movie_title
string
publisher_name
string
critic_name
string
review_content
string
review_score
string
grade_type
string
orig_num
float32
orig_denom
float32
includes_zero
bool
label
uint8
scale_points
uint8
multiplier
uint8
group_id
uint32
God Bless America
Chicago Reader
J. R. Jones
[It] turns in on its own morality like a Mbius strip, endorsing kindness by practicing slaughter, and pulls us along for the ride.
4/5
5
4
5
false
3
5
1
1,217
Hereditary
Chicago Reader
Andrea Gronvall
Toni Collette is flawless.
4/5
5
4
5
false
3
5
1
1,217
It Follows
Chicago Reader
Ben Sachs
Follows is an effective pastiche but a studied one; by the end, even its ambiguities feel overdetermined.
2/5
5
2
5
false
1
5
1
1,217
Kill List
Chicago Reader
J. R. Jones
Wheatly aims for something like moral complexity by having one of the killers believe in God and the other aspire to be a good husband and father, but once the graphic violence starts, it upstages everything else.
3/5
5
3
5
false
2
5
1
1,217
Leave No Trace
Chicago Reader
J. R. Jones
Leave No Trace might be described in social terms as a film about homelessness, but it never loses sight of the fact that what makes a home is the privacy people need to connect with each other.
4/5
5
4
5
false
3
5
1
1,217
A New Leaf
Chicago Reader
Jonathan Rosenbaum
This is painful comedy, to be sure, but there's a lot of soul and spirit behind it.
4/5
5
4
5
false
3
5
1
1,217
O Som ao Redor (Neighbouring Sounds)
Chicago Reader
J. R. Jones
A Brazilian drama with a powerful and enveloping sense of place ...
4/5
5
4
5
false
3
5
1
1,217
The Kid with a Bike
Chicago Reader
Ben Sachs
Makes a powerful statement about the plight of unwanted children. But it also incorporates elements of melodrama, film noir, and even the fairy tale that engage our empathy and confirm the Dardennes' great compassion.
4/5
5
4
5
false
3
5
1
1,217
Avengers: Age of Ultron
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
"Avengers: Age of Ultron" is a sometimes daffy, occasionally baffling, surprisingly touching and even romantic adventure with one kinetic thrill after another. It earns a place of high ranking in the Marvel Universe.
4.5/10
10
4.5
10
false
7
19
2
1,218
Sully
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
"One of the best movies of 2016."
4.5/10
10
4.5
10
false
7
19
2
1,218
Whiteout
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
Even in a whiteout, you can see the plot twists coming.
2/5
5
2
5
false
2
9
2
1,219
Man in the Chair
Chicago Sun-Times
Roger Ebert
The movie works so hard at juggling its clichs that it fails to generate interest in its story.
1.5/5
5
1.5
5
false
1
9
2
1,219
Aloft
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
Some movies practically dare you to give up. "Aloft" is a beautifully shot, frustratingly vague and deeply ponderous mystery/spiritual journey about terminally unhappy souls.
1.5/5
5
1.5
5
false
1
9
2
1,219
The Art Of The Steal
Chicago Sun-Times
Roger Ebert
What is finally clear: It doesn't matter a damn what your will says if you have $25 billion, and politicians and the establishment want it.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
Bigger, Stronger, Faster*
Chicago Sun-Times
Roger Ebert
This movie is remarkable in that it seems to be interested only in facts.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
The Children of Huang Shi
Chicago Sun-Times
Roger Ebert
Tells an engrossing story of a remarkable man, but nevertheless it's underwhelming.
2.5/5
5
2.5
5
false
3
9
2
1,219
Cowboys & Aliens
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
The Searchers meet Independence Day. Great fun.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
Da Sweet Blood of Jesus
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
"Da Sweet Blood of Jesus" is a bold but wildly uneven, bloody mess of a film, sunk in large part by the subpar performances by nearly every major character in nearly every major role.
1.5/5
5
1.5
5
false
1
9
2
1,219
Dracula A.D. 1972
Chicago Sun-Times
Roger Ebert
This isn't a terrific rationale for another horror flick but, given Miss Beacham's ability to heave, and her bosom to heave with, it will have to do.
1/5
5
1
5
false
0
9
2
1,219
Due Date
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
Just enough laughs to merit a recommendation.
3/5
5
3
5
false
4
9
2
1,219
Elysium
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
Despite a crazy-bad performance from a two-time Oscar winner, 'Elysium' is great entertainment.
4/5
5
4
5
false
6
9
2
1,219
Ex Machina
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
The Swedish actress Alicia Vikander ("The Fifth Estate") infuses Ava with the just the right mixture of iciness, vulnerability and mystery. It's a star-making performance.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
Film Stars Don't Die in Liverpool
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
Director McGuigan and screenwriter Matt Greenhalgh paint Film Stars Don't Die ... in unapologetically sentimental tones.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
He's Just Not That Into You
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
Like that's a problem for Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Connelly and the rest of these people.
2/5
5
2
5
false
2
9
2
1,219
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People
Chicago Sun-Times
Roger Ebert
How to Lose Friends & Alienate People is possibly the best movie that could be made about Toby Young that isn't rated NC-17.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
These sobering moments aside, the great bulk of "I Am Big Bird" is a Sunny Day, Sweepin' the Clouds Away, brightly colored tribute to the man and his art.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
Love & Mercy
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
After seeing "Love & Mercy," you'll find it nearly impossible to resist the urge to download (or re-listen to) a dozen Beach Boys classics.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
McFarland USA
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
Yes, "McFarland USA" has the obligatory coda where we found out how everything played out for the coach and the key members of that 1987 team. You should stick around for that.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
Miss Bala
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
Anyone thinking about plunking down the bucks to check out "Miss Bala" this weekend: You DEFINITELY deserve better than this.
1.5/5
5
1.5
5
false
1
9
2
1,219
Morning Glory
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
Has moments of sparkle, but the screenplay disappoints and the luminous Rachel McAdams overdoes it.
2/5
5
2
5
false
2
9
2
1,219
Only God Forgives
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
This is one of the most shocking and one of the best movies of the year.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
Prisoners
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
One of the most intense thrillers in recent years. Best performance of Hugh Jackman's career.
4.5/5
5
4.5
5
false
7
9
2
1,219
Religulous
Chicago Sun-Times
Roger Ebert
This movie is about Bill Maher's opinion of religion. He's very smart, quick and funny, and I found the movie entertaining, although sometimes he's a little mean to his targets.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
Road Hard
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
The truth is, I found "Road Hard" to be a low-key gem, a consistently funny albeit conventional story about a guy who's almost always the funniest person in the room, and is almost always his own worst enemy.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired
Chicago Sun-Times
Roger Ebert
She has achieved extraordinary access to the other still-living players in the case, and they all seem to be in agreement: Polanski is correct in saying the judge played with him as a cat might play with a mouse.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
Seventh Son
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
"Seventh Son" moves at a fairly quick pace and has a sense of humor about itself. That doesn't mean it's thrilling, or funny. Just that it's a quickly forgotten pile of junk.
1.5/5
5
1.5
5
false
1
9
2
1,219
Spy
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
What does work, in every scene, is Melissa McCarthy's performance. She's as funny and as winning as anyone in the movies these days.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
Taken 3
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
​I'll tell you what got "Taken." A hundred and twelve minutes of my life got "Taken."
2/5
5
2
5
false
2
9
2
1,219
The Artist
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
Yes, it's virtually silent, it's black-and-white, and you might not know the leads. But if you don't take a chance on this film, we can't be friends any more.
5/5
5
5
5
false
8
9
2
1,219
The Benefactor
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
Gere delivers a performance so self-consciously ACTORISH it often takes us right out of the film.
2.5/5
5
2.5
5
false
3
9
2
1,219
The DUFF
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
This is a well-intentioned and sometimes quite sharp high school movie that falls just short of the mark due to a few way-off-the-mark scenes and too much heavy-handed preaching.
2.5/5
5
2.5
5
false
3
9
2
1,219
The Rewrite
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
A full two decades after "Four Weddings and a Funeral," Hugh Grant still does that stammering, understated, witty and dashing thing as well as anyone in the business.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
The Voices
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
A deeply warped, darkly funny and thoroughly depraved horror comedy. Ryan Reynolds gives one of his best performances.
4/5
5
4
5
false
6
9
2
1,219
Two Lovers
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
Ranks with the best work Joaquin Phoenix has ever done.
4/5
5
4
5
false
6
9
2
1,219
Unfinished Business
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
Vince Vaughn, continuing his decade-long streak of mediocre comedies plays another variation on his fast-talking, slightly oafish but goodhearted regular guy.
1.5/5
5
1.5
5
false
1
9
2
1,219
Van Helsing
Chicago Sun-Times
Roger Ebert
Silly and spectacular, and fun.
3/5
5
3
5
false
4
9
2
1,219
While We're Young
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Roeper
For about an hour, "While We're Young" was one of the most exhilarating times I've had at the movies in many a month. It played like razor-sharp Woody Allen in his prime.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
5
9
2
1,219
The Hunting Party
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
As they say, the difference between movies and real life is that real life does not have to make sense. And that is what it takes to make crazy times real to us in a way that the truth cannot convey.
B+
long_letter
null
null
false
14
18
1
1,220
The Business of Being Born
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
"The Business of Being Born" is messy and amateurish but heartfelt and compelling.
B
long_letter
null
null
false
13
18
1
1,220
Delgo
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
The look has impressive flair and attention to detail. Its biggest weakness is too many characters, too many plot diversions, and too much violence for very young children.
C
long_letter
null
null
false
10
18
1
1,220
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
The movie itself is an example of design by faith and emotion rather than intelligence, defined as rationality grounded in proof.
D
long_letter
null
null
false
7
18
1
1,220
First Sunday
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
It has the slapstick of a The Three Stooges short without the comic timing, the characters of "Hot Ghetto Mess" without the irony, and the stereotypes of Amos 'n' Andy without the wit.
C
long_letter
null
null
false
10
18
1
1,220
Fly Me to the Moon
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
If they can put a man on the moon, why can't they tell a better story about sending some flies along for the ride?
C
long_letter
null
null
false
10
18
1
1,220
Gnomeo and Juliet
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
What makes the film most endearing is its unabashed eccentricity.
B+
long_letter
null
null
false
14
18
1
1,220
The Hottie and the Nottie
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
This pea-brained vanity production does not have the energy to remember from one scene to the next what it is about or why it is on screen. It is attention-deficit film-making.
D
long_letter
null
null
false
7
18
1
1,220
Ira and Abby
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
The movie benefits from an exceptionally strong line-up of supporting characters beautifully played by a top-notch cast.
B
long_letter
null
null
false
13
18
1
1,220
Nim's Island
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
An eye-filling and heart-warming story
B+
long_letter
null
null
false
14
18
1
1,220
P.S. I Love You
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
Romantic comedies...need twinkle. Her character wears twinkly dresses and does twinkly things, but Swank delivers her lines as though she is still slamming into that heavy bag.
C
long_letter
null
null
false
10
18
1
1,220
Spy Kids: All the Time in the World in 4D
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
The gadgets are a lot of fun, including a robot dog with more functions than a Swiss Army Knife, hilariously voiced by Ricky Gervais.
B-
long_letter
null
null
false
12
18
1
1,220
Sydney White
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
Bynes is captivating despite a role that does not give her much to do but display tomboyish good spirit behind some really unfortunate hair and make-up.
B-
long_letter
null
null
false
12
18
1
1,220
Turbo
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
Great voice talent in a story that puts the "go" in escargot.
B+
long_letter
null
null
false
14
18
1
1,220
Under the Same Moon
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
The magical glow makes it easier to address some heart-rending themes that might be too disturbing if told in a more straightforward manner.
B
long_letter
null
null
false
13
18
1
1,220
Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
There are a lot of outrageous, raunchy, and insulting comments from caricatured family members, but, surprisingly, considering that most of them are played by stand-up comics, very few actual jokes.
C
long_letter
null
null
false
10
18
1
1,220
Young@Heart
Chicago Sun-Times
Nell Minow
It shows that no one has more reason to stick it to The Man with rock music than people who are most defiantly not going gently into that good night.
B+
long_letter
null
null
false
14
18
1
1,220
Blood: The Last Vampire
Chicago Tribune
Michael Ordoña
Often-unwatchably dim.
1/5
5
1
5
false
0
41
10
1,221
Pocahontas
Chicago Tribune
Gene Siskel
The film may take you by surprise with its quick ending, running only 76 minutes before the credits roll. I wanted more both times I saw it.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
25
41
10
1,221
Imagine That
Chicago Tribune
Gary Goldstein
Fortunately, the picture's not-so-secret weapon, star Eddie Murphy, gives this uneven effort a reason for being.
3/5
5
3
5
false
20
41
10
1,221
The Last House on the Left
Chicago Tribune
Michael Phillips
This film...is what it is: a stark story of bloodthirstiness quenched, first by the obvious antagonists, then by sympathetic, civilized characters who avenge the atrocities that have come before.
3/5
5
3
5
false
20
41
10
1,221
Weather Girl
Chicago Tribune
Glenn Whipp
Weather Girl coasts on the charms of its ensemble, which includes brief, funny turns from Jane Lynch and Jon Cryer.
3/5
5
3
5
false
20
41
10
1,221
X Games 3D: The Movie
Chicago Tribune
Robert Abele
Although the competitions are undoubtedly impressive achievements in the daredevil arts, as a record of what these mentally tough participants do, it too often feels like a warmed-over energy drink.
2/5
5
2
5
false
10
41
10
1,221
Loren Cass
Chicago Tribune
Gary Goldstein
It's tedious, dispiriting stuff.
1.5/5
5
1.5
5
false
5
41
10
1,221
Baghead
Chicago Tribune
Michael Ordoña
Delightfully unpredictable.
4/5
5
4
5
false
30
41
10
1,221
The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas)
Chicago Tribune
Sheri Linden
Translating this dark fable to the screen, Herman for the most part maintains the book's oversimplification of historical events, but he nonetheless crafts an affecting drama that refuses to soft-pedal its harrowing conclusion.
4/5
5
4
5
false
30
41
10
1,221
Brick Lane
Chicago Tribune
Jan Stuart
[A] glossy but overly efficient drama that, like Nazneen's husband, is ultimately too ineffectual to make much of a dent.
2.5/5
5
2.5
5
false
15
41
10
1,221
Bright Star
Chicago Tribune
Michael Phillips
In its way Campion's film is a thing of beauty, but its characters' inner lives must be taken on faith.
2.5/5
5
2.5
5
false
15
41
10
1,221
Brothers at War
Chicago Tribune
Michael Phillips
"Brothers at War" is designed (and limited) as a corrective to what its maker sees as the anti-war harangues preceding it. Director and Decatur, Ill., native Jake Rademacher has a strong personal story to relay. You wish the film, executive-produced by Ga
2.5/5
5
2.5
5
false
15
41
10
1,221
Cedar Rapids
Chicago Tribune
Michael Phillips
Modest in every way, the screenplay by Phil Johnston is enjoyable in the telling even when the details smack of contrivance.
3/5
5
3
5
false
20
41
10
1,221
Charlie St. Cloud
Chicago Tribune
S. James Snyder
With its assurances that everything happens for a reason and everything will be alright, a potentially haunting story becomes a philosophical one-way street.
2/5
5
2
5
false
10
41
10
1,221
The Client
Chicago Tribune
Gene Siskel
You know, there are more exciting trials on free TV.
1.5/5
5
1.5
5
false
5
41
10
1,221
Crossing Over
Chicago Tribune
Michael Phillips
The characters don't relate; they trade expedient expository nuggets, when they're not speechifying. A surfeit of coincidence spoils our empathy. And when a character—any character—says "You doubt the veracity of my heart," you have to doubt the
2/5
5
2
5
false
10
41
10
1,221
Dance Flick
Chicago Tribune
Glenn Whipp
This send-up, created in large part by new-generation family members Damon Jr., Craig and Damien Dante Wayans, possesses a more nimble comic footing.
3/5
5
3
5
false
20
41
10
1,221
Disgrace
Chicago Tribune
Gary Goldstein
Unfortunately, though Malkovich remains a compelling and cerebral screen presence, he comes off as too innately detached and prickly to elicit much empathy (not that his character is asking for it, mind you).
2.5/5
5
2.5
5
false
15
41
10
1,221
Banlieue 13 - Ultimatum (District 13: Ultimatum)
Chicago Tribune
Robert Abele
It amounts to a raucous and colorfully junky helping of seconds.
3/5
5
3
5
false
20
41
10
1,221
Four Lions
Chicago Tribune
Michael Phillips
I think it's appalling in all the right ways. While its lingering aftertaste of ashes in the mouth is unmistakable, I'd argue that the subject warrants it.
5/5
5
5
5
false
40
41
10
1,221
Gentlemen Broncos
Chicago Tribune
Gary Goldstein
Satire aside, what the oddball folks here never feel is real, despite the filmmakers' claims of autobiographical parallels.
1/5
5
1
5
false
0
41
10
1,221
Grown Ups
Chicago Tribune
S. James Snyder
Grown Ups betrays everything sweet, sincere and low-key that actuality makes it special.
2.5/5
5
2.5
5
false
15
41
10
1,221
I Hate Valentine's Day
Chicago Tribune
Robert Abele
All I Hate Valentine's Day adds up to is an awkward, ritualized date between moviegoer and a still-learning triple hyphenate.
1.5/5
5
1.5
5
false
5
41
10
1,221
Irene in Time
Chicago Tribune
Sheri Linden
Like its central character, Henry Jaglom's 16th feature is gangly and graceful, awkward and tender, a jumble of astute observation and clunkily heightened reality.
3/5
5
3
5
false
20
41
10
1,221
Jonah Hex
Chicago Tribune
S. James Snyder
With a total running time that barely hits 80 minutes, it's hard to believe they even paid [John] Malkovich and [Megan] Fox to show up.
1.5/5
5
1.5
5
false
5
41
10
1,221
Kings of the Evening
Chicago Tribune
Maureen M. Hart
A sweet tale well suited to the holiday season.
3/5
5
3
5
false
20
41
10
1,221
Last Days
Chicago Tribune
Michael Wilmington
Van Sant uses Cobain's image for a portrait of physical and moral disintegration, but he also exhilarates us with his mastery of image and sound.
3.4/5
5
3.4
5
false
24
41
10
1,221
Lymelife
Chicago Tribune
Michael Ordoña
Despite the familiar themes, the movie maintains its originality through its specificity.
3/5
5
3
5
false
20
41
10
1,221
Our Idiot Brother
Chicago Tribune
Alexis Loinaz
Rudd brings color and dimension to a borderline-simpleton schlub who could have easily become a one-note clich.
3.5/5
5
3.5
5
false
25
41
10
1,221
Play The Game
Chicago Tribune
Robert Abele
Veering between syrupy sweet and awkwardly dirty, Play the Game is a woefully scoreless exercise.
1/5
5
1
5
false
0
41
10
1,221
Race to Witch Mountain
Chicago Tribune
Michael Phillips
...while "Race to Witch Mountain" rarely rises above the functional, either as storytelling or as visual kinetics, it moves like it means it and keeps Johnson front and center, either fuming or sputtering.
2.5/5
5
2.5
5
false
15
41
10
1,221
Rudo y Cursi
Chicago Tribune
Robert Abele
As Cuarón's enjoyable film about brotherhood and the beautiful game zestfully points out, a block and a save are two sides of the same play.
4/5
5
4
5
false
30
41
10
1,221
Sex Drive
Chicago Tribune
Tasha Robinson
Sean Anders' derivative gross-out movie Sex Drive is easier to take if you accept that the answer to every baffling plot question is "because it's a teen sex comedy."
1.5/5
5
1.5
5
false
5
41
10
1,221
Snow Flower And The Secret Fan
Chicago Tribune
Alexis Loinaz
Wang ... needlessly pads the movie with heart-tugging gimmicks and canned melodrama that undercuts its raw impact.
2.5/5
5
2.5
5
false
15
41
10
1,221
Spread
Chicago Tribune
Glenn Whipp
Its formulaic, unconvincing story adds little to the conversation about slack ambition, mutual exploitation and evolving social mores.
2/5
5
2
5
false
10
41
10
1,221
Step Up 2 the Streets
Chicago Tribune
Michael Phillips
Providing you're not hip-hop- or cliche-averse, see Step Up 2 the Streets with the right expectations and you'll be pleasantly surprised.
3/5
5
3
5
false
20
41
10
1,221