The Saddest Music in the World (2004)

"One of those metaphoric weird-out flicks that takes mors pride in shocking than telling an interesting tale."

The Santa Clause (1994)

"The new DVD doesn’t have enough extras to merit its special-edition packaging, but the kids will probably have fun anyway."

Saving Face (2005)

"First-time writer-director Alice Wu has taken the usual romance formula and given it cultural pizzazz."

Scenes from a Marriage (1973)

"It peels the skin off marriage to see how it really ticks."

School of Rock (2003)

"The movie rolls along with the attitude of children’s classics like , never talking down to the youngsters in the cast or the audience."

The Scorpion King (2002)

"Considering the movie’s lightweight nature, the DVD treatment is especially fine."

Secondhand Lions (2003)

"Packed with adventure, humor and straight-forward drama, Lions is the type of movie I loved as a kid and clearly I haven’t outgrown the formula."

Secretary (2002)

"It is . . . undeniably absorbing, playing like a great book. As the film splays across the screen, you may find yourself anticipating each new page, err frame."

Sex in Chains (1928)

"Sensational, wacky and fun."

Shall We Dance? (2004)

"Possesses a sunny optimism that filmgoers don't regularly see."

Shanghai Knights (2003)

"If you’re looking for uninspired, redundant comedy, cable TV offers plenty of inexpensive alternatives."

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

"For a comedy, the material is awfully bloody. But it's good, silly fun nonetheless."

Shrek 2 (2004)

"One viewing isn’t enough. There’s layer upon layer of visual gags, and in many cases, they’re funnier than those in the dialogue."

Signs (2002)

"Is Signs deep with meaning or just a cheesy alien flick?"

The Simpsons - The Complete Fourth Season (1992)

"This is the first season where the show stumbles. The makers eschew strong overall stories in favor of strong scenes and gags."

Sin (2003)

"Lacks the tension and cohesion that might have made it good."

The Singing Detective (2003)

"The concept is clever, but the film's parts don't fit well and the main character is one of the least likable you'll find."

Sketches of Frank Gehry (2006)

"Sketches isn't for everyone, as enjoyment requires at least an elementary interest in architecture or art. Anyone who meets that requirement will receive not only a nice portrait of Gehry the person, but a great survey of his work."

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

"One of the finest of all Hollywood romantic comedies."

Smallville - Season 2 (2002)

"Filled with screenwriting problems, but the characters rescue the season -- almost."

Snow Dogs (2002)

"While kids will probably eat the whole thing up, most adults will be way ahead of the plot."

Solaris (1972)

"This movie is divine like an Italian cathedral: It’s solemn, huge in scope and deeply meditative."

Something's Gotta Give (2003)

""Something's Gotta Give" makes for good repeat viewing on DVD. "

Son of the Mask (2005)

"It took little effort to push Son of the Mask from memory. Sadly, my duties as a critic have forced me to recall it, and the flashbacks aren’t pretty."

A Sound of Thunder (2005)

"There's plenty of room to poke holes in the premise, but folks willing to suspend disbelief can still have a good time."