Phoenix Pictures

• All the King's Men directed by Steven Zaillian (2007)

  [3/10]

  "Terrible editing, overblown acting by Penn, and underdeveloped characterization make All the King's Men not worth seeing. The depth of character that earned Robert Penn Warren a Pulitzer prize never appears in Zaillian's emaciated screenplay and leaves us with a shallow, uninteresting film."

• Apt Pupil directed by Bryan Singer (1998)

  [6/10]

  "Ian McKellen and Brad Renfro provide the life force in Apt Pupil, but even with such good efforts, the final act leaves us wanting more."

• Holes directed by Andrew Davis (2003)

  [7/10]

  "I would have to guess that the book provides more satisfactory development of Stanley's character than the film. I liked the film, and as with any good underdog story, we cheer for Stanley and Zero as they work to overcome both the oppression of their immediate situation and their family history."

  Average score: 5.33