La Camioneta: The Journey of One American School Bus review: get on the bus
Follow a humble yellow school bus as it is transformed into something joyous and defiant. It’s like discovering that your grandma is a secret agent.
2013 theatrical releases
Le Week-end review: la vie et le bonheur
A marvelous little unpacking of the meaning of happiness, precisely what constitutes it, and how to know whether you’ve found it.
47 Ronin review: they’re not having much fun storming the castle
A handsome movie in many ways, but it feels like an unpolished first draft, one that can’t quite decide how fantastical it wants to be.
The Past review: they are family
A remarkably grounded French-Iranian drama about a broken family trying to mend; unexpectedly riveting, thanks in part to one of 2013’s best ensembles.
The Patience Stone review: a woman’s place
A beautiful and haunting Afghan film about love, devotion, and a woman’s “duty”; a remarkable feminist story from the unlikeliest place on the planet.
The Broken Circle Breakdown review: a mournful tune
Electric sexiness and very modern motifs overlie a wonderfully old-fashioned melodrama… a highly gratifying one, if you enjoy a good ol’ weep.
Out of the Furnace review: brothers in yawns
A pungent reek of testosterone stinks up this high-toned apologetic for vigilantism and revenge. Still: great performances! (new DVD/VOD US/Can)
Lee Daniels’ The Butler (aka The Butler) review: civil-rights servant
A deeply moving melodrama about a subtly subversive black butler at the heart of the White House. You will need Kleenex.
Short Term 12 review: life in the long term
A heartbreaking drama about the lingering affects of childhood abuse and neglect, even under the best of curative circumstances.
Drinking Buddies review: subtextual romance
A beautifully observed dramedy about modern friendship and romance; funny, poignant, unforgettable.
