Kahn’s sophomore effort Detention has guts and it cheekily goes for gory glory, both traits I do not personally take for granted and ones I think audiences open to this sort of thing will eagerly want to explore.

The new political satire In the Loop is the best film I’ve seen so far this year.

This is the real deal in action theatrics, Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker a pulse-pounding dynamo that puts all of Hollywood’s meager Summer 2009 offerings to immediate shame.

The Edge of Heaven isn’t just a movie to watch, it’s also one to cherish.

Once is a musical triumph I’ll be singing the praises of for decades to come.

Anders Thomas Jensen’s Adam’s Apples was one of the best films I saw during the 2006 Seattle International Film Festival.

Junebug is the type of movie you want to see twice in quick succession.

American Splendor is an absolute delight.

Hedwig and the Angry Inch is the most fun I’ve had at the cinema in ages.