Russell Scott Smith

A mystery that isn't suspenseful so much as realistic, in which the detective's motivation is understandable and the story moves the way life does, instead of as a thrill ride.

All the pieces converge in a powerful rush during the second half.

A remarkably smart and weird film, even if it's sad and sometimes difficult to watch, with jokes designed to make you cringe.

Looking at the art and listening to the music is wonderful just on its own, but hanging out with Hockney is also a treat. He's a delightful companion.

A moving documentary about poetry inspired by combat.

Then everything went wrong, thanks to Middle East politics -- as the moving documentary Raging Dove shows.

"Trainspotting" redux.

There are no end of tear-jerking moments in Perlasca, a well-made and heart-rending Italian "Schindler's List."

A goofy, low-budget, predictable and totally entertaining Z-grade splatter-comedy, which deserves a long life (or, should we say, undeath) on the college midnight-movie circuit.

The story is fascinating, infuriating and even laugh-out-loud funny at times.