S1m0ne (2002)

"Simone doesn't have anything to say about the vapidity of celebrity culture, other than the obvious."

Sade (2002)

"In Auteil's less dramatic but equally incisive performance, he's a charismatic charmer likely to seduce and conquer."

The Safety of Objects (2003)

"Much of the film improves as it goes, with the help of veterans Close and Clarkson."

Saint Ralph (2005)

"You can't argue with the message. But its well-worn homilies might give you reason to question the messenger."

Sammy and Me (2002)

"Has enough good stuff to make it enjoyable."

Saraband (2005)

"For those inclined to search for psychological twists, the film offers plenty of Freudian situations capable of provoking lengthy discussions. For the film buff, the discussions will turn to a Bergman still at the peak of his craft."

The Savages (2007)

"The humor in The Savages is born out of the performances by Linney and Hoffman, two actors who can convey as much about their characters as the ones around them with a seemingly effortless, instinctual ability."

Saved! (2004)

"Once its premise is established, Saved! doesn't have anywhere to go, repetition creeps in, and jokes that might have otherwise been funny start eliciting groans instead."

Saving Silverman (2001)

"A relentless misfire, ineptly stealing from a number of crude but more ably executed comedies."

Say It Isn't So (2001)

"The last hour is pure torture -- because it forces a group of likable actors to mug their way through a procession of scattershot situations that lack any kind of comic pop or ingenuity."

School of Rock (2003)

"Achieves its ecstatic, giddy high because it is peopled by immensely likable, endearing characters, all led by the tireless Black, who could make even the staunchest country music fan believe that rock 'n' roll can, in fact, change the world."

The Science of Sleep (2006)

"As charming and inventive as Gondry's fanciful visions are, they aren't enough to substitute for the lack of an involving story."

Scooby-Doo - The Movie (2002)

"A tiresome, repetitive film that is in no way going to hold up to repeated viewings, neither for kids who think flatulence is hilarious nor young adults desperately seeking camp."

The Score (2001)

"Its single-mindedness still makes for a refreshing change from the preposterous bloat of most contemporary action movies."

Scotland, PA (2002)

"Scotland, PA is Macbeth done with bell-bottoms, fast food and absolutely no pretension. It's that last bit that makes this amiable, shaggy Shakespeare satire so engaging -- and so disposable, too."

Seabiscuit (2003)

"A genuinely inspirational film."

Secondhand Lions (2003)

"Even without handicapping for the limitations of its gentle genre, the film has moments of whimsical humor and thoughtful plotting that soar tantalizingly close to something that could be enjoyed on its own merits."

The Secret Life of Bees (2008)

"This is woefully familiar material, and Prince-Bythewood overdirects the film, draining it of the messiness of real life in favor of a syrupy sweetness that threatens to drown you."

Secret Lives: Hidden Children and Their Rescuers During WWII (2002)

"The stories touch our sensibilities, but the documentary never sugarcoats the childrens' experiences."

Secretary (2002)

"The characters in Secretary never feel the least bit human."

Seducing Dr. Lewis (2004)

"Heart-warming fun it is, and heck, after getting to know its quirky people, it might not be that bad moving to Ste. Marie-la- Mauderne."

Sentenced to Marriage (2004)

"For the uninformed, Zuria's film comes as a shocking revelation."

Separate Lies (2005)

"A chilly, intelligent and absorbing drama about infidelity, ethics and forgiveness."

The September Issue (2009)

"In director R.J. Cutler's snappy documentary about the making of the September 2007 issue of Vogue editor Anna Wintour exhibits an icy, unflappable veneer."

Serenity (2005)

"A lot more sweaty fun than the last three overhyped, sterile, for-dorks-only Star Wars cartoons."