Decade Under the Influence, A (2003)

Documentary Rated R

An unabashed act of nostalgia, this film-buff documentary celebrates the movies of the 1970s as the pinnacle of American cinema. Co-directors Richard LaGravenese and Ted Demme bring a fan’s passion to the subject, along with a fan’s narrow perspective. The ’70s have long been cited as a turning point for American movies, a time of

Interview with the Vampire (1994)

Horror Rated R

Matinee idols Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt indulge their dark sides in this adaptation of the Anne Rice novel, and both surprisingly manage to save face. Pitt provides the emotional anchor as an 18th-century plantation owner whose wife dies in childbirth. He seeks relief by accepting the “black gift” from the vampire Lestat (Cruise), a

Santa Clause, The (1994)

Family Rated PG

Tim Allen pretty much defined his career with this first starring role, an occasionally funny but often idiotic Christmas farce that was gobbled up by audiences like a candy cane. The premise – a cynical, divorced dad has to fill Santa’s boots after the jolly old soul falls off his roof – has promise, but

Miracle on 34th Street (1994)

Family Rated PG

Though not an improvement on – or even an equal to -the 1947 original, this still offers one of the most endearing Christmas stories in an updated, colorful new way. Richard Attenborough is Santa as he should be, full of jolly, chuckling charm as he attempts to crack the hardened hearts of a mother (Elizabeth

Little Women (1994)

Drama Rated PG

Director Gillian Armstrong combines a documentary-like feel with the elegance of a period piece in this adaptation of the beloved Louisa May Alcott novel about four daughters and their mother (played at different ages by Susan Sarandon, Winona Ryder, Claire Danes and Kirsten Dunst, among others). The result makes you feel like a fifth sibling

Higher Learning (1995)

Drama Rated R

All statement, all speech, all display, this third feature from writer-director John Singleton is a frustrating fizzle, especially considering the promise of his Boyz N the Hood. As we see college life through the eyes of three freshmen – a naïve white sorority type (Kristy Swanson); a black athlete (Omar Epps); and a racist loner

Paprika (2007)

Drama Rated R

“…the experience is as beautifully baffling as any that you’ll have wide awake.

Crazy Love (2007)

Documentary Rated PG-13

"…like the Scott and Laci Peterson saga set to conga music."

Angel-A (2007)

Drama Rated R

“Surprise, surprise – Luc Besson envisions a celestial being as a leggy, skinny super model.

Gracie (2007)

Drama Rated PG-13

“…wouldn’t know a nuance if one hit it in the face.