|
A-
|
88%
|
Django Unchained (2012) |
"
Somehow exhibits high art while it walks a fine line between serious historical re-purposing, inflammatory comic excess and brutal violence. "
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Jan 8, 2013
|
|
B
|
38%
|
The Guilt Trip (2012) |
"
There is really only one reason to see this gentle if unassuming road trip comedy and her name is Barbra Streisand."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Jan 8, 2013
|
|
B+
|
84%
|
Smashed (2012) |
"
Winstead is a revelation as a young married school teacher determined to overcome alcoholism in this gritty film clearly made by folks who've been there. "
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Jan 8, 2013
|
|
A-
|
70%
|
Les Misérables (2012) |
"
Raw, riveting and remarkable."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Dec 24, 2012
|
|
A-
|
84%
|
Elf (2003) |
"
Feels like that rare instant Christmas classic."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Dec 8, 2012
|
|
B+
|
53%
|
The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996) |
"
A terrific, thought provoking, at times heart wrenching twist on the typical rom-com proving again Streisands singular gifts."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Dec 8, 2012
|
|
B+
|
98%
|
Brooklyn Castle (2012) |
"
Like chess, not exactly a high-energy experience but seeing what these kids accomplish, seemingly against all odds is breathtaking all the same."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Dec 8, 2012
|
|
B
|
——
|
Ben Banks () |
"
This modest independent film takes full advantage of its beautiful locale, and while rough in spots, contains an unexpected moral boost to counter its somewhat edgy spirit."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Dec 8, 2012
|
|
B
|
48%
|
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (2012) |
"
This franchise ends with a fitting finale that neither proves the series worth, nor does it disappoint the faithful."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Nov 26, 2012
|
|
A-
|
92%
|
Skyfall (2012) |
"
Sentimental touches underscore the fun and frivolity of Bond's past while relishing the brutal landscape of the modern day super-spy."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Nov 26, 2012
|
|
A-
|
89%
|
Lincoln (2012) |
"
If this exquisite, immersive, fully entertaining, dramatized account of real events can't get you excited about history... nothing will."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Nov 26, 2012
|
|
B
|
86%
|
Wreck-it Ralph (2012) |
"
While not quite the 80s gaming throwback it implies, this is a sweet, clever animated adventure."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Nov 26, 2012
|
|
B
|
67%
|
Cloud Atlas (2012) |
"
A sprawling, visionary film that, despite its behemoth length and choppy narrative, can be appreciated for its ambition and visual splendor even as it defies explanation."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Nov 26, 2012
|
|
C+
|
33%
|
Chasing Mavericks (2012) |
"
Almost redeemed by a thrilling final 15 minutes; at its best during watery action scenes while avoiding the trappings of a shallow, clichéd script."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Nov 26, 2012
|
|
A-
|
96%
|
Searching for Sugar Man (2012) |
"
Fortunately filmmaker Bendjelloul decided that Rodriguez's story needed to be told - one of the most fascinating biographies ever put on film."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Nov 26, 2012
|
|
A-
|
96%
|
Argo (2012) |
"
A terrific supporting cast, especially the non A-list actors, make the dramatic license taken justified and redeem Affleck for miscasting himself in the hero's role."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Nov 26, 2012
|
|
C
|
39%
|
Here Comes the Boom (2012) |
"
The 'Mr. Holland's Opus' meets 'Rocky II' story will satisfy some who long for innocuous content, even those who know James deserves better material."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Nov 26, 2012
|
|
B
|
88%
|
Frankenweenie (2012) |
"
While not a true original in its own right, and therefore not a classic, it is still classic Burton with his creepy, kooky trademarks, so we'll take it."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Nov 26, 2012
|
|
C+
|
82%
|
Seven Psychopaths (2012) |
"
Neither funny nor groundbreaking, resulting in a half-baked homage not a fully realized idea. But that may be enough for the target audience."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Nov 26, 2012
|
|
C
|
21%
|
Taken 2 (2012) |
"
More is definitely less in this sequel."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Nov 26, 2012
|
|
B+
|
81%
|
Pitch Perfect (2012) |
"
A tuneful smoothie concocted with several well-known ingredients thrown into a blender, including 'Glee,' 'Bridesmaids,' even a dash of 'High School Musical.' "
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Nov 26, 2012
|
|
B+
|
93%
|
Looper (2012) |
"
The key to enjoying the gruesome violence mixed with a healthy potion of emotional depth rarely found in this genre is to not dwell on the fiction in the science. "
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Oct 5, 2012
|
|
C-
|
32%
|
Won't Back Down (2012) |
"
It's not its anti-union take on the relevant issue, but the shallow treatment, cardboard characters, and overacting that bog down its well-intentioned message. "
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Oct 5, 2012
|
|
A-
|
51%
|
Trouble with the Curve (2012) |
"
The subtle themes of aging, father-daughter relationships, loss, a sense of purpose, and staying relevant all find a place in a film of quiet but penetrating victories. "
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Oct 5, 2012
|
|
B+
|
86%
|
Robot & Frank (2012) |
"
A little gem of a movie about aging and obsolescence that is also a very modest sci-fi cautionary tale."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Oct 5, 2012
|
|
B+
|
68%
|
Lawless (2012) |
"
A compelling, authentic eye-popping tale with a worthy and ready cast that forces any of the film's flaws to the back burner. "
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Oct 5, 2012
|
|
A-
|
95%
|
The Imposter (2012) |
"
Superbly crafted documentary about a missing teenager who mysteriously resurfaces after three years, prompting a riveting, better-than-fiction Cold Case-style drama."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Oct 5, 2012
|
|
C+
|
11%
|
House at the End of the Street (2012) |
"
Formulaic, unoriginal suspense thriller aided by a plot twist and good leads, that might delight the less-gore-is-more teenage audience."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Oct 5, 2012
|
|
B
|
22%
|
The Words (2012) |
"
Maybe it's the timing of the release, coming at the dead zone of post-summer and pre-fall cinematic fare..but 'The Words' has enough going for it to be recommended."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Oct 5, 2012
|
|
B
|
31%
|
Total Recall (2012) |
"
Delivers a serviceable piece of updated movie product."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Oct 5, 2012
|
|
B+
|
76%
|
Premium Rush (2012) |
"
Maybe the plot's a little thin, but this is end of summer escapism at its best and it guarantees you'll never look at a biker in NYC the same way again. "
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Oct 5, 2012
|
|
B
|
——
|
Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed (2012) |
"
Instead of mindless action, a more personal WWII story and though a little corny at times, it has a nice twist and a gripping, heartfelt ending that bring it home."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Oct 5, 2012
|
|
B
|
74%
|
Hope Springs (2012) |
"
Absolutely not the comedy it implies, this mostly serious, very frank story is simplistic, even awkward, but captivates because of the leads. "
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Oct 5, 2012
|
|
B+
|
91%
|
Safety Not Guaranteed (2012) |
"
If a group of your witty, talented and absolutely committed friends made a movie, this is the kind of truly 'indie' film to which they would aspire."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Oct 5, 2012
|
|
B
|
56%
|
The Bourne Legacy (2012) |
"
Nicely overlaps the previous films while carving a name of its own"
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Oct 5, 2012
|
|
B+
|
58%
|
Sparkle (2012) |
"
Overcomes its overdone 'rising star' formula with surprising drama, decent songs,breakout performances and a haunting swan song of Whitney Houston."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Aug 24, 2012
|
|
B
|
26%
|
2016: Obama's America (2012) |
"
Can't be construed as a hatchet job, nor does the polite and well-spoken D'Souza seem to aspire to such...yet it doesn't succeed as sheer bravura entertainment."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Aug 24, 2012
|
|
D
|
63%
|
8: The Mormon Proposition (2010) |
"
This propaganda style doc is too busy evoking intolerance (ironically) and fear mongering to provoke any rational analysis of the facts."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Aug 14, 2012
|
|
B+
|
56%
|
People Like Us (2012) |
"
Examines the costs of broken, fatherless relationships in subtle but direct ways. Yet it is not a downer of a movie, nor is it superficially cheery. A great cast helps. "
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Jul 26, 2012
|
|
B
|
94%
|
Moonrise Kingdom (2012) |
"
Quirky, random, and surprisingly endearing for a Wes Anderson film--likely his best."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Jul 26, 2012
|
|
B
|
73%
|
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) |
"
A decent movie by any measurement, it can't avoid being compared to the previous films, by that standard it isn't a game changer but Webb shows considerable promise. "
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Jul 26, 2012
|
|
B
|
91%
|
Bernie (2012) |
"
Quietly and consistently charming a real hoot with a terrificly nuanced performance by Jack Black."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Jul 26, 2012
|
|
B
|
37%
|
Ice Age: Continental Drift (2012) |
"
Kids will love this film and parents won't be bored for a minute."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Jul 26, 2012
|
|
B+
|
87%
|
The Dark Knight Rises (2012) |
"
Complex and comprehensive, beautiful if bloated, is nonetheless superlative filmmaking and even though over 160 minutes manages to rivet the senses in every frame. "
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Jul 26, 2012
|
|
C
|
96%
|
Dazed and Confused (1993) |
"
Has the look and spirit of the time down pat. Unfortunately it captures only the worst of the typical misogynistic, foul mouthed druggie losers of the period."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Jul 7, 2012
|
|
B+
|
78%
|
Brave (2012) |
"
It may not be the hero story that parents expect, or that the title implies...unexpectedly heavy stuff for a 'kids' movie. But if not Pixar then who?"
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Jul 4, 2012
|
|
B-
|
41%
|
Rock of Ages (2012) |
"
An illustrative dividing line: REO Speedwagon is probably thrilled to death to be on this soundtrack - meanwhile Joan Jett is likely embarrassed that she is too."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Jul 4, 2012
|
|
B+
|
74%
|
Prometheus (2012) |
"
For those who aren't opposed to a little 'Why?' in their sci-fi, Ridley offers a penetrating other-worldly adventure like few films in recent memory."
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Jul 4, 2012
|
|
B-
|
48%
|
Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) |
"
The main reason to see it (on the big screen, especially) are the delicious, evocative production elements. "
—
Spectrum (St. George, Utah)
Posted Jul 4, 2012
|
86%
11%
75%
