Rotten 2/4
| Rotten 12%
| Did You Hear About the Morgans? (2009) | "
The cliché-ridden dialogue is delivered with no feeling or conviction and a predictable ending leaves you wanting more. The supporting players are given little to do, but outshine the marquee names." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Dec 19, 2009 |
Fresh 3.5/4
| Fresh 91%
| Up in the Air (2009) | "
This crowd-pleaser is currently the frontrunner to win the Oscar for best film of 2009. The talented Kendrick in a breakthrough role is the spark plug in this enterprise." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Dec 19, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Fresh 84%
| Avatar (2009) | "
James Cameron, in his first feature film since "Titanic" in 1997, has the right to reclaim the title of King of the (Cinematic) World with this monumental epic." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Dec 19, 2009 |
Rotten 2/4
| Fresh 67%
| The Private Lives of Pippa Lee (2009) | "
The movie holds your interest with a series of loosely connected episodes, but leaves you in a frozen and distant state." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Dec 12, 2009 |
Fresh 3.5/4
| Fresh 88%
| Red Cliff (2009) | "
This is one of the best foreign language films of 2009. Woo demonstrates a storytelling style of swiftness and grandeur that has been compared to the samurai classics of Akira Kurosawa." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Dec 12, 2009 |
Fresh 4/4
| Fresh 83%
| The Princess and the Frog (2009) | "
This wholesome viewing experience will capture the beating heart of the inner child existing in all of us." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Dec 12, 2009 |
Fresh 4/4
| Fresh 77%
| Invictus (2009) | "
When you attend a movie directed by Clint Eastwood, you feel like you are in the presence of greatness." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Dec 12, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Fresh 90%
| The Messenger (2009) | "
Foster and Harrelson have a winning camaraderie as they develop a bond of trust and friendship. Both performances are memorable and deserve year-end awards consideration." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Nov 26, 2009 |
Fresh 2.5/4
| Fresh 91%
| Precious: Based on the Novel PUSH by Sapphire (2009) | "
The acting is stupendous and rises above the material. An almost unrecognizable Mariah Carey appears in a supporting role as a welfare counselor." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Nov 21, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Fresh 94%
| Revanche (2009) | "
The precise camera placement in every scene brings the audience an up-close and personal vantage point. The sights and sounds of nature play an integral part in the story." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Nov 21, 2009 |
Fresh 3.5/4
| Fresh 94%
| An Education (2009) | "
This cinematic gem is an ironclad lock to be nominated for best picture of the year." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Nov 21, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Rotten 28%
| The Twilight Saga: New Moon (2009) | "
The sequel will not disappoint the avid readers of Stephenie Meyer's bestselling four-book series or the rabid fan base of women, especially teenage girls. The strong storytelling keeps you engaged even if you have not read the book." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Nov 21, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Rotten 39%
| 2012 (2009) | "
The movie never takes its foot off the accelerator, leaving the viewer with little time to breathe. You will be sorry if you have to take a bathroom break." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Nov 14, 2009 |
Fresh 2.5/4
| Rotten 54%
| The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009) | "
The movie gets off to a strong start that is both amusing and highly entertaining but it can't maintain the high level of incredulity. It drags, sputters and then loses its fizz." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Nov 6, 2009 |
Fresh 3.5/4
| Fresh 65%
| Coco Before Chanel (2009) | "
This guilty pleasure costume drama leaves you wanting to know more about this extraordinary woman considered one of the most influential in the 20th century. Let's hope that Fontaine can do a follow-up with "After" in the title." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Nov 6, 2009 |
Rotten 2/4
| Rotten 55%
| Disney's A Christmas Carol (2009) | "
Scrooge's ultimate transformation to kindness and charity comes too late and is given little screen time. Carrey never gets a chance to be the funny comedian that has endeared him to his legion of fans." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Nov 6, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Fresh 86%
| The Baader Meinhof Complex (2009) | "
The acting is top drawer and everyone behind the camera is technically proficient with a workmanlike approach. The monumental task of editing by Alexander Berner deserves special mention." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Oct 30, 2009 |
Fresh 2.5/4
| Fresh 87%
| Amreeka (2009) | "
The movie is insightful in its depiction of Palestinian suffering and the insensitivity of the United States. Faour is very appealing in the lead role, making great use of her hope-filled eyes." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Oct 30, 2009 |
Fresh 2.5/4
| Fresh 87%
| A Serious Man (2009) | "
Filmmaking brothers Joel and Ethan Coen explore their Jewish roots in their most personal film to date. You don't have to be Jewish to appreciate the subtle ethnic humor, but it wouldn't hurt." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Oct 30, 2009 |
Rotten 2/4
| Rotten 21%
| Amelia (2009) | "
The movie is weighted down by a weak and bland script, wooden acting and a sluggish pace. Boredom sets in at the 90-minute mark as a superficial approach makes all the characters seem one-dimensional." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Oct 24, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Fresh 73%
| More Than a Game (2009) | "
No make-believe Hollywood script could match this once-in-a-lifetime, all-American story." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Oct 24, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Rotten 32%
| The Burning Plain (2009) | "
Theron continues her string of terrific and daring thespian performances. She lays bare her body and soul in this unforgettable heartbreaking turn." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Oct 24, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Fresh 89%
| No Impact Man (2009) | "
This curiosity piece should stimulate interesting conversations about the lessons learned from the viewing experience." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Oct 16, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Rotten 24%
| Law Abiding Citizen (2009) | "
The crystal clear cinematography and superb lighting make effective use of aerial views of the City of Brotherly Love. The movie proceeds at a rivetingly brisk pace and never lets up on the accelerator." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Oct 16, 2009 |
Rotten 1.5/4
| Rotten 12%
| Couples Retreat (2009) | "
We have another durable candidate for a slew of Razzie Awards... Vaughn plays the same persona in every movie. He has a blustery, cocksure swagger on the outside while hiding his deep-seated insecurities." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Oct 10, 2009 |
Fresh 3.5/4
| Fresh 72%
| The Boys Are Back (2009) | "
This indie gem marks the arrival of Oscar season. McAnulty and Mackay give very natural performances that are real and genuine." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Oct 10, 2009 |
Fresh 2.5/4
| Rotten 57%
| The Invention of Lying (2009) | "
Comparisons can be drawn to the much funnier and more entertaining "Liar Liar" and "Yes Man" that both starred Jim Carrey." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Oct 2, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Fresh 92%
| Yoo-hoo, Mrs. Goldberg (2009) | "
Kempner did her homework in restoring from obscurity this trailblazing sitcom pioneer. The film is well-organized and filled with interesting trivia tidbits." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Oct 2, 2009 |
Fresh 3.5/4
| Fresh 75%
| Capitalism: A Love Story (2009) | "
The centerpiece of this documentary is a shocking and dynamic reel of archival footage." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Oct 2, 2009 |
Rotten 2/4
| Rotten 27%
| Fame (2009) | "
The movie is salvaged by a few well-choreographed dance numbers and some signature songs. The movie is geared to fans of MTV videos with short attention spans." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Sep 26, 2009 |
Rotten 2/4
| Fresh 86%
| Lorna's Silence (2009) | "
A unique filmmaking style that resembles near-documentary realism. If you were not aware that this was a movie, you would think you were watching surveillance footage recorded by a sophisticated private investigation firm." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Sep 18, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Rotten 18%
| Love Happens (2009) | "
You will want to have your tissues ready for the powerful emotional punch delivered by this film. Screenwriters Camp and Thompson break the mold with a story told with sincerity and honesty." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Sep 18, 2009 |
Fresh 2.5/4
| Rotten 58%
| 9 (2009) | "
This marks a promising beginning for Acker, who has a bright future in cinema. He just needs to polish his storytelling skills and keep the explanatory dialogue to a minimum." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Sep 10, 2009 |
Fresh 2.5/4
| Rotten 6%
| Whiteout (2009) | "
Beckinsale gives a standout performance as the smart and tough female protagonist. You root for her to prevail over the bad guys." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Sep 10, 2009 |
Rotten 1.5/4
| Rotten 6%
| All About Steve (2009) | "
The movie is trying to show the power of words and that there is no such thing as a "normal" person. It should garner a boatload of nominations for Razzie Awards that are given to the worst movies of the year." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Sep 3, 2009 |
Fresh 3.5/4
| Fresh 95%
| The Cove (2009) | "
This is the definite frontrunner to win the Oscar for best documentary. The movie makes a persuasive argument that dolphins are intelligent beings that do not belong in captivity." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Sep 3, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Fresh 88%
| Inglourious Basterds (2009) | "
This has to be regarded as the most unusual movie of the year. The movie is imaginative and so full of curveball ideas that you can't wait to see what will happen next." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Aug 20, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Rotten 38%
| The Time Traveler's Wife (2009) | "
This magical movie hits you in the emotional breadbasket and holds you in its enveloping grasp until its tearjerking conclusion." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Aug 14, 2009 |
Fresh 4/4
| Fresh 81%
| Departures (2009) | "
One of the best movies released this year, it will be included on my year-end top 10 list. This movie has a personal touch that never wears out its welcome..." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Aug 7, 2009 |
Fresh 2.5/4
| Fresh 75%
| Julie & Julia (2009) | "
Meryl Streep is simply stupendous in the lead role and the main reason to see the movie. Her classy impersonation is worthy of year-end awards recognition." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Aug 7, 2009 |
Rotten 2/4
| Fresh 68%
| Funny People (2009) | "
There is not a single character in the entire movie worth caring about. The most genuine laughs come when the cast plays the peanut butter game. A person lies on the kitchen floor, spreads peanut butter on his or her face and has a dog lick it off." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Jul 30, 2009 |
Fresh 3.5/4
| Fresh 89%
| Séraphine (2008) | "
Moreau gives a dominating, award-worthy performance. The combination of the beautiful scenery, musical score and art work resonate into a sensory epiphany for the audience." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Jul 30, 2009 |
Fresh 3.5/4
| Fresh 86%
| 500 Days of Summer (2009) | "
This movie had me at hello with its unique and captivating fragmented style of presentation." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Jul 30, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Rotten 14%
| The Ugly Truth (2009) | "
This must-see date movie provides valuable insights into the mysteries of what makes men and women tick." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Jul 23, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Rotten 54%
| The Stoning of Soraya M. (2009) | "
The magnificent performance by Aghdashloo is worth the price of admission." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Jul 16, 2009 |
Fresh 3.5/4
| Fresh 73%
| American Violet (2009) | "
Newcomer Beharie gives a polished performance that deserves awards consideration." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Jul 16, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Fresh 83%
| Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (2009) | "
The bottom line is, you can't get off the Hogwarts express train now, because there are more groundbreaking revelations and magic tricks up the sleeves of this franchise..." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Jul 16, 2009 |
Rotten 2/4
| Rotten 15%
| I Love You, Beth Cooper (2009) | "
This movie, like the title character, is a tease that offers nothing new and original." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Jul 10, 2009 |
Fresh 3/4
| Fresh 93%
| Summer Hours (2009) | "
The acting is superb and the cinematography is top drawer. French films are not shy about tackling real-life issues in a meaningful way" — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Jul 10, 2009 |
Fresh 3.5/4
| Fresh 96%
| Food, Inc. (2009) | "
The old adage "you are what you eat" is more true than you would have thought." — Entertainment Spectrum Posted Jul 10, 2009 |
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