Wisconsin State Journal

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Mar 13, 2021 2.5/4 The performances are almost enough to overcome the story's essential inertness. Go to Full Review Face (2002) 63% 35%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Dec 2, 2020 2.5/4 The movie moves to a tidy and upbeat ending that feels far-fetched, but the cast is so strong that they make us want to believe it. Go to Full Review Uncle Frank (2020) 77% 84%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Oct 14, 2010 2/4 Go see it, and then talk about it. But don't necessarily buy into it. Go to Full Review Waiting for Superman (2010) 89% 84%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Oct 7, 2010 2/4 "It’s like trying to make a football movie set in the 1970s about this plucky little underdog team called the Dallas Cowboys." Go to Full Review Secretariat (2010) 64% 76%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Oct 1, 2010 3.5/4 It's satisfying to see the arrogant filmmakers somewhat humbled by what they find on their journey. That's a feeling much of the audience will share in this unusual and haunting film. Go to Full Review Catfish (2010) 80% 71%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Sep 17, 2010 3/4 Maybe "I'm Still Here" tells the truth, in the sense that it shows us Phoenix's unhappy personal view of the life behind the velvet rope that he's rejected. Go to Full Review I'm Still Here (2010) 53% 38%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Sep 10, 2010 1/4 In one scene of "Trash Humpers," the camera lingers on an abandoned toilet in the middle of a field, as voices cackle off-camera. The filmography of Harmony Korine, ladies and gentlemen! Go to Full Review Trash Humpers (2009) 59% 44%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Sep 10, 2010 2/4 Todd Solondz's "Life During Wartime" is full of characters who make the same mistakes over and over again, unable to change their bad habits. He must know just how they feel. Go to Full Review Life During Wartime (2009) 68% 48%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Sep 10, 2010 4/4 The footage Junger and Hetherington got is an incredible, boots-on-the-ground, soldier's-eye view of combat. Go to Full Review Restrepo (2010) 97% 88%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Sep 10, 2010 3/4 If "The American" isn't a masterpiece, it's still a cool, minimalist thriller that features gorgeous camera work by Corbijn and a strong, understated performance by Clooney. Go to Full Review The American (2010) 64% 39%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Sep 10, 2010 3.5/4 "Extra Man" is a loving ode to the eccentrics of New York, and a wish that even in today's Disneyfied Manhattan, the city will always make room for the weirdos, too. Go to Full Review The Extra Man (2010) 40% 37%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Sep 10, 2010 3/4 It serves the original source material well, and gives the audience much to ponder after the shots have been fired. Go to Full Review Anton Chekhov's The Duel (2009) 81% 66%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Sep 10, 2010 4/4 "Rashomon" may be a prosecutor's nightmare, but it's a film lover's dream. Go to Full Review Rashomon (1950) 98% 93%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Aug 26, 2010 3.5/4 The film lives at that uneasy intersection between affluence and compassion, where the well-meaning well-to-do try to figure out how much of their wealth they need to give away to make a difference. Go to Full Review Please Give (2010) 85% 64%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Aug 26, 2010 3/4 In telling the story of one wronged woman, Bellocchio shows how an entire country was flattered and seduced, then betrayed. Go to Full Review Vincere (2009) 91% 68%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Aug 26, 2010 3/4 So I have to admit, the first few notes I took while watching the documentary "Sweetgrass" consisted of writing "Wow, that's a lot of sheep!" over and over again. Go to Full Review Sweetgrass (2009) 98% 65%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Aug 26, 2010 3.5/4 "The Square": It's Australian for noir, mate. Go to Full Review The Square (2008) 86% 70%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Aug 26, 2010 3/4 In a way, I was almost hoping that the three storylines didn't tie together at the end. Each of them stands so firmly on its own. Go to Full Review Mother and Child (2009) 78% 76%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Aug 26, 2010 2.5/4 "Terribly Happy" is a little light on the plotting, going on narrative autopilot for the last third of the film instead of giving us a few extra turns of the screw for good measure. Go to Full Review Terribly Happy (2008) 87% 73%

Rob Thomas Wisconsin State Journal Aug 26, 2010 3/4 He's an Irishman, she's a seal. It'll never work. Go to Full Review Ondine (2009) 70% 60%