1. Thanks to first-rate performances, the lovely shifts of the seasons and the resourceful, minimalist script, the film gently holds the heart -- and ultimately moves it.
2. A balm for the soul and a reminder that even in the frenetic city, the cosmos has its own steady pendulum.
3. It drifts around in a slow circle like the houseboat on the lake, but patient audiences will find the trip worthwhile.
4. This is as close to a Zen experience as the movies offer.
5. It's a harsh story told against a lush backdrop, sad without being sentimental and instructive without being preachy.
6. Don't be surprised if days after seeing this beautiful little film you discover it has taken up residence in your head.
7. This meditative character study is mesmerizing in its own peculiar way.
8. This is not a movie of action, but of meditation -- a tale that unfolds, like the seasons, allowing us time to explore its meaning and its mysteries.
9. The film's effect is magical, drawing its viewer in and causing it to grow, wilt, lust and despair through an entire life in 98 minutes
10. A wise and brilliant movie.
What is the critic consensus?
A: A visually stunning and contemplative piece of work.

1. It's just nasty.
2. "The Hills Have Eyes" combines psychological tension with visceral scenes of gore and the odd laugh or two.
3. Where is the fun in a movie like this? There are no jolts, no flashes of humor, no camp aspect, no winking at the audience--just bloodletting that crosses the line. Those who want this sort of thing can have it.
4. Well, nobody can beat horror meister Wes Craven when it comes to scaring the living daylights of us.
5. Tout comme pour le Hostel d'Eli Roth, on sent également que cet excčs de violence est utilisé ŕ des fins beaucoup plus publicitaires que cinématographiques.
6. Everything great horror used to be: Disturbing, outrageous, subtextual, and (don't run from it) morally aware.
7. Horror is the cinema du jour it seems, and this movie is simply a casualty of that trend.
8. What's fundamentally missing is the anarchic, irrational unpredictability that made the original so terrifying.
9. Can anyone tell me why inbred hillbillies -- mutant or otherwise -- invariably boast housekeeping skills that make mine look like Martha Stewart's?
10. The Hills Have Eyes is scary, something that a lot of today's horror films aren't as they compete in the game of one-upmanship in quantity and quality of gore.
What is the critic consensus?
A: Faster paced for today's audiences, this Hills remake ratchets up the gore for the hardcore horror fans, but will turn away casual audiences.

1. As it is, it's an underdog story that follows the obvious track, though it should get there just fine if you're pulling for it.
2. The actors who play the young runners are a mixed bag of Hollywood unknowns and actual McFarland locals, all of whom are engaging.
3. Yes, it's a bit corny and convenient at times, but there's an admiration here for hard work, ambition and battling adversity that overrides cynicism. "McFarland, USA" is a good film about good people; nothing wrong with that.
4. It's all a bit much.
5. McFarland, USA quickly elevates above convention into a drama that will pull your heartstrings. It is a stunningly well crafted and inspirational film.
6. There are good things to say about the inspirational Disney sports film McFarland, USA, starting with its up-from-the-scrap-heap story, which happens to be true.
7. The strong message that "McFarland, USA" conveys about strength of character and hard work should not be overlooked or ignored.
8. It's a true and simple story unencumbered by side plots, and with every character -- major and minor -- fitting neatly into place.
9. It took a village of fine performers to depict this close-knit town. And the list is too long to give a shoutout to everyone.
10. If you think cross country might make for a boring film, it doesn't. In fact, the movie is genuinely moving.
What is the critic consensus?
A: Disney's inspirational sports drama formula might be old hat, but McFarland, USA proves it still works -- especially with a talented director and eminently likable star in the mix.

1. A rich and imaginative fable.
2. This proposition from English writer-director Peter Howitt is not unique, but I have never seen a film that presents the idea so clearly, so cleanly, so provocatively.
3. As long as we continue to find movies there as delightful and breezy as Sliding Doors, I'll be satisfied.
4. The viewer is easily swayed to root for one story over the other, but things don't always work out as you'd expect.
5. Deft enough to keep you wondering whether it's going to end on Track A or Track B.
6. Gwyneth Paltrow is engaging as the two Helens, and I have no complaints about her performance. Pity about the screenplay.
7. Unduly smug about its flashy conceit and otherwise utterly empty, the film plays like lobotomized Kieslowski, less Blind Chance than dumb luck.
8. The parallel storylines lend an originality that most other romantic comedies lack
9. This should go down a storm with folks who still cherish the hope that the solution to all their problems is just around the corner or in the next lift.
10. Paltrow contributes a winning dual performance.
What is the critic consensus?
A:
Despite the gimmicky feel of the split narratives, the movie is watch-able due to the winning performances by the cast.