The Simon Current Issues

“Avatar” vs. “The Hurt Locker”: Ghosts in the Machines

Cameron may have the biggest hard drive, but guess who makes the sharper film about men, war, and technology?

By Lucia Bozzola, Dec 31, 2009

"The Lovely Bones": Dying Is Easy, Adaptations Are Hard

Peter Jackson's adaptation of the Alice Sebold novel leaves a lot to be desired. Elsewhere, A Single Man breaks the heart, while The Headless Woman is an existential mystery to get lost in.

By Tim Grierson, Dec 30, 2009

Up in the Air with the Fantastic Mr. Fox: Wild at Heart

George Clooney’s road warrior can learn a thing or two from the female animals around him.

By Lucia Bozzola, Dec 11, 2009

'Brothers': Life (and Love) During Wartime

The American remake of a Danish drama looks at the cost of the War of Terror on one young family. Elsewhere, The Last Station celebrates the final days of Leo Tolstoy, and The Road isn't nearly as harrowing as it should be.

By Tim Grierson, Dec 4, 2009

It’s My Party and I’ll Crash If I Want To

"I am pleased that the media who once hoarded the most valuable commodities in America -- information and ideas -- have been forced to pull extra chairs to the table and share some of the bounty with the potato peelers in the kitchen."

By Charlotte Laws, Dec 1, 2009

"Red Cliff": John Woo Rides Again

After a few Hollywood bombs, Chinese director John Woo returns to his homeland to make an epic. Elsewhere, Broken Embraces disappoints, while Planet 51 is definitely not out of this world.

By Tim Grierson, Nov 19, 2009

The Agassi Dilemma: Unedited, Unapologetic, and Unwanted

"But in an individual sport, where the supporting cast is
invisible, publicizing foibles, especially after a
magnificent career like Agassi’s, comes off as peculiar
self-promotion in the absence of recent adulation. Our
heroes should not seek praise for their mistakes."

By Eric V. Neagu, Nov 18, 2009

"Collapse": The End Is Nigh

Director Chris Smith's documentary about a frighteningly prescient doomsayer makes the end of the world seem uncomfortably close. Elsewhere, Pirate Radio and A Christmas Carol are better than advertised.

By Tim Grierson, Nov 12, 2009

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