Problem: 1. The plot sounds like a downer, but it culminates in a dreamily exuberant wedding-and-reception scene. By examining the slow and incomplete, but true, power of pure rehabilitative strength and forgiveness, this is one of the very best films of 2008.
2. ... perfectly calibrates the gradual revealing of the family dynamics, while dragging you through a gamut of strong emotions -- not necessarily the most enjoyable experience.
3. Hathaway's Kym strikes like a venomous snake when her demons are provoked, and yet she never lets go of the guilt that makes her believe she deserves the loathing ...
4. The dramatic moments do make an impact, and the tears they draw from you will scald.
5. A sometimes-brilliant film that can barely stand under the weight of its self-inflicted festoonery of doo-daddery.
6. Demme's capturing of the communal spirit of weddings and harsh reunions creates something quite honest and refreshing, with an unusual energy that more films could use.
7. The film succeeds where [Margot at the Wedding] failed for several reasons, most notably a remarkably intimate spirit; a tone that rings true through comedy, tragedy and back again; great, great music from start to finish; and an amazing, career-best perf
8. Ultimately, this is a performance piece, and Demme has brought out the best of his cast of fine actors gaining award-worthy turns.
9. Better to spend some time with Rachel at the wedding than with Margot at the Wedding.
10. Rachel Getting Married is one of the most alive things you'll see all year.
What is the consensus?
****
Answer: Rachel Getting Married is an engrossing tale of family angst, highlighted by Anne Hathaway's powerful performance and director Jonathan Demme's return to form.


Problem: 1. Sandler, it turns out, is great with kids.
2. Sloppy, choppy, and saved by an affably low-key and typically sophomoric Sandler performance.
3. A likable but thin Disney vehicle for Adam Sandler that will play best for preteens.
4. Those other Adam Sandler comedies? Turns out they were the grown-up efforts.
5. Bedtime Stories champions imagination while having too little originality itself.
6. It's Little Nicky-awful.
7. The new Disney movie Bedtime Stories presents a taste test for moviegoers: Do you prefer your Adam Sandler regular strength or in the new mild format?
8. It's a dispirited, galumphing mess in which Sandler, as a hotel handyman who spins out tall tales for his niece and nephew, pictures himself in assorted historical-kitsch guises.
9. Bedtime Stories is not my cup of tea. Even the saucer. Fairness requires me to report, however, that it may appeal to, as they say, 'kids of all ages.'
10. Bedtime Stories is baloney on Wonder Bread with a Kraft Single and some Miracle Whip -- barely lunchable.
What is the consensus?
****
Answer: Though it may earns some chuckles from pre-teens, this kid-friendly Adam Sandler comedy is uneven, poorly paced, and lacks the requisite whimsy to truly work.


Problem: 1. Girls are crazy. I don't mean they're mildly emotional or excitable. I mean completely nuts. At least the girls flocking to see the new 3D Jonas Brothers movie are.
2. It serves its purpose.
3. I had all four posters on my bedroom closet: Davy, Mickey, Peter and Mike.
4. Love them or loathe them, it's the Jonas Brothers' moment -- you might as well enjoy it.
5. This movie spends too much time on stage, and not enough off.
6. The threat may be as illusory as the thrills in Jonas Brothers are contrived. But that won't stop Jonas junkies from enjoying their magical mystery tour.
7. Young Jonas fans will adore the Brothers' concert flick.
8. This is a concert, not in any way, shape or form, a film.
9. This current squeaky-clean vocal group is way more talented than its elders were.
10. For those of us dwelling outside the Jonas demo, the small charms in the 'candid' moments have little to do with the boys' talents as actors, and a lot to do with the revered icons whose cheeky behavior they're imitating.
What is the consensus?
****
Answer:
Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience should please the brothers' adoring followers, but for non-converts, this concert film is largely flat and unenlightening.