|
3/4
|
47%
|
The Great Gatsby (2013) |
"
It is DiCaprio who really burrows into the soul and the marrow of a classic. Luhrmann just grazes it."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted May 8, 2013
|
|
2/4
|
56%
|
Oblivion (2013) |
"
The mix of gee-whiz gadgetry and the day-to-day routineness of Jack and Victoria's lives is interesting enough, but the film is too glacially paced for it to work."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Apr 17, 2013
|
|
3/4
|
48%
|
Olympus Has Fallen (2013) |
"
There's no reason to overthink this. Just leave your brain at the lobby and enjoy 2013's most entertaining thriller yet."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Mar 20, 2013
|
|
2.5/4
|
60%
|
Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) |
"
Oz the Great and Powerful is entirely serviceable family entertainment. Problem is, serviceable doesn't quite cut it when you're talking about the magical land of Oz."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Mar 8, 2013
|
|
3/4
|
52%
|
Jack the Giant Slayer (2013) |
"
This grotesque world is imaginatively, magically rendered with heavy stone architecture and a dreary lack of adornment. It's such an intriguing place that you wouldn't mind staying a bit longer."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Feb 28, 2013
|
|
3/4
|
85%
|
Side Effects (2013) |
"
A doozy of a Hitchcockian thriller with Jude Law, Rooney Mara and Catherine Zeta-Jones, Effects is a go-for-broke valentine to '80s cinematic psychological potboilers."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Feb 7, 2013
|
|
2/4
|
32%
|
Gangster Squad (2013) |
"
As they'd say back in the day: Sweetheart, give me rewrite."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Jan 9, 2013
|
|
3/4
|
76%
|
Killing Them Softly (2012) |
"
The scenes between Pitt and Gandolfini are the highlights of "Killing," with the two actors pivoting off each other with the ease and precision of gymnasts."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Nov 28, 2012
|
|
3.5/4
|
88%
|
Life of Pi (2012) |
"
With "Life of Pi," Lee outdoes himself visually, without a doubt setting a new standard for 3-D, a technology Hollywood has mostly abused with crass recklessness."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Nov 19, 2012
|
|
3/4
|
48%
|
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 (2012) |
"
Rather than repeat past mistakes by handling author Stephenie Meyer's supernatural love story with kid gloves, this "Twilight" cuts loose and is as playful as a puppy."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Nov 15, 2012
|
|
3.5/4
|
92%
|
Silver Linings Playbook (2012) |
"
"Playbook" walks a tightrope in how it portrays mental illness -- deriving humor out of its characters' actions while demonstrating just how deep-rooted their problems are."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Nov 14, 2012
|
|
3.5/4
|
100%
|
The Waiting Room (2012) |
"
"The Waiting Room" doesn't have [the] answers, but it does tap into the heart and soul of what's so critically at stake."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Oct 18, 2012
|
|
4/4
|
96%
|
Argo (2012) |
"
Affleck captures not just the way we looked and acted during this era, but vividly brings history to life."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Oct 9, 2012
|
|
3/4
|
87%
|
Frankenweenie (2012) |
"
If dark and twisted is how you like your Burton movies, you're in luck."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Oct 2, 2012
|
|
4/4
|
93%
|
Looper (2012) |
"
"Looper" is a superior genre film, an engrossing thriller that engages not only the senses, but our minds as well, just as good sci-fi should do."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Sep 27, 2012
|
|
4/4
|
86%
|
The Master (2012) |
"
The first time watching is like breezing past a piece of beautiful art, being stunned, uncertain and intrigued by it. The second time can only encourage more interpretation, reflection and understanding."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Sep 19, 2012
|
|
3.5/4
|
90%
|
Keep the Lights On (2012) |
"
Sachs makes us feel the struggle as he exposes raw, complex emotions while avoiding clichés."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Sep 12, 2012
|
|
1.5/4
|
22%
|
The Words (2012) |
"
It becomes preoccupied with exploring its fiction vs. reality theme and connecting the dots of its many plot strands at the expense of character development."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Sep 6, 2012
|
|
3/4
|
76%
|
Premium Rush (2012) |
"
A snappy, fast-paced thriller that provides a genuine rush to close out the summer. Even if you prefer four wheels over two, you're in for a pulse-pounding time."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Aug 23, 2012
|
|
3/4
|
87%
|
ParaNorman (2012) |
"
It delivers a potent, multipronged fable that touches on meaty themes, from bullying to dealing with death. It also delivers an especially resonant message about not succumbing to a cult of fear."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Aug 16, 2012
|
|
3/4
|
65%
|
The Campaign (2012) |
"
It revels in showing the absurdity of politics as usual, touching on gaffes and scandals we all know too well."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Aug 9, 2012
|
|
2.5/4
|
31%
|
Total Recall (2012) |
"
After a rousing setup, this visually striking remake falls back much too heavily on its action roots, with one chase scene after another and another. After a while, it's tedious."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Aug 1, 2012
|
|
2.5/4
|
16%
|
The Watch (2012) |
"
Fortunately, everyone in the cast steps up to the plate and tags the bases convincingly."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Jul 25, 2012
|
|
3.5/4
|
51%
|
Savages (2012) |
"
With "Savages," Stone gets his mojo back and pulp-fiction fans are all the better for it."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Jul 3, 2012
|
|
3/4
|
73%
|
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) |
"
Even though the story is familiar it's hand to not get drawn into its own unique web."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Jun 29, 2012
|
|
3/4
|
80%
|
Magic Mike (2012) |
"
For those who want to surrender to a good time, let these well-drawn fellas and Soderbergh's attention to detail entertain you."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Jun 27, 2012
|
|
2/4
|
35%
|
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter (2012) |
"
"Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter," which boasts one of the best film titles ever, just grazes its target."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Jun 20, 2012
|
|
3/4
|
48%
|
Snow White and the Huntsman (2012) |
"
Snow does earn top billing, but don't be fooled: This film belongs to the Oscar-winning Theron, who sinks her talons into the killer part, making every snarl and outburst such wicked, cruel fun to behold."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted May 30, 2012
|
|
2.5/4
|
70%
|
Men in Black III (2012) |
"
Like an alien trapped in a human host, a better movie is itching to burst out of "Men in Black 3.""
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted May 23, 2012
|
|
2.5/4
|
34%
|
Battleship (2012) |
"
Not all of "Battleship" works. But even when you're laughing at it -- not with it -- the blockbuster remains silly fun, leaks and all."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted May 16, 2012
|
|
2/4
|
38%
|
Dark Shadows (2012) |
"
"Shadows" leaves us with the sense that this isn't the last time we'll be seeing Barnabas and company. One can only hope that next time they'll work out the kinks."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted May 9, 2012
|
|
3.5/4
|
93%
|
Marvel's The Avengers (2012) |
"
Even those who don't know a Marvel hero from a DC caped crusader will find themselves having a grand time. That's because Whedon manages to tap the inner fanboy and fangirl dormant in us all."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted May 1, 2012
|
|
2.5/4
|
64%
|
The Five-Year Engagement (2012) |
"
A decent-enough romantic comedy with some edge."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Apr 26, 2012
|
|
1.5/4
|
20%
|
The Lucky One (2012) |
"
"The Lucky One" left me stone cold."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Apr 19, 2012
|
|
3.5/4
|
87%
|
Bully (2012) |
"
It presents a dramatic case for creating supportive communities that will stand up to those being bullied in the world. Now the onus is on all of us to play our part in making it happen."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Apr 11, 2012
|
|
2/4
|
44%
|
American Reunion (2012) |
"
A mediocre and all-too obvious sequel that utterly fails to recapture the youthful spark of its original."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Apr 4, 2012
|
|
1.5/4
|
26%
|
Wrath of the Titans (2012) |
"
It takes a CliffsNotes approach to mythology, fleecing it of both the drama and the fun. The gods certainly won't be smiling on this one."
—
San Jose Mercury News
Posted Mar 28, 2012
|
|
|
85%
|
The Hunger Games (2012) |
"
The futuristic film is just as gripping and moving as the best-seller on which it's based."
—
Contra Costa Times
Posted Mar 20, 2012
|
|
3.5/4
|
85%
|
21 Jump Street (2012) |
"
It's a rowdy, massively entertaining ride done with wild wit and creative abandon. Now, bring on the sequel!"
—
Contra Costa Times
Posted Mar 15, 2012
|
|
3/4
|
67%
|
Friends With Kids (2012) |
"
Westfeldt is so radiant, decent and likable that you, too, will fall in love with her."
—
Contra Costa Times
Posted Mar 7, 2012
|
|
2.5/4
|
27%
|
Project X (2012) |
"
Project X is the geeky teenage guy's ultimate fantasy gone insane."
—
Contra Costa Times
Posted Mar 2, 2012
|
|
3/4
|
65%
|
The Woman in Black (2012) |
"
Director Watkins and company are masters at getting under our skin and straight into our nightmares."
—
Contra Costa Times
Posted Feb 1, 2012
|
|
3/4
|
39%
|
Red Tails (2012) |
"
If you like history served up as engaging entertainment, where the fact is mixed with the fiction and the spectacle with the emotion, strap yourself in, because "Red Tails" is one fun ride."
—
Contra Costa Times
Posted Jan 19, 2012
|
|
3.5/4
|
86%
|
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) |
"
Fincher has a proven track record sifting through the dark corridors of human nature. Tattoo is welcome addition to that canon, a ripping yarn that never lags during its 2 hours and 40 minutes."
—
Contra Costa Times
Posted Dec 20, 2011
|
|
3.5/4
|
94%
|
Hugo (2011) |
"
The film demands patience from children and adults alike -- in fact, it's simply too slow for young viewers -- but like great literature, if you immerse yourself in it, the rewards are plentiful."
—
Contra Costa Times
Posted Dec 1, 2011
|
|
4/4
|
98%
|
The Artist (2011) |
"
Now, that's what I call entertainment."
—
Contra Costa Times
Posted Dec 1, 2011
|
|
3/4
|
84%
|
My Week with Marilyn (2011) |
"
Just try to peel your eyes away from the blonde bombshell as she wistfully brings Marilyn's help-me vulnerability and sexy allure to life."
—
Contra Costa Times
Posted Nov 22, 2011
|
|
2.5/4
|
24%
|
Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 (2011) |
"
Of the four Twilight movies, Breaking Dawn -- Part I has the most going on and the most going for it."
—
Contra Costa Times
Posted Nov 17, 2011
|
|
3/4
|
84%
|
Puss in Boots (2011) |
"
I, for one, hope this darn cat and his friends return for another adventure."
—
Contra Costa Times
Posted Oct 28, 2011
|
47%
33%
94%
99%
65%
61%
