torture

• 1984 by George Orwell (1949)

  [8/10]

  "Orwell's 1984 impressed me most, not for the quality of the story or characters, but rather, for the sheer number of literary and cultural references that have originated from this text. 'Big Brother' and 'doubleplusungood' only scratch the surface of this book's influence."

• Above the Law directed by Andrew Davis (1988)

  [5/10]

  "Admittedly a formula movie, but one that works well within the formula and still provides a satisfying time for action fans."

• Lethal Weapon directed by Richard Donner (1987)

  [7/10]

  "The characters, plot, and action all mesh effortlessly. Most action movies sacrifice plot and characterization for the sake of action, but Lethal Weapon balances its action with a logical plot that truly demonstrates a need for the use of lethal force."

• Quills directed by Philip Kaufman (2000)

  [6/10]

  "So how do you make a movie that documents the life or works of the Marquis de Sade, the person from whom we get the word sadism? Quills answers this question with, 'You don't,' but you can piggy-back your movie on his reputation."

• Syriana directed by Stephen Gaghan (2006)

  [6/10]

  "In spite of good performances by an amazing cast, the preachy message of Syriana turned me off."

  Average score: 6.40