In this dark tale, a young college student takes a decidedly offbeat job: As a “sleeping beauty,” she’s paid to be fondled or otherwise handled by strangers while in a sedated slumber. Soon, however, she begins to wonder what she’s submitting to.

CONSENSUS: “Christian Slater is a surprise in this nice independent walkabout of a film. He Was a Quiet Man is a story you probably won’t soon forget. It makes an impact. It is not a great film, but it does a great job at being good.” INSTAFLICKA INDEX 3.75   Cubicle worker Bob is a resentful outsider who’s started carrying

CONSENSUS: “This true historical story is ripe for the cinematic treatment, but Robert Redford’s yarn strains too hard to make a modern political point and loses touch with the heart of the story. It also does not help that it is hard to divorce characters from The Conspirator‘s heavyweight Hollywood personas. It is not bad, we just think it is

After drifter Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin) murders her father, 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld) hires alcoholic U.S. Marshal Reuben “Rooster” Cogburn (Jeff Bridges) to help her exact revenge. The disreputable lawman still has grit, though, and mounts an epic search. Joining the duo on their quest is a Texas Ranger (Matt Damon) who’s also hunting for Chaney in this updated Western that received multiple Oscar nods, including Best Picture.

CONSENSUS: “Whatever you are looking for, The Secret of Nikola Tesla is probably not it. Fans of good movies or Nikola Tesla will be sorely disappointed. Not worth it.” INSTAFLICKA INDEX 1.50   The life and work of Nikola Tesla — the noted physicist, engineer and inventor — is explored with some dramatic license in this absorbing biopic that sheds

CONSENSUS: “With great acting and an amazing, true life story, In the Name of the Father is a sure winner. Daniel Day-Lewis and Pete Postlethwaite do amazing work here. It’s long, but worth it.”

CONSENSUS: “Our prevailing opinion about this movie is that it is pretty darn solid. It features a great cast led by Daniel Day-Lewis and is fairly compelling. Yet, this movie does struggle with its focus and it isn’t much of a boxing movie.”

CONSENSUS: “Ed Harris kills it in this obvious passion project. His direction, his acting and even his painting are wonderful. It is one of the best bio-pics that we have seen. Pollock is especially good if you have an interest in 20th century American art.” INSTAFLICKA INDEX 4.50   This riveting biopic follows abstract painter Jackson Pollock — who’s alternately

CONSENSUS: “If you can get past the shortfalls that came with digital video films of the era, Manic is a great look at the pitfalls of youth, abuse and anger. It is an independent film that rings true with its compelling characterization of youth on the edge.”

CONSENSUS: “It is hard to track the movie’s narrative, made even more difficult because it is subtitled, but if you are willing to put up with a little incoherence, I’m a Cyborg can be as fun as the title suggests.”

CONSENSUS: “Dogtooth is a one of a kind movie, that is both compelling and horrifying at the same time. It is not like anything you have ever seen before. It is a movie that will make you mouth ‘what the fuck’ over and over again… in a good way.”

CONSENSUS: “Doctor Zhivago is a beautiful epic. Don’t worry about the lengthy run-time because each frame of the film is rich and compelling. It is marvelous in every way and is a must watch.”

CONSENSUS: “Powwow Highway has fun characters, a strong story (although with a few plot holes) and an easy-going road movie tone. The overall quality, however, holds it back from being more acceptable for a wider audience.”

CONSENSUS: “Gosford Park is one of acclaimed director Robert Altman’s best works. Built on strong performances, delicious cascading conversations and a luxuriousness surrounding, this film calls out for repeated viewings. It is packed full of depth and intrigue.” INSTAFLICKA INDEX 4.33   Director Robert Altman’s witty murder mystery won an Oscar for its screenplay, which really takes off when Sir

CONSENSUS: “In retrospect, this movie is not as good as the hype. Sure, it is iconic, and yes, it did win an Oscar for Best Picture, but overall this movie is limited. Still, Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman are outstanding as the leads. It is worth watching for them alone.”