Revisiting The Melodrama Of 'Far From The Madding Crowd'
Carey Mulligan plays the role once occupied by Julie Christie, but her very different take may be too controlled for its own good.
Movie Reviews
Deception And Suspense By The Sea In The Iranian Mystery 'About Elly'
Recently released in the U.S., Asghar Farhadi's 2009 film follows a teacher invited on a beach trip by the mother of one of her students. David Edelstein calls the film "Hitchockian" in its suspense.
'24 Days' Retells A Brutal Crime With Little Explanation
The docudrama 24 Days doesn't try to explain the thinking of those who abducted and killed a Jewish Parisian. Instead, it considers what can be known about the motives of others.
Life Goes On (And On) In 'The Age Of Adaline'
The conceptually intriguing story of a woman who doesn't age is let down by the (ironically?) lifeless way it presents the many, many years she has to work with.
'Tangerines': Enemies On Neutral Territory In A Time Of War
The surprise Oscar nominee for Outstanding Foreign Film tries to speak to common humanity even in situations of high conflict, but it struggles to make its themes feel real.
A Tart Take On Bitter Realities In 'Tangerines'
NPR's Bob Mondello reviews Tangerines, an unconventional war drama that was this year's Estonian nominee for Best Foreign Language Film.
'Monkey Kingdom' Is Best When It's All Monkeys All The Time
There's some too-cute narration and some suspiciously convenient footage in this sort-of documentary from Disneynature, but when the monkeys are at their best, they're quite charming.
The Challenges Of War At A Distance
The new film Good Kill is a little too blunt in its treatment of drone warfare, but strong work from Ethan Hawke as a troubled pilot helps it along.
In 'True Story,' A Shamed Journalist Interviews A Fugitive Who Stole His Identity
In 2001, Michael Finkel was fired for making up a story. Then he learns that a suspected murderer is posing as him, so he gets to know him. The best word for the drama is "dumb," says David Edelstein.
The Internet Of Spooky Things Is Alive In 'Unfriended'
It's a tradition for horror films to find teenagers where they live, so it makes sense that Unfriended would find them saying nasty things to and about each other online.