This adaptation of the children’s bestselling series needs to be spanked and sent to its room
Review
Submarine: From Teen Angst to Pure Delight
Richard Ayoade’s feature debut lives inside a boy’s roiling soul while finding the human comedy in his desperation. From either aspect, it’s a cagey delight
Christopher Plummer in a Beguiling Beginners
Mike Mills’ autobiographical feature can be winsome and cute, but it’s also an insightful portrayal of loss, grief and love
Super 8: Just as Great as You Hoped It Would Be
Something — some thing — is terrifying the good folks of Lillian, Ohio, but what is it? A gas-station attendant, his face blanched with fear, sees it and screams; all we see is his body being jerked out of the frame. A …
A Failing Grade to X-Men: First Class
The prequel has all the makings of a smart fantasy parable, but it torpedoes its lofty intentions with flights of idiocy so wrongheaded as to be almost endearing
Kung Fu Panda 2: The Bear Necessities
The sequel has a bright palette, an amiable vibe and enough vivacity to keep kids entertained — and any accompanying moms from bolting for Bridesmaids
The Hangover Part II: The Wolf Pack Is Back, and This Time They’ve Brought a Monkey
Because it doesn’t tamper with a hugely successful formula, the Bangkok-set sequel to The Hangover is bound to be a hit
L’Amour Fou: Remembering Yves Saint Laurent
In a wistful documentary, YSL’s longtime companion sells off their art collection and says his goodbye to the glamorous designer
Bridesmaids: Kristin Wiig’s Merry Band of Party Poopers
Wrapped in slapstick and sweetened with romance, Bridesmaids is at its core a shrewd examination of female friendship and insecurity
Everything Must Go: Will Ferrell, at Home in Carver Country
The comedy superstar takes a serious turn in a melancholy new drama
Thor: A Minor Marvel
The Norse god faces two daunting challenges: to vanquish his enemies in mythological Norway and modern-day New Mexico, and to top Fast Five at the box office
The Beaver: Are We Ready to Forgive Mel Gibson?
Mel Gibson’s real-life meltdown wrecked his career. His meltdown in Jodie Foster’s new drama, ‘The Beaver,’ could help save it
Cave of Forgotten Dreams: Werner Herzog’s 3-D Trip
Land of Forgotten Dreams is an enthralled and mostly enthralling guided tour of what Herzog describes as “one of the greatest art discoveries in the history of human culture