to an amphibian....[More...]
Rated:
Runtime: 1 hr 49 mins
Release Date: Dec 11, 2009 (Limited)
Red Cliff
Critics' Consensus: Featuring some impressively grand battlefield action, John Woo returns to Asia and returns to form in the process for this lavish and slick historical epic.
Synopsis: After directing stylish action films such as THE KILLERS and FACE-OFF, director John Woo turns to Chinese history for inspiration with RED CLIFF. The Han Dynasty is facing its death in third century China, and the emperor raises a million-man army against two kingdoms that are hopelessly outmatched....[More...]
Rated: R
Runtime: 2 hrs 20 mins
Release Date: Nov 18, 2009 (Limited)
A Serious Man
Critics' Consensus: Blending dark humor with profoundly personal themes, the Coen brothers deliver what might be their most mature -- if not their best -- film to date.
Synopsis: The Coen Brothers (NO COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN) get back to their Minnesota roots with this film that blithely walks the line between comedy and drama. Set in 1967, A SERIOUS MAN centers on Larry Gopnik (Michael Stuhlbarg), a university professor whose life is falling apart around him.
Rated: Not Rated
Runtime: 2 hrs 20 mins
Release Date: Oct 02, 2009 (Limited)
A Single Man
Critics' Consensus: Though the costumes are beautiful and the art direction impeccable, what stands out most from this debut by fashion designer Tom Ford is the leading performance by Colin Firth.
Synopsis: Fashion designer Tom Ford makes his directorial debut with this dramatic outing starring Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, and Matthew Goode. Ford and David Scearce adapted the story from a book by Christopher Isherwood, which tells the tragic tale of a professor's loss of his longtime partner.
Rated: Not Rated
Runtime: 2 hrs 20 mins
Release Date: Dec 11, 2009 (Limited)
Up in the Air
Critics' Consensus: Led by charismatic performances by its three leads, director Jason Reitman delivers a smart blend of humor and emotion with just enough edge for mainstream audiences.
Synopsis: After getting Oscar attention for JUNO, director Jason Reitman turns to this adaptation of Walter Kirn's comic novel. Academy Award-winner George Clooney stars as Ryan Bingham, a businessman on the verge of reaching five million frequent flyer miles when his company decides to cut back on travel. Bu...[More...]
Rated: R
Runtime: 2 hrs 20 mins
Release Date: Dec 25, 2009 (Wide)
The White Ribbon
Critics' Consensus:
Synopsis: Controversy-courting director Michael Haneke (CACHÉ) earned the Palm d’Or at Cannes in 2009 for this arresting drama set just before World War I. In a small German village, a number of unexplained accidents beset the schoolchildren and their parents. Though they at first appear coincidental, it begi...[More...]
Rated: R
Runtime: 2 hrs 24 mins
Release Date: Dec 30, 2009 (Limited)
The Young Victoria
Critics' Consensus: Emily Blunt shines as Victoria in this romantic but plodding royal portrait.
Synopsis: Cinema previously celebrated an aging Queen Victoria with MRS. BROWN, but this costume drama looks at the monarch's early life. Emily Blunt (THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA) stars as the queen in this story that chronicles her rise to the crown and her romance with Prince Albert. THE YOUNG VICTORIA also stars...[More...]
Rated: PG
Runtime: 2 hrs 24 mins
Release Date: Dec 18, 2009 (Limited)

























