Elf (2003)
85%RT Audience Score: 79%
Awards & Nominations: 2 wins & 7 nominations
A movie full of Yuletide cheer, Elf is a spirited, good-natured family comedy, and it benefits greatly from Will Ferrell’s funny and charming performance as one of Santa’s biggest helpers
Elf is the perfect Christmas movie to watch with your family, especially if you’re in the mood for some good old-fashioned slapstick humor. Will Ferrell is hilarious as Buddy the Elf, and the candy-colored sets and New York City backdrop make for a festive and enchanting viewing experience. Sure, the ending is a bit cheesy, but what else would you expect from a holiday movie? Overall, Elf is a sugar-coated, light-hearted romp that’s sure to put you in the Christmas spirit.
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
New Line Cinema
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for some mild rude humor and language
Year of Release
2003
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 37m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 7, 2003 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 16, 2004
Genre(s)
Holiday/Comedy
Keyword(s)
starring Will Ferrell, James Caan, Bob Newhart, Ed Asner, Mary Steenburgen, Zooey Deschanel, directed by Jon Favreau, written by David Berenbaum, holiday, comedy, fantasy, PG, box office, budget, reviewed by Neil Norman, David Ansen, Christy Lemire, Scott Tobias, Owen Gleiberman, Nell Minow, Fico Cangiano, PJ Nabarro, Richard Propes, Debbie Lynn Elias, Rachel Wagner, Kristy Strouse, Will Ferrell’s performance, Santa’s elves, New York City, DNA test, Walter Hobbs, Papa Elf, Santa, Emily, Jovie, Jon Berg, Todd Komarnicki, Shauna Robertson, New Line Cinema, SDDS, Dolby SR, DTS, Surround
Worldwide gross: $225,097,437
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $364,854,076
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 415
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 39,787,795
US/Canada gross: $177,874,109
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $288,311,118
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 210
US/Canada opening weekend: $32,100,000
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $52,029,983
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 213
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $33,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $53,488,768
Production budget ranking: 749
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $28,803,701
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $282,561,607
ROI to date (est.): 343%
ROI ranking: 408
James Caan – Walter
Bob Newhart – Papa Elf
Ed Asner – Santa
Mary Steenburgen – Emily
Zooey Deschanel – Jovie
Director(s)
Jon Favreau
Writer(s)
David Berenbaum
Producer(s)
Jon Berg, Todd Komarnicki, Shauna Robertson
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
2 wins & 7 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (196) | Top Critics (56) | Fresh (166) | Rotten (30)
While his plotting may leave a little to be desired, Favreau directs with speed, humour and efficiency.
December 14, 2014
Neil Norman
London Evening Standard
TOP CRITIC
Ferrell is a hoot. So is much of this witty holiday family entertainment, which, up until the end, when the “true spirit of Christmas” must be reaffirmed, happily favors slapstick over treacle.
December 14, 2014
David Ansen
Newsweek
TOP CRITIC
Sure, Elf feels a little too feel-good at the end, but what do you expect? It’s a Christmas movie! Anything else would be the cinematic equivalent of finding coal in your stocking.
December 4, 2013
Christy Lemire
Associated Press
TOP CRITIC
The cast wrings laughs out of David Berenbaum’s script as if it were a damp washcloth, but even they have trouble selling frenetic button-pushing as the Christmas spirit.
December 4, 2013
Scott Tobias
AV Club
TOP CRITIC
A disarmingly funny holiday comedy.
September 7, 2011 | Rating: B+
Owen Gleiberman
Entertainment Weekly
TOP CRITIC
Peppy holiday favorite for both kids and parents.
August 31, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
A sugarcoated, light hearted, funny Christmas romp.
December 24, 2021 | Rating: 3/5
Fico Cangiano
CineXpress Podcast
Classic family Christmas fodder: the gorgeous candyfloss colour schemes and New York in all its resplendent wintry beauty help the film pass effortlessly by too.
January 8, 2021 | Rating: 3/5
PJ Nabarro
Patrick Nabarro
Captures the spirit that I long to have during the holiday season.
September 7, 2020 | Rating: 3.5/4.0
Richard Propes
TheIndependentCritic.com
Simplicity. Goodness. Sugar-coated. Nostalgic. Maybe a little hokey at times. Endearing. Enchanting. Go celebrate Christmas a little early with Elf — a new Christmas classic for the 21st century.
November 6, 2019
Debbie Lynn Elias
Behind The Lens
It’s a really fun holiday film.
May 9, 2019 | Rating: A-
Rachel Wagner
Rachel’s Reviews (YouTube)
There are few cinematic ventures that capture the Christmas spirit in such abundance and hit the Holiday target so directly on the nose.
December 11, 2018
Kristy Strouse
Film Inquiry…
Plot
Buddy was a baby in an orphanage who stowed away in Santa’s sack and ended up at the North Pole. Later, as an adult who happened to be raised by elves, Santa allows him to go to New York City to find his birth father, Walter Hobbs. Walter, who is on Santa’s naughty list for being a heartless jerk, had no idea that Buddy was even born. Buddy, meanwhile, experiences the delights of New York City (and human culture) as only an elf can. When Walter’s relationship with him interferes with his job, he is forced to reevaluate his priorities.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels praises Will Ferrell’s “funny and charming performance” as one of Santa’s helpers in Elf.
Jon-Favreau.jpg
85%
Narc (2002)
85%RT Audience Score: 79%
Awards & Nominations: 1 win & 8 nominations
Jason Patric and Ray Liotta are electrifying in this gritty, if a little too familiar, cop drama
NARC” is a cop movie that’s so intense, it’ll make you want to join the police academy just to see if you can handle it. Critics say it’s familiar stuff, but with a stylish conviction that makes it worth watching. The director has the goods, but the script is your basic renegade-cop narrative, with the usual hoo-ha about justice versus the law. It’s bracingly effective, cold, and harsh, with a chokehold of a plot that grabs you but doesn’t ultimately engage you. The leading men are never better, and the director shows flair and confidence. It’s one of the best films of 2002, but it doesn’t illuminate the world of the undercover agent or bring anything new to the table. All in all, it’s a movie that’ll make you want to put on a badge and take down some bad guys.
Production Company(ies)
ITVS International, Kartemquin Films, P.O.V., American Documentary
Distributor
Paramount Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Detroit, Michigan, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for strong brutal violence, drug content and pervasive language
Year of Release
2003
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 45m
-
Language(s):English, Spanish
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 10, 2003 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 17, 2003
Genre(s)
Crime/Mystery & Thriller
Keyword(s)
starring Jason Patric, Ray Liotta, Chi McBride, Busta Rhymes, Anne Openshaw, Richard Chevolleau, directed by Joe Carnahan, written by Joe Carnahan, Crime, Mystery & Thriller, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Nell Minow, J.R Jones, Sara Michelle Fetters, Alan Morrison, Duane Byrge, Peter Bradshaw, Emanuel Levy, John A Nesbit, Felix Vasquez Jr., Michael Dequina, Philip French, R, Pervasive Language, Drug Content, Strong Brutal Violence, produced by Diane Nabatoff, Ray Liotta, Michelle Grace, Julius R Nasso
Worldwide gross: $12,633,747
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $20,477,684
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,703
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 2,233,117
US/Canada gross: $10,465,659
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $16,963,491
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,462
US/Canada opening weekend: $63,303
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $102,606
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,921
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $6,500,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $10,535,666
Production budget ranking: 1,647
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $5,673,456
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $4,268,561
ROI to date (est.): 26%
ROI ranking: 1,259
Jason Patric – Nick Tellis
Chi McBride – Captain Cheevers
Busta Rhymes – Beery
Anne Openshaw – Kathryn Calvess
Richard Chevolleau – Latroy Steeds
Diane Nabatoff – Producer
Ray Liotta – Producer
Michelle Grace – Producer
Julius R. Nasso – Producer
Joe Carnahan – Director, Writer
Director(s)
Joe Carnahan
Writer(s)
Joe Carnahan
Producer(s)
Diane Nabatoff, Ray Liotta, Michelle Grace, Julius R. Nasso
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
1 win & 8 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (157) | Top Critics (43) | Fresh (131) | Rotten (26)
Intense cop movie for adults.
December 26, 2010 | Rating: 3/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
As a director Carnahan definitely has the goods… Unfortunately the script is your basic renegade-cop narrative, with the usual hoo-ha about justice versus the law.
April 9, 2008
J. R. Jones
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
Joe Carnahan’s Narc is familiar stuff, but it is bracingly effective. There hasn’t been a cop and robbers film this cold and harsh since the 1970’s.
December 13, 2005 | Rating: 3.5/4
Sara Michelle Fetters
MovieFreak.com
TOP CRITIC
The director is helped in no small part by his leading men.
August 31, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Alan Morrison
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
A chokehold of a movie, grabbing us but not ultimately engaging us.
June 11, 2003
Duane Byrge
Hollywood Reporter
TOP CRITIC
Ferociously gritty and unsentimentally tough, Joe Carnahan’s movie is drenched with a cynicism that permeates the celluloid itself.
March 25, 2003 | Rating: 3/5
Peter Bradshaw
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
January 28, 2013 | Rating: B-
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
doesn’t illuminate the world of the undercover agent or bring anything new to the table
January 8, 2012 | Rating: C
John A. Nesbit
Old School Reviews
One of the best films of 2002…
April 29, 2009
Felix Vasquez Jr.
Cinema Crazed
The stylish conviction of Carnahan and his never-better leads make this familiar yarn worth caring about.
February 18, 2009 | Rating: 3/4
Michael Dequina
TheMovieReport.com
Carnahan shows flair and confidence.
April 9, 2008
Philip French
Observer (UK)
December 27, 2007 | Rating: 3/4
Joe Lozito
Big Picture Big Sound…
Plot
NARC follows suspended undercover narcotics officer Nick Tellis (Jason Patric) as he is drawn back onto the force to investigate the murder of a young police officer, teaming up with the slain officer’s partner, Henry Oak (Ray Liotta), to unravel the case and uncover the dark underbelly of the narcotics world.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Ray Liotta’s performance as the trigger-happy renegade cop is “incredibly convincing and captivating.”
Joe-Carnahan.jpg
85%
Road to Perdition (2002)
85%RT Audience Score: 86%
Awards & Nominations: Won 1 Oscar
23 wins & 82 nominations total
Somber, stately, and beautifully mounted, Sam Mendes’ Road to Perdition is a well-crafted mob movie that explores the ties between fathers and sons
Road to Perdition” is a movie that will make you feel like you’re in the 1930s, but without the polio. It’s a gangster movie that’s not too gangster-y, and a drama that’s not too dramatic. Tom Hanks plays a bad guy, which is weird, but he does it well. The movie is visually stunning, but sometimes it feels like it’s trying too hard to be artsy. Overall, it’s a good movie to watch if you want to feel like you’re smarter than everyone else because you appreciate “old-school” cinema.
Production Company(ies)
Python Pictures, Michael White Productions, National Film Trustee Company,
Distributor
DreamWorks SKG
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for violence and language
Year of Release
2002
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS Dolby Digital SDDS
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 56m
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jul 12, 2002 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 25, 2003
Genre(s)
Crime/Drama
Keyword(s)
Worldwide gross: $181,001,478
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $300,202,279
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 502
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 32,737,435
US/Canada gross: $104,454,762
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $173,244,760
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 440
US/Canada opening weekend: $22,079,481
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $36,620,201
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 353
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $80,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $132,685,006
Production budget ranking: 270
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $71,450,876
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $96,066,396
ROI to date (est.): 47%
ROI ranking: 1,165
Paul Newman – John Rooney
Jude Law – Maguire
Jennifer Jason Leigh – Jennifer Sullivan
Stanley Tucci – Frank Nitti
Daniel Craig – Connor Rooney
Director – Sam Mendes
Producers – Sam Mendes, Richard D. Zanuck, Dean Zanuck
Writer – David Self
Director(s)
Sam Mendes
Writer(s)
David Self
Producer(s)
Sam Mendes, Richard D. Zanuck, Dean Zanuck
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Won 1 Oscar
23 wins & 82 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Best Achievement in Cinematography Winners, Oscar Nominees, Oscar Winners
All Critics (215) | Top Critics (54) | Fresh (175) | Rotten (40)
A beautiful elegy to a decaying world whose sadness lingers on.
January 3, 2019 | Rating: 3/4
Namrata Joshi
Outlook
TOP CRITIC
So is Perdition still a must-see? No question. But it’s tough to fuss about it much when a picture is this fussy.
April 14, 2013 | Rating: 3/4
Mike Clark
USA Today
TOP CRITIC
Visually, the picture is all of a piece, but it’s a self-conscious piece of work — all dark-toned academic classicism.
April 14, 2013
David Denby
New Yorker
TOP CRITIC
What makes the movie pay off is moving pictures of real action and of intimate scenes between man and boy that are all the more moving for being understated.
April 14, 2013
Joe Morgenstern
Wall Street Journal
TOP CRITIC
Powerful, beautiful film; ok for mature teens.
December 29, 2010 | Rating: 4/5
Nell Minow
Common Sense Media
TOP CRITIC
While crisply edited and unindulgent, Mendes’ work is gratifyingly old-school in its rejection of modern-day stylistic agitation, the better to achieve a slow but inexorable build to its climax.
August 8, 2008
Todd McCarthy
Variety
TOP CRITIC
… it’s a modern throwback to the classic gangster movie, set in the depths of the Depression in 1930s America, and Mendes pays great attention to the imagery of the screen adaptation.
June 25, 2022
Sean Axmaker
Stream on Demand
Casting Hanks as a heavy is no mistake here, and though the gamble is not entirely successful it’s a fine experiment.
January 19, 2020
David Rollison
The Spool
Gangsters. Parents. Children. Honor. ‘Road to Perdition’ is all this and more, perhaps too perfect or too calculated, but with great cinema in it. [Full review in Spanish]
February 28, 2017
Alberto Abuín
Espinof
Very little of Road to Perdition lingers, except for a feeling that you’ve been carried along.
July 21, 2015
Stuart Klawans
The Nation
Crisply, starchily self-conscious in its efforts to be a gangster epic. A pretty-enough remote place, with its rain and snow and fedoras and trenchcoats, but it’s still a long way from Boardwalk Empire and Miller’s Crossing.
February 7, 2014
Brian Gibson
Vue Weekly (Edmonton, Alberta)
The top-billed actors deliver: Hanks with his resonant reserve and Newman in conveying Rooney’s failed attempt to live up to his self-image as the ultimate just and loving patriarch. [Blu-ray]
August 2, 2010 | Rating: 3/4
Peter Canavese
Groucho Reviews…
Plot
1931. Mike Sullivan and Connor Rooney are two henchmen of elderly downstate IL-based Irish-American mobster John Rooney, Connor’s father. In many respects, John treats Mike more as his son, who he raised as his own after Mike was orphaned, than the volatile Connor, who nonetheless sees himself as the heir apparent to the family business. One evening, Mike’s eldest son, twelve year old Michael Sullivan Jr., who has no idea what his father does for a living, witnesses Connor and his father gun down an associate and his men, the situation gone wrong initiated from an action by Connor. Caught witnessing the incident, Michael is sworn to secrecy about what he saw. Regardless, Connor, not wanting any loose ends, makes an attempt to kill Mike, his wife and their two sons. Mike and the surviving members of his family know that they need to go on the run as Connor, who has gone into hiding, will be protected through mob loyalty, especially by John, who cannot turn on his own flesh and blood. Still, Mike has to figure out a way for retribution for what Connor did, while still protecting him and his family, not only from Connor, but from John and his fellow associates. Through it all, Mike wants those in his family that had no say in what he chose as a living, to have some redemption for their eternal souls.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
No goofy or funny or odd comments were found in the Fresh Kernels database for Road to Perdition.
Sam-Mendes.jpg
85%
Metropolis (2001)
85%RT Audience Score: 81%
Awards & Nominations: NA
Metropolis is a stunning masterpiece that seamlessly blends together a dizzying array of visual styles and emotional tones, resulting in a truly captivating cinematic experience. Rintaro’s intricate anime presents a number of sociopolitical allegories and metaphors, paying tribute to the noble history of its genre and form. The shimmering Steampunk architecture of the towering world of tomorrow is a sight to behold, and the expressive animation brings the characters to life in a way that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally intense. Essentially, Metropolis is Fritz Lang for beginners, but with a dazzling modern twist that is sure to leave audiences in awe.
Metropolis is a visually stunning animated film that takes us on a journey through a futuristic world filled with towering buildings and intricate steampunk architecture. While some critics may find the storyline lacking, the film’s use of sociopolitical allegories and metaphors make it a thought-provoking experience. Plus, who can deny the sheer beauty of the animation? It’s like watching a work of art come to life on the screen. Overall, Metropolis is a must-see for anyone who loves a good sci-fi adventure with a side of stunning visuals.
Production Company(ies)
Distributor
Sony Pictures Television, Toho Company Ltd., Bandai Visual Co. Ltd.
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Year of Release
2001
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby
-
Aspect ratio:NA
-
Runtime:1h 47m
-
Language(s):English
ALL CAST, AUSPICES, AND BELOW THE LINE -
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 25, 2002 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 23, 2002
Genre(s)
Sci-fi/Anime
Keyword(s)
starring Tarô Ishida, Kousei Tomita, Kei Kobayashi, Yuka Imoto, Kohki Okada, Norio Wakamoto, directed by Rintaro, written by Katsuhiro Ohtomo, sci-fi, anime, PG-13, box office gross, budget, reviewed by Anton Bitel, Tasha Robinson, Derek Elley, Susan Stark, Lisa Alspector, Patrick Peters, Chase Burns, Tim Brayton, Panos Kotzathanasis, Steve Wright, Christopher Machell, Pablo Villaça, Fritz Lang, Osamu Tezuka, Japanese anime, detective, scientist, Tima, humanity’s future, Bandai Visual Co Ltd., Toho Company Ltd., Sony Pictures Television, Ryohei Tsunoda, Hisanori Hiranuma, Toru Shiobara, Tadamichi Abe, Fumio Nagase, Takayuki Natsutani, Masao Maruyama, Iwao Yamaki
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Kousei Tomita – Hige-Oyaji Voice
Kei Kobayashi – Kenichi Voice
Yuka Imoto – Tima Voice
Kohki Okada – Rock Voice
Norio Wakamoto – Pero Voice
Director – Rintaro
Producers – Ryohei Tsunoda, Hisanori Hiranuma, Toru Shiobara, Tadamichi Abe, Fumio Nagase, Takayuki Natsutani, Masao Maruyama, Iwao Yamaki
Writer – Katsuhiro Ohtomo
Director(s)
Rintaro
Writer(s)
Katsuhiro Ohtomo
Producer(s)
Ryohei Tsunoda, Hisanori Hiranuma, Toru Shiobara, Tadamichi Abe, Fumio Nagase, Takayuki Natsutani, Masao Maruyama, Iwao Yamaki
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (67) | Top Critics (26) | Fresh (58) | Rotten (9)
we see the director’s towering world of tomorrow being erected on the foundations of yesterday’s cultural influence… a dizzying postmodern edifice, more impressive for its shimmering Steampunk architecture than for the dramas accommodated within
January 16, 2017
Anton Bitel
Little White Lies
TOP CRITIC
A fairly standard genre exercise, packed with light, detail, color, noise, and motion that add up to relatively little.
July 19, 2010
Tasha Robinson
AV Club
TOP CRITIC
Tale of the struggle for personal freedom in a futuristic, tyrannical society is light on action by contempo standards, and pic’s look is uninteresting, apart from occasionally bizarre backgrounds.
October 18, 2008
Derek Elley
Variety
TOP CRITIC
October 18, 2008 | Rating: 4/4
Susan Stark
Detroit News
TOP CRITIC
It smoothly blends outrageously diverse visual styles and emotional tones.
April 17, 2007
Lisa Alspector
Chicago Reader
TOP CRITIC
One of the most beautiful animated films ever produced.
December 30, 2006 | Rating: 2/5
Patrick Peters
Empire Magazine
TOP CRITIC
The storyline is semi-snoozy but the visuals are tremendous.
January 7, 2022
Chase Burns
The Stranger (Seattle, WA)
A thoroughly engaging and satisfying tribute to the noble history of its genre and its form.
June 19, 2020 | Rating: 4/5
Tim Brayton
Alternate Ending
Rintaro directs an intricate anime, which uses the plethora of its main characters to present a number of sociopolitical allegories and metaphors.
October 6, 2019
Panos Kotzathanasis
Asian Movie Pulse
Essentially, think of this as Fritz Lang for beginners – which is in no way a bad thing.
March 13, 2017 | Rating: 4/5
Steve Wright
SciFiNow
A spectacular if tonally incongruous reworking of Fritz Lang’s 1927 original.
January 16, 2017 | Rating: 3/5
Christopher Machell
CineVue
Com uma fabulosa direção de arte, uma animação expressiva e temas complexos, o filme representa um estímulo visual, intelectual e emocional intenso, resultando numa experiência fascinante.
January 23, 2010 | Rating: 5/5
Pablo Villaça
Cinema em Cena…
Plot
In a futuristic society, a Japanese detective and his nephew search for a dangerous scientist who has created a beautiful android named Tima, who is destined to control humanity’s future, in the visually stunning anime film, Metropolis.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Fresh Kernels doesn’t have anything goofy or funny or odd to say about the film Metropolis.
Rintaro.jpg
85%
Ni na bian ji dian (What Time Is It Over There?) (2001)
85%RT Audience Score: 79%
Awards & Nominations: 11 wins & 8 nominations
What Time Is It There? is a cinematic masterpiece that takes the viewer on a journey from Taiwan to France, exploring themes of alienation, loneliness, and the passage of time. Tsai’s direction is nothing short of brilliant, with his use of subliminal rhymes and deadpan humor creating a unique and unforgettable experience. While some may find the film’s pace slow, those with patience will be rewarded with a soaringly moving final scene that will leave them pondering the mysteries of life and death. This film is a must-see for anyone who appreciates intelligent and thought-provoking cinema.
What Time Is It There? is a movie that takes you on a wild ride from Taiwan to France, and from tragedy to deadpan comedy. It’s a one-of-a-kind film that will leave you feeling both confused and enlightened. The story may seem opaque at first, but if you have the patience, the rewards are great. Plus, the film’s final scene is so moving that it will make you want to cry and laugh at the same time. Overall, it’s a wise and deadpan humorous movie that will leave you pondering about the vagaries of time.
Production Company(ies)
Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios,
Distributor
Winstar Cinema
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
Taipei Hesien, Taiwan
MPAA / Certificate
Not Rated
Year of Release
2001
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.85 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 56m
-
Language(s):Mandarin, French, Min, Nan, English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Jan 18, 2002 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 20, 2002
Genre(s)
Comedy/Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Lee Kang-sheng, Shiang-chyi Chen, Chen Yi-ching, Miao Tien, Cecilia Yip, Jean-Pierre Léaud, directed by Ming-liang Tsai, written by Ming-liang Tsai, Pi-ying Yang, Comedy, Drama, Chinese language, Winstar Cinema, Dolby Stereo, Dolby A, Dolby SR, Dolby Digital, $193.0K box office, reviewed by Joshua Rothkopf, David Ansen, Kimberley Jones, Tony Rayns, Jamie Russell, Carrie Rickey, Yasser Medina, B Ruby Rich, Emanuel Levy, Derek Smith, Dennis Schwartz, Jason Anderson, loneliness, clocks, Paris, Taiwan, tragedy, deadpan comedy, alienation, desires, emptiness, loss, control, patience, elegant, haunting
Worldwide gross: $265,477
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $447,405
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,762
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 48,790
US/Canada gross: $195,760
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $329,912
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,429
US/Canada opening weekend: $27,936
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $47,080
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,231
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Shiang-chyi Chen – Shiang-chyi
Chen Yi-ching – Mother
Miao Tien – Father
Cecilia Yip – Woman in Paris
Jean-Pierre Léaud – Jean-Pierre, Man at the Cemetery
Director(s)
Ming-liang Tsai
Writer(s)
Ming-liang Tsai, Pi-ying Yang
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
11 wins & 8 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (54) | Top Critics (25) | Fresh (46) | Rotten (8)
Throughout, Tsai makes his rhymes work with an almost subliminal grace: from him to her, from clocks to hearts, from an ancient Paris graveyard to the modern passageways of locker-like columbaria…
March 16, 2020
Joshua Rothkopf
In These Times
TOP CRITIC
This wonderful, one-of-a-kind movie hops from Taiwan to France, from tragedy to deadpan comedy and, in its mysterious conclusion, from the worldly to the otherworldly.
March 7, 2018
David Ansen
Newsweek
TOP CRITIC
March 10, 2003 | Rating: 3/5
Kimberley Jones
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Tsai may be ploughing the same furrow once too often.
August 8, 2002
Tony Rayns
Sight & Sound
TOP CRITIC
If you’ve the patience, there are great rewards here.
June 11, 2002 | Rating: 4/5
Jamie Russell
BBC.com
TOP CRITIC
While its careful pace and seemingly opaque story may not satisfy every moviegoer’s appetite, the film’s final scene is soaringly, transparently moving.
March 28, 2002 | Rating: 3.5/4
Carrie Rickey
Philadelphia Inquirer
TOP CRITIC
It’s very concise when Tsai dialogues with topics such as alienation, loneliness and the repressed desires of three people who refuse to accept what time takes from them. [Full review in Spanish]
January 28, 2021 | Rating: 7/10
Yasser Medina
Cinemaficionados
It’s a hilarious conceit, which Tsai carries through with smart cinematic wit.
February 25, 2020
B. Ruby Rich
The Nation
July 4, 2005 | Rating: 4/5
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
The film’s understated humor and relatable character’s steer us towards feelings of compassion and understanding, rather than pity.
October 24, 2004 | Rating: 3/4
Derek Smith
Cinematic Reflections
Wise and deadpan humorous.
July 2, 2003 | Rating: A+
Dennis Schwartz
Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews
A funny and moving meditation on yearning, mourning and the vagaries of time.
March 25, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Jason Anderson
eye WEEKLY…
Plot
A street vendor in Taiwan forges a connection with a young woman on her way to Paris, exploring themes of loneliness and the passage of time in the process.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Jean-Pierre Léaud, known for his role in François Truffaut’s “The 400 Blows,” has a small part in “What Time Is It There?”
Ming-liang-Tsai.jpg
85%
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
85%RT Audience Score: 80%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 3 Oscars
17 wins & 69 nominations total
Though perhaps more enchanting for younger audiences, Chamber of Secrets is nevertheless both darker and livelier than its predecessor, expanding and improving upon the first film’s universe
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is like a rollercoaster ride that takes you on a journey filled with magic, adventure, and danger. The film is darker and funnier than its predecessor, and the pacing is much better. Although some critics found it repetitive, I found it to be a technical and visual masterpiece that kept me on the edge of my seat. The supporting characters may be annoying, but they add to the humor and family-friendly fun of the film. Overall, it’s a brilliant sequel that’s perfect for a teenage audience and anyone who loves a good dose of magic and mystery.
Production Company(ies)
K T C A Minneapolis Kartemquin Films, Sprockets Music
Distributor
Warner Bros. Pictures
Release Type
Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Alnwick Castle, Alnwick, Northumberland, England, UK
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG for some scary moments and mild language
Year of Release
2002
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:DTS-ES Dolby Digital EX 12-Track Digital Sound IMAX 6-Track
-
Aspect ratio:2.39 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 41m
-
Language(s):English, Latin
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 15, 2002 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 11, 2003
Genre(s)
Fantasy/Adventure
Keyword(s)
starring Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, Emma Watson, Kenneth Branagh, John Cleese, Robbie Coltrane, directed by Chris Columbus, written by Steve Kloves, J.K Rowling, Fantasy, Adventure, PG, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Namrata Joshi, Sukhdev Sandhu, Lizzie Rusbridger, Sam Adams, Philip Kerr, Joe Morgenstern, David Nusair, Film Companion Staff, Mike Massie, Leigh Paatsch, Debbie Lynn Elias, Guillem Martinez Oya, Dolby A, Surround, Dolby Digital, Dolby Stereo, Dolby SR, SDDS, DTS, Warner Bros Pictures, Harry Potter, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, dark force, Gilderoy Lockhart, Nearly Headless Nick, Rubeus Hagrid, Tom Riddle’s diary, death, blood-action packed
Worldwide gross: $1,017,713,119
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,715,140,162
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 27
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 187,038,186
US/Canada gross: $318,886,962
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $537,416,513
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 59
US/Canada opening weekend: $90,294,621
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $152,172,482
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 30
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $125,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $210,661,056
Production budget ranking: 93
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $113,440,979
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $1,391,038,127
ROI to date (est.): 429%
ROI ranking: 307
Rupert Grint – Ron Weasley
Emma Watson – Hermione Granger
Kenneth Branagh – Gilderoy Lockhart
John Cleese – Nearly Headless Nick
Robbie Coltrane – Rubeus Hagrid
Chris Columbus – Director
David Heyman – Producer
Steve Kloves – Writer
J.K. Rowling – Writer
Director(s)
Chris Columbus
Writer(s)
Steve Kloves, J.K. Rowling
Producer(s)
David Heyman
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 3 Oscars
17 wins & 69 nominations total
Academy Awards
All Critics (238) | Top Critics (64) | Fresh (196) | Rotten (42)
This time, the adventures of the world’s most famous young wizard come mixed with a stiff dose of the menacing.
January 4, 2019 | Rating: 2/4
Namrata Joshi
Outlook
TOP CRITIC
Director Chris Columbus has pushed the envelope farther, made a sequel that is pacier and more swashbuckling. Yet it still feels cautious and reined-in.
December 6, 2014
Sukhdev Sandhu
Daily Telegraph (UK)
TOP CRITIC
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is darker, funnier and finer than its forerunner Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.
December 6, 2014
Lizzie Rusbridger
Guardian
TOP CRITIC
Columbus’ pacing is still murderously slow, his ideas as pedestrian as the worst TV.
December 6, 2014
Sam Adams
Philadelphia City Paper
TOP CRITIC
Apart from a rather pointless cameo from Kenneth Branagh and a rather peaky-looking Richard Harris, in truth there was nothing in HP2 that we hadn’t already seen in HP1.
December 6, 2014
Philip Kerr
New Statesman
TOP CRITIC
This new Harry Potter has its flaws, but it’s better, as well as darker, than the first.
November 26, 2013
Joe Morgenstern
Wall Street Journal
TOP CRITIC
…a watchable (and impressively faithful) adaptation that never quite becomes as captivating or engrossing as one might’ve hoped…
November 25, 2021 | Rating: 2.5/4
David Nusair
Reel Film Reviews
Rather than better or worse, the films were almost an extension of the books, wonderfully bringing to life JK Rowling’s fantastical Wizarding World as the definitive franchise an entire generation grew up with.
October 27, 2020
Film Companion Staff
Film Companion
This time around, the humor and family-friendly fun can’t overcome the annoying supporting characters and repetition from the previous picture.
September 29, 2020 | Rating: 5/10
Mike Massie
Gone With The Twins
Brilliant stuff.
June 18, 2020 | Rating: 4.5/5
Leigh Paatsch
Herald Sun (Australia)
At 162 minutes, this sounds like a long film, but the time passes quickly…almost too quickly. A technical and visual masterpiece.
November 13, 2019
Debbie Lynn Elias
Behind The Lens
Good film directed for a teenage audience in which not only is magic taught but also how stereotypes affect it while the film itself recreates some British stereotypes. [Review in Spanish]
July 11, 2019 | Rating: 3.5/5
Guillem Martinez Oya
Cinematismo…
Plot
This is the tale of Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe), an ordinary eleven-year-old boy serving as a sort of slave for his aunt and uncle who learns that he is actually a wizard and has been invited to attend the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry is snatched away from his mundane existence by Rubeus Hagrid (Robbie Coltrane), the groundskeeper for Hogwarts, and quickly thrown into a world completely foreign to both him and the viewer. Famous for an incident that happened at his birth, Harry makes friends easily at his new school. He soon finds, however, that the wizarding world is far more dangerous for him than he would have imagined, and he quickly learns that not all wizards are ones to be trusted.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
There is no goofy or funny comment about the film in the Fresh Kernels database.
Chris-Columbus.jpg
85%
Donnie Darko: The Director’s Cut (2004)
85%RT Audience Score:
Awards & Nominations: 12 wins & 16 nominations
Review 1: “This movie was terrible. The acting was bad, the plot was boring, and the special effects were laughable. I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone.”
Review 2: “I found this cinematic endeavor to be a most lamentable experience. The thespian performances were lackluster, the narrative was insipid, and the visual effects were so preposterous as to elicit mirth rather than awe. I cannot in good conscience endorse this film to any discerning viewer.”
Review 3: “What a waste of time and money. The acting was so bad, I thought I was watching a high school play. The plot was predictable and unoriginal, and the special effects were so cheesy, I couldn’t help but cringe. Save yourself the agony and skip this one.”
Review 4: “Alas, this cinematic offering proved to be a most egregious squandering of both temporal and monetary resources. The histrionic performances were so subpar as to evoke memories of amateur dramatics, the narrative was a trite and hackneyed affair, and the visual effects were so risible as to elicit not gasps of wonder, but rather guffaws of derision. I would advise any discerning cinephile to eschew this film with all due haste.”
New Review: “It is with great regret that I must report on the latest cinematic endeavor that has graced our screens. This film, which shall remain nameless, was a most execrable affair. The thespian performances were so lackluster as to make one question the very existence of thespianism itself. The narrative was a trite and hackneyed affair, so bereft of originality that it could have been written by a computer algorithm. And the visual effects, oh the visual effects! They were so preposterous as to make one wonder if the filmmakers had ever seen a real-life object before. In short, this film was a most lamentable waste of time and money, and I would advise any discerning viewer to avoid it like the plague.
Review 1: “The acting in this movie was superb. The characters were well-developed and the plot was engaging. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.”
Review 2: “I loved the cinematography in this film. The shots were beautifully composed and the use of color was stunning. It was like watching a work of art come to life.”
Review 3: “The soundtrack for this movie was incredible. The music perfectly captured the mood of each scene and added an extra layer of emotion to the story.”
New Review: “Holy cow, this movie was a rollercoaster ride of emotions! The acting was so good, I felt like I was right there with the characters. And don’t even get me started on the cinematography – it was like watching a painting come to life! But the real MVP was the soundtrack. I mean, I was tapping my foot and humming along the whole time. Overall, this movie was a masterpiece and I can’t wait to watch it again (and again and again).
Production Company(ies)
Revolution Studios, Red Om Films, Hughes Entertainment,
Distributor
NA
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
4225 Country Club Drive, Long Beach, California, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for language, some drug use and violence
Year of Release
2001
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.35 : 1
-
Runtime:NA
-
Language(s):English
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:NA
Genre(s)
Thriller
Keyword(s)
starring Tom Hanks, directed by Robert Zemeckis, written by William Broyles Jr., genre: drama, box office performance: $429.9 million, budget: $90 million, reviewed by Roger Ebert, produced by Tom Hanks, MPAA rating: PG-13, survival, adventure, plane crash, island, friendship, hope, determination, transformation, rescue, cinematography, soundtrack, emotional, inspiring, gripping, intense, heartwarming, Tom Hanks performance, Robert Zemeckis direction, William Broyles Jr screenplay, Helen Hunt, Nick Searcy, Chris Noth, Lari White, Geoffrey Blake, Jenifer Lewis, David Allen Brooks, Paul Sanchez, Peter von Berg, Dmitri S Boudrine, Francois Duhamel, Don Burgess, Alan Silvestri, Chuck Auletti, Ken Ralston, Arthur Schmidt, William Goldenberg, Dennis Muren, Randy Thom, Tom Johnson, Ken Fischer, Doug Hemphill, Scott Millan, Greg P Russell, Karen O’Hara, Rick Carter, William James Teegarden, Leslie McDonald, Nancy Haigh, Joanna Johnston, Robert Zemeckis, Jack Rapke, Steve Starkey, Wendy Finerman, Cherylanne Martin, Joan Bradshaw, Steven J Boyd, Cast Away
Worldwide gross: $6,980,371
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $11,763,939
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,913
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 1,282,872
US/Canada gross: $1,478,493
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $2,491,687
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,981
US/Canada opening weekend: $110,494
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $186,214
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,690
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $6,000,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $10,111,731
Production budget ranking: 1,661
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $5,445,167
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): -$3,792,959
ROI to date (est.): -24%
ROI ranking: 1,527
Director(s)
NA
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
NA
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
12 wins & 16 nominations
Academy Awards
Plot
Donnie Darko doesn’t get along too well with his family, his teachers, and his classmates; but he does manage to find a sympathetic friend in Gretchen, who agrees to date him. He has a compassionate psychiatrist, who discovers hypnosis is the means to unlock hidden secrets. His other companion may not be a true ally. Donnie has a friend named Frank, a large bunny which only Donnie can see. When an engine falls off a plane and destroys his bedroom, Donnie is not there. Both the event, and Donnie’s escape, seem to have been caused by supernatural events.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
In the film “Skip to Main Content,” actor John Smith plays a character named Bob who is obsessed with collecting rubber ducks.
NA.jpg
85%
In the Bedroom (2001)
85%RT Audience Score: 81%
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for 5 Oscars
39 wins & 75 nominations total
Expertly crafted and performed, In the Bedroom is a quietly wrenching portrayal of grief
In the Bedroom is like a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but instead of loops and drops, it’s all about the ups and downs of a couple dealing with tragedy. The acting is so good, you’ll forget you’re watching a movie and start feeling like a fly on the wall of a real family’s life. And while some critics might say the ending feels a bit too planned out, I say it’s like a perfectly executed magic trick – you know it’s coming, but you still can’t believe how it all plays out. So grab some tissues and get ready for a wild ride.
Production Company(ies)
Bavaria Film Twin Bros., Productions, Radiant Film GmbH,
Distributor
Miramax Films
Release Type
Streaming, Theatrical
Filming Location(s)
Camden, Maine, USA
MPAA / Certificate
Rated R for some violence and language
Year of Release
2002
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:2.39:1
-
Runtime:2h 18m
-
Language(s):English, Serbo-Croatian
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Nov 23, 2001 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Aug 13, 2002
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Tom Wilkinson, Sissy Spacek, Marisa Tomei, Nick Stahl, William Mapother, William Wise, directed by Todd Field, written by Robert Festinger, Todd Field, Andre Dubus, drama, box office performance, budget, reviewed by Kimberley Jones, Ella Taylor, Neil Smith, Jay Boyar, Desson Thomson, Peter Howell, David Walsh, Felix Vasquez Jr., Joe Lozito, Emanuel Levy, Jeffrey Overstreet, Thomas Delapa, R MPAA rating, grief, tragedy, family dynamics, Maine, love affair, music teacher, doctor, single mother, revenge, minimalist, slow-paced, intense, emotional, ambiguous, effective, endearing, solid cast, powerful performances, everyday people, nature of revenge, grief of a loved one, tragedy, summer romance, newly divorced mother, strain on marriage
Worldwide gross: $44,763,181
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $74,242,537
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,164
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 8,096,242
US/Canada gross: $35,930,604
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $59,593,155
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 991
US/Canada opening weekend: $93,972
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $155,858
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 1,769
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): $1,700,000
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): $2,819,556
Production budget ranking: 1,987
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): $1,518,331
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): $69,904,650
ROI to date (est.): 1,611%
ROI ranking: 64
Tom Wilkinson – Matt Fowler
Nick Stahl – Frank Fowler
Marisa Tomei – Natalie Strout
William Mapother – Richard Strout
William Wise – Willis Grinnel
Director(s)
Todd Field
Writer(s)
Robert Festinger, Todd Field, Andre Dubus
Producer(s)
Todd Field, Ross Katz, Graham Leader
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
Nominated for 5 Oscars
39 wins & 75 nominations total
Academy Awards
Oscar Nominees
All Critics (139) | Top Critics (37) | Fresh (129) | Rotten (10)
March 10, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Kimberley Jones
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
Goes the distance to avoid banalizing the dilemma of a reasonable couple unhinged by unreasonable events.
August 12, 2002
Ella Taylor
L.A. Weekly
TOP CRITIC
Intense, superbly acted chamber piece.
January 21, 2002 | Rating: 4/5
Neil Smith
BBC.com
TOP CRITIC
So emotionally pure and rigorous that you’re more than willing to go along with it.
January 10, 2002
Jay Boyar
Orlando Sentinel
TOP CRITIC
The story and direction are powerful enough. But it’s the acting that takes In the Bedroom higher.
December 28, 2001
Desson Thomson
Washington Post
TOP CRITIC
Lingers in the mind, suffusing melancholy with the fateful pall of dread that hangs over all of life’s pleasures.
December 28, 2001
Peter Howell
Toronto Star
TOP CRITIC
The work lacks spontaneity and freshness. The spectator feels that he is being pulled by not-so invisible strings toward some inevitable denouement from the opening shots.
February 16, 2021
David Walsh
World Socialist Web Site
Much of the film’s unsettling nature is comprised of sheer silence which is often the most dangerous element…
April 29, 2009
Felix Vasquez Jr.
Cinema Crazed
July 14, 2007 | Rating: 4/4
Joe Lozito
Big Picture Big Sound
It’s tempting to compare this film to Ordinary People, since both deal with the reaction of upper-middle class family to the accidental death of their son, though new movie is more immediate, emotional and ambiguous.
October 25, 2006 | Rating: A-
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
The real story is in how the marriage is strengthened or harmed by the way each spouse responds to what’s happening.
January 15, 2005 | Rating: B+
Jeffrey Overstreet
Looking Closer
As top-drawer as the acting is, I simply can’t buy the laboriously plotted revenge ending, which seems to have crawled out of Perry Mason’s attic.
September 23, 2004
Thomas Delapa
Boulder Weekly…
Plot
In idyllic Mid-Coast Maine, the Fowler family’s only son Frank comes home from his freshman year at college for summer vacation. His mother Ruth, the school choir director, is unhappy with Frank dating soon-to-be divorced mother Natalie who is several years his senior, but Frank’s father Matt, the town doctor, doesn’t see a problem. While Frank considers holding off his future for Natalie, her jilted husband causes them all problems until an unthinkable tragedy shakes the community to its very core.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Sissy Spacek delivers a standout performance as Ruth Fowler.
Todd-Field.jpg
85%
All or Nothing (2002)
85%RT Audience Score: 81%
Awards & Nominations: NA
All or Nothing’s depiction of the working-class can be depressingly bleak, but the performances are wonderfully true to life
All or Nothing” is a movie that will make you feel like you’re watching a real-life family drama unfold. Some critics found it depressing, but I found it uplifting in a weird way. The characters are all flawed and struggling, but they’re also relatable and human. Mike Leigh did a great job of showing the ups and downs of life, from birth to death and everything in between. It’s not a feel-good movie, but it’s definitely worth watching if you want to see some great acting and a realistic portrayal of family life.
Production Company(ies)
Fantasy Films, Bryna Productions N.V., Zvaluw
Distributor
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
MPAA / Certificate
Rated PG-13 for sexual humor and language
Year of Release
2002
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby Digital
-
Aspect ratio:1.78 : 11.85 : 1
-
Runtime:2h 8m
-
Language(s):
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Oct 25, 2002 Original
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 18, 2003
Genre(s)
Drama
Keyword(s)
starring Timothy Spall, Lesley Manville, Alison Garland, James Corden, Ruth Sheen, Marion Bailey, Sally Hawkins, directed by Mike Leigh, written by Mike Leigh, drama, R rating, box office gross $112.9K, reviewed by Anton Bitel, John Anderson, Andrew Sarris, Jay Boyar, Adam Nayman, Connie Ogle, David Walsh, Emanuel Levy, Michael Dequina, Steve Crum, Urban Cinefile Critics, Penny, Phil, Rachel, Rory, Maureen, Carol, Simon Channing Williams, Alain Sarde, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, surround sound
Worldwide gross: NA
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): NA
US/Canada gross: NA
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend:
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): NA
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): NA
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Lesley Manville – Penny
Alison Garland – Rachel
James Corden – Rory
Ruth Sheen – Maureen
Marion Bailey – Carol
Director(s)
Mike Leigh
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Simon Channing Williams, Alain Sarde
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
NA
Academy Awards
All Critics (94) | Top Critics (31) | Fresh (77) | Rotten (17)
Leigh cuts between and through the potential soapiness of these different family dramas to show a broader mosaic of the human condition, defined by birth, death, and all – or nothing – that happens in between.
November 19, 2021
Anton Bitel
Little White Lies
TOP CRITIC
Mike Leigh goes spelunking in search of the English soul, finds gold.
May 28, 2003 | Rating: 3.5/4
John Anderson
Newsday
TOP CRITIC
For close to two hours the audience is forced to endure three terminally depressed, mostly inarticulate, hyper dysfunctional families for the price of one.
January 17, 2003
Andrew Sarris
Observer
TOP CRITIC
An unsentimental, but nevertheless touching and sincere, reflection on the meaning of family and the fragility of love.
December 5, 2002 | Rating: 4/5
Jay Boyar
Orlando Sentinel
TOP CRITIC
This is an elegantly balanced movie — every member of the ensemble has something fascinating to do — that doesn’t reveal even a hint of artifice.
November 19, 2002 | Rating: 4/5
Adam Nayman
eye WEEKLY
TOP CRITIC
The film feels uncomfortably real, its language and locations bearing the unmistakable stamp of authority.
November 15, 2002 | Rating: 2.5/4
Connie Ogle
Miami Herald
TOP CRITIC
In any event, the great strength of Leigh’s best work is the sensitivity and utter seriousness with which he approaches the external and internal lives of his characters.
February 16, 2021
David Walsh
World Socialist Web Site
January 20, 2013 | Rating: B
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
It’s all quite tough going, but the actors make it difficult to look away.
January 27, 2009 | Rating: 3/4
Michael Dequina
TheMovieReport.com
On the surface, a dreary, knuckles-down tale of a working class London family.
November 1, 2004 | Rating: B+
Steve Crum
Kansas City Kansan
All Or Nothing may seem depressing, but in fact uplifts us.
April 26, 2003
Urban Cinefile Critics
Urban Cinefile
Grim but really good.
February 27, 2003 | Rating: A
Mark Robison
Reno Gazette-Journal…
Plot
When an unexpected tragedy occurs, a working-class couple, Penny and Phil, are brought together to rediscover their love and find joy in their lives again, despite their struggles with their jobs and family.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Ruth Sheen’s performance as Maureen steals the show with her fragile warmth and weakly reassuring smile.
Mike-Leigh.jpg
85%
Trembling Before G-d (2001)
85%RT Audience Score:
Awards & Nominations: 8 wins & 3 nominations
Trembling Before G-d is a groundbreaking documentary that delves into the complex and often heartbreaking experiences of gay Orthodox Jews. While the film’s style may not be particularly innovative, its subject matter is both powerful and thought-provoking. Through the lens of Rabbi Steven Greenberg, the first openly gay Orthodox rabbi, the film explores the tension between faith and desire, and the struggle to reconcile one’s sexuality with deeply held religious beliefs. With skillful documentary techniques and a compassionate approach, Trembling Before G-d is a must-see for anyone interested in the intersection of religion and sexuality.
Trembling Before G-d is a documentary that explores the struggles of gay Orthodox Jews as they try to reconcile their sexuality with their religious beliefs. While the subject matter is groundbreaking, the film’s style is not particularly innovative. However, the documentary is beautifully executed and creates compassion for these outsiders. Plus, it has a hero in Rabbi Steven Greenberg, the first openly gay Orthodox rabbi, whose joyousness stands in marked contrast to the pervasive suffering. Overall, it’s a powerful and important film that sheds light on an often-overlooked issue. Plus, it’s a great reminder that we should always strive to be true to ourselves, no matter what obstacles we may face.
Production Company(ies)
K&SFilms, El Deseo Televisión Federal
Distributor
New Yorker Films
Release Type
Filming Location(s)
USA
MPAA / Certificate
Not Rated
Year of Release
2001
-
Color:Color
-
Sound mix:Dolby SR
-
Aspect ratio:1.66 : 1
-
Runtime:1h 24m
-
Language(s):English, Yiddish, Hebrew
-
Country of origin:United States
-
Release date:Release Date (Theaters): Oct 24, 2001 Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2007
Genre(s)
Documentary
Keyword(s)
Trembling Before G-d, documentary, faith, sexuality, religious fundamentalism, Hasidic Jews, Orthodox Jews, gay, lesbian, Biblical prohibitions, personal stories, Judaism, Divine, intelligence, compassion, Sandi Simcha DuBowski, directed by Sandi Simcha DuBowski, produced by Sandi Simcha DuBowski, produced by Marc Smolowitz, Philippa Kowarsky, James Velaise, Susan Korda, New Yorker Films, box office, gross USA, $788.9K, MPAA rating, critic reviews, reviewed by Brandon Judell, Jamie Russell, Eleanor Ringel Cater, Geoff Pevere, Ray Conlogue, Marjorie Baumgarten, Bruce Shenitz, B Ruby Rich, Louis Proyect, Emanuel Levy, Jordan Hiller, Anton Bitel, audience reviews, directed by, produced by, written by, starring
Worldwide gross: $788,896
Worldwide gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,329,517
Worldwide gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,523
Worldwide tickets sold (est.): 144,986
US/Canada gross: $788,896
US/Canada gross (inflation-adjusted): $1,329,517
US/Canada gross ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,117
US/Canada opening weekend: $21,410
US/Canada opening weekend (inflation-adjusted): $36,082
US/Canada opening weekend ranking (inflation-adjusted): 2,305
Budget and Earnings Details
Production budget (est.): NA
Production budget (inflation-adjusted): NA
Production budget ranking: NA
Marketing and distribution budget (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
Box office net earnings to date (inflation-adjusted est.): NA
ROI to date (est.): NA
ROI ranking: NA
Sandi Simcha DuBowski – Producer
Marc Smolowitz – Producer
Philippa Kowarsky – Co-Producer
James Velaise – Co-Producer
Susan Korda – Film Editing
Director(s)
Sandi Simcha DuBowski
Writer(s)
NA
Producer(s)
Sandi Simcha DuBowski, Marc Smolowitz
Film Festivals
Awards & Nominations
8 wins & 3 nominations
Academy Awards
All Critics (63) | Top Critics (23) | Fresh (56) | Rotten (7)
A profoundly touching look at the plight of gay Orthodox Jews who are trying to integrate their sexuality with their religious beliefs. While the style is not innovative, the subject matter is groundbreaking.
June 28, 2014
Brandon Judell
indieWire
TOP CRITIC
This insightful documentary simmers with a fury that’s passionate enough not to need spelling out.
May 20, 2003 | Rating: 4/5
Jamie Russell
BBC.com
TOP CRITIC
A unique documentary about the crisis confronting gay and lesbian Jews who wish to remain part of the Orthodox and Hasidic branches of Judaism.
December 12, 2002 | Rating: B
Eleanor Ringel Cater
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
TOP CRITIC
To the film’s considerable credit, it focuses on the power of faith more than on the power of desire.
July 19, 2002 | Rating: 3/5
Geoff Pevere
Toronto Star
TOP CRITIC
A remarkable film, for thoughtful people of all beliefs.
July 19, 2002 | Rating: 3/4
Ray Conlogue
Globe and Mail
TOP CRITIC
DuBowski’s skillful documentary techniques aid in creating compassion for these outsiders.
June 2, 2002 | Rating: 3/5
Marjorie Baumgarten
Austin Chronicle
TOP CRITIC
A beautifully executed documentary.
May 25, 2022
Bruce Shenitz
Out Magazine
Happily, the film has a hero: Rabbi Steven Greenberg, the first openly gay Orthodox rabbi, whose joyousness stands in marked contrast to the pervasive suffering.
February 25, 2020
B. Ruby Rich
The Nation
Powerful documentary about the struggle of gay and lesbian orthodox Jews to reconcile their beliefs and their desires
May 4, 2007
Louis Proyect
rec.arts.movies.reviews
June 19, 2005 | Rating: 4/5
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
Trembling Before G-d, by no stretch a well constructed documentary film, is an important breakthrough for Jewish orthodoxy because ignoring a consistent problem helps no one.
November 30, 2004 | Rating: 2.5
Jordan Hiller
Bangitout.com
March 27, 2004 | Rating: 4/10
Anton Bitel
Movie Gazette…
Plot
Built around intimately-told personal stories of Hasidic and Orthodox Jews who are gay or lesbian, the film portrays a group of people who face a profound dilemma – how to reconcile their passionate love of Judaism and the Divine with the drastic Biblical prohibitions that forbids homosexuality.
Trivia
Goofs / Tidbits
Nothing to add here about Trembling Before G-d.
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