Critic consensus:Bryan Singer's reverent and visually decadent adaptation gives the Man of Steel welcome emotional complexity. The result: a satisfying stick-to-your-ribs adaptation.

Numbered reviews:1. It's straight-faced, square-jawed stuff, but that's apt enough for the boldest, simplest superhero concept of all.
2. Director Bryan Singer nimbly navigates the tricky balance between the old-school purists and 21st century sensibility, with existential questions: does the world need Superman? Does he need us?
3. It's got all the heart and soul that's been missing from every other superhero movie that isn't about the X-Men.
4. A case of "good, sometimes very good, but definitely not great," which is kind of a small-yet-nagging disappointment, considering the talent and passion that went into the thing.
5. It's a thinky blockbuster, yes, though there is plenty of deft humor and breathtaking visuals and nods to the earlier films, too. And when the story calls for action, Singer delivers it.
6. [It's] a summer popcorn movie, no question, but it looks great, has laughs and thrills, and even a few moments of genuine drama.
7. He remembered the cape, the spandex, the shiny boots and the big red S on his chest, but wait. . . . Where's the personality?
8. Brandon Routh has no problem filling out the Superman suit (quite nicely), but he can't quite fill the shoes.
9. Try to ignore the parallels Singer draws between Christ and Superman...go ahead, I dare ya.
10. ...the most effective and flat-out entertaining installment in this ongoing series.


Critic consensus:Potent and sobering, United 93 is even more gut-wrenching because the outcome is already known. While difficult to watch, director Paul Greengrass' film has been made with skill and treats the subject matter with respect, never resorting to the aggrandizement of which Hollywood has sometimes been accused. Especially effective is the cast of mostly unknown actors, who portray the passengers of the doomed flight as ordinary people who respond with bravery to extraordinary circumstances.

Numbered reviews:1. As you would expect, this is not an easy film to watch. It is intensely sad and it brings up powerful emotions. At the same time, I did not leave the theater emotionally wrecked. United 93 is ultimately a healing experience.
2. It is a movie that takes us where we don't want to go but need to.
3. A sober, humanistic portrait.
4. It's one thing to say we'll never forget; United 93 asks us to sit down and try to remember.
5. Emotionally devastating and yet strangely empty.
6. A brilliant and harrowing document of human beings facing unanticipated terrors with a steadfastness that is all the more moving for being completely believable.
7. A powerful and moving drama.
8. A respectful documentation of the flight that fought back
9. A visceral reminder of the gut-churning mundanity of the hijackings . . . shows that the blind war on terror . . . has been about bombast, symbolism and zealous overreaction.
10. It's a harrowing and beautiful movie, brilliantly executed, and does justice to its subject. I hope you will reward writer/director Paul Greengrass for his efforts. Not at all exploitative.


Critic consensus:Moderately witty and acceptably acted, Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 isn't much worse than the first installment.

Numbered reviews:
1. If you're old enough to see how contrived it all is, you're old enough to skip this and seek out something more entertaining at the movies.
2. Overall, it's fast, funny, and effective and will probably please fans.
3. "Rodrick Rules" might not be high art, but it is a perfectly sound kid's movie.
4. I hate to put down any effort to reach children and young teens with a positive message. As bad as I feel, I must be honest. This one just doesn't get there.
5. As portrayed by Zachary Gordon, Greg lacks ... charm and spontaneity ... No real sparks of mischievousness or bone-deep embarrassment or endearing flush of affection light this kid up.
6. A bungled sequel to the original snappy comedy.
7. The physical comedy will have the typical 10-year-old and some grown-ups cackling with glee.
8. Joyfully scabrous.
9. Although this is basically 'Malcolm in the Middle' style material it's largely entertaining and harmless fun, especially for its target audience.
10. Rodrick schools his brother to always lower people's expectations. The film succeeds ... in doing just that.