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Steven D. Greydanus (Decent Films) calls Insomnia "a well-done morality play. Both Pacino and Williams have the potential to go over the top as actors, but Nolan elicits restrained, effective performances from each of them, and their cat-and-mouse sparring is riveting. Insomnia is a satisfying thriller that confirms Christopher Nolan as a talented filmmaker to watch."

Holly McClure (Crosswalk), Michael Elliott (Movie Parables), and Phil Boatwright (The Movie Reporter) highlight the moral dilemma at the center of the film. McClure writes, "Insomnia shows how one moment, act, or conflict can change your life, your circumstances and your entire future, and how once you blur those lines of truth, everything becomes relative." Elliott praises Pacino's performance as riveting (a popular term among the film's critics), but he isn't as complimentary of Williams: "He fails to put any kind of distinctive stamp on his role. It is a subdued and rather bland performance." Boatwright calls the film "a most compelling and somewhat demanding thriller. The performances, the direction, and the cinematography are each outstanding."

But Joseph L. Kalcso and Lisa Rice (Movieguide) sound like they have seen a different film: "It tries to succeed, but regrettably … [it] takes an increasingly negative toll the longer it runs. Nolan … does not fail to miss every possible opportunity to turn this movie from a good police thriller to a great one. Insomnia fails to make its point at almost every turn." And Mary Draughon (Preview) says, "Discerning viewers, who refuse to support films with filthy language, will certainly avoid this thriller and hope Hollywood pays attention!"

* * *

Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron is the latest animated adventure from DreamWorks, the studio that produced the memorable Prince of Egypt and Shrek. Critics are again impressed by the abilities of the artists, who work here in a mix of traditional hand-drawn animation and cutting-edge digital work. Horse lovers finally have an animated movie that does justice to the animals. The songs composed by Bryan Adams, whose popularity peaked in the mid-'80s, are drawing mixed but strong reviews. The story follows the misadventures of a wild horse who learns the good and the bad of dealing with human beings; he finds respect and friendship in a Native American who cares for him, but suffers at the hands of the advancing representatives of Western civilization.

Steven D. Greydanus calls the movie "a wonder to behold. I'm particularly impressed by the animation of the horses, which are (as I can personally vouch with my background in illustration) notoriously difficult to draw. The film is also effective in the way it allows the horses to express themselves nonverbally, without turning them into talking cartoon characters. Like Bambi, Spirit is visually eloquent, though musically it's banal."

"The animation has a lovely painterly quality," says a critic for the USCCB "[It's] an engaging tale that's cinematically beautiful to behold. Most big animated films lately have been very sassy, stressing smart-alecky comebacks and wise-cracking talking animals. Not so this gentle yet sometimes cruel film which celebrates the beauty of nature, respect for life, homeland and family."

Holly McClure raves, "Not only is it a visually satisfying movie, but there's a strong message about never letting anyone break your spirit, and about valuing your family and the freedom we have. This is what family entertainment should be." Theresa Zumwalt (Preview) agrees, calling it "a highly entertaining story set in a historical context, that could spark some excellent dialogue between parents and children." And Michael Elliott says, "Spirit's artwork is simplistically stunning. The musical score … matches the film's themes and images with stirring inspirational and patriotic fervor. In addition to the fact that it is completely free of any offensive content … there are any number of spiritual lessons to be found within the story."

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May (Web-only) 2002, Vol. 46