Van Helsing (2004)

Action/Adventure Rated PG-13

Writer-director Stephen Sommers (The Mummy) means to marry classic horror icons in an effects-laden extravaganza centered on the title monster-hunter (Hugh Jackman), but the movie is done in by overkill – too many characters, too much action, too complicated of a plot. It’s a blockbuster that’s too big for its own hero.

Brown Sugar (2002)

Drama Rated PG-13

If it weren’t for its unique setting – namely the upper echelons of the hip-hop recording industry – Brown Sugar would be indistinguishable from the countless conventional romantic dramas Hollywood churns out. Taye Diggs and Sanaa Lathan are charming enough as the central couple – childhood friends who have gone on to careers in the

Disney’s The Kid (2000)

Drama Rated PG

Before it collapses under the weight of its own strained concept – that Bruce Willis’ narcissistic image consultant is visited by his 8-year-old self to learn what really matters in life – this hits on a few moments of knowing charm (the little boy cannot believe his older counterpart doesn’t remember the momentous day an

Holes (2003)

Family Rated PG

This adaptation of Louis Sachar’s novel, which follows a young nerd (Shia LaBeouf) who is mistakenly sent to a juvenile detention facility and forced to dig endless holes in the desert, may have worked on the page, but stretched out onto the big screen it’s a collection of would-be goofy moments that are almost painful.

Man From Elysian Fields, The (2001)

Drama Rated R

The central plot – about a struggling novelist named Byron (Andy Garcia) who becomes an upscale gigolo to support his young family – is as ludicrous and labored as it sounds, and would be a total loss if not for two supporting performances taking place at the movie’s edges. Mick Jagger brings elegance, wit and

Mrs. Henderson Presents (2005)

Drama Rated R

Based on the true story of a British widow (Judi Dench) who ran a nude revue during World War II, this spends a lot of time arguing against misplaced shame, so why is the movie ashamed to be a simple character comedy? Director Stephen Frears’ picture begins that way – hilariously so – but soon

Murderball (2005)

Documentary Rated NR

Real human drama doesn’t get much more gripping than this documentary about the sport of paraplegic rugby, in which even the game’s winners must learn to live, day after day, with the agony of some sort of defeat. As it follows these young men, most of whom have ended up in wheelchairs because of car

Sharks 3D (2004)

Documentary Rated NR

The rare Imax documentary that places as much importance on information as it does on visual spectacle, Sharks 3D uses 3D technology to immerse us even further into the world of one of earth’s most fascinating creatures. In a kid-friendly conceit, the movie is “hosted” by a sea turtle who provides plenty of facts. Sharks

Murder by Numbers (2002)

Thriller Rated R

Two bored high-schoolers (the equally creepy Ryan Gosling and Michael Pitt) find a way other than multiple-choice quizzes to test their considerable smarts by plotting the intricate murder of a random stranger. Sandra Bullock plays the cop on their trail, and the attention paid to all three characters gives this genre exercise a surprising resonance.

Thirteen Days (2000)

Drama Rated PG-13

This dramatic re-creation of the Cuban Missile Crisis works best as a study in leadership. Although Kevin Costner, playing JFK adviser Kenny O’Donnell, is the story’s focus, Bruce Greenwood offers a fascinating portrayal of the mythical president. His intense, layered performance suggests leadership under pressure requires patience, principles and lots of luck.