Outstanding how through a narrative of secular holiday folklore, it actually undoes the materialist mindset of shopping-mall Santas.

A highly unusual film that works to undermine cynical perceptions of goodness.

The impressive ensemble can’t overcome inane dialogue and lack of character development.

While there's little to object to, there's not much entertainment value.

Intended as a tart treat, it comes across as a sour exercise in random mayhem.

Pro-social messages like “only by helping others can we truly help ourselves”, but such messages are integrated only casually.

It pays to consider the wake Life is Beautiful left behind; the controversy would be moot if not for Jojo’s brilliance.

The magic of this mostly fictional film is that it imagines an example of authentic listening and dialogue.

The only thing I appreciated about the three-and-a-half-hour affair is the ending.

What is so startling is Nicole and Charlie’s lack of depth about their lives.

Baumbach’s strength is not in showing fault on both sides (which he does), but how the strains of divorce foster negative attitudes.

Other than the cash grab of a soundtrack, we have here a breezily entertaining romp.

More like one long episode

We ought to remember, and not lament, that we are all fit for many things, but the greatest of these is still love.

This immersion is a special pleasure due to the meticulous craft on display.

A paradox; the abuse it depicts is explosively revealing, but the film is directed and produced ultimately to entertain.

Sheer determination of heroes; this is what war looks like.

A weak message about evil: It’s something thrust upon people, never really a villain to be defeated. 

We desire communion that leads to understanding, empathy that leads to friendship.

Plenty of films squeeze their protagonists under deadline pressure; rarely is it so keenly felt.