REVIEW: ‘The Cove’

Filmmakers behind “The Cove” understand one thing particularly: that if you have something to say, and you want your audience to hear you, be as entertaining as possible. Conceal your message and information beneath a thick layer of tension and intrigue, and they’ll stay with you.

CLASSIC REVIEW: ‘Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’

There were many posters of this movie to choose from. I chose this one because it gets to the point, and, as a reporter, I tend to appreciate things that get to the point. Don't bury the lede. You could teach with this thing in 100-level journalism classes.

Part of a continuous series of classic film reviews from some of the most eloquent, hilarious film critics from yesterday and today. That sounds really official. It’s really just self-indulgent.

Broadly speaking, Manohla Dargis is a very good movie critic. She’s smart. Much smarter than me — and most people. I read most of her stuff. But if I could change anything about her, it’s this: She analyzes movies through her own political prism. I can’t think of any examples off the top of my head, but there are plenty of them in this “Transformers: Revenege of the Fallen” review, which, despite those things, is quite funny and good.

CLASSIC REVIEW: ‘Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull’

Part of a continuous series of classic film reviews from some of the most eloquent, hilarious film critics from yesterday and today. That sounds really official. But it’s really just self-indulgent.

Roger Ebert gets a bad rap. He’s seen today as the people’s critic, the everyman. He’s a Midwestern guy who’s been writing film reviews for the Chicago Sun-Times for the last several decades, and, until recently, was in charge of “At the Movies,” a once-indispensable, nationally syndicated television show featuring on-air criticism by Ebert, Gene Siskel (before he died), Richard Roeper and a host of great guest hosts.