Lee Daniels’ The Butler
An ambitious drama is undermined by stunt casting of movie stars as presidents, and a storyline that wanders across the map of the black experience.
The Hunger Games
Sustained tension, vivid cinematography and mostly spectacular casting make this adaptation of the bestselling young adult novel a winning fighter.
Precious
A harrowing, if occasionally hoary, story of a teenager’s survival and self-reliance amid demonic domesticity.