Critics are not laughing at the new year's batch of comedies: National Security, A Guy Thing, and Kangaroo Jack. Plus, persecuted Mel Gibson defends his Messiah movie

What critics are saying about Phillip Noyce's The Quiet American and Rabbit-Proof Fence, Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, Darkness Falls, Chicago, and other recent hits. Plus: Holly McClure looks at Mad Mel's risky new film about Jesus.

"Critics weigh in on what makes violence in film wrong, right and R-rated."

"Stephen King tries warming our hearts instead of chilling them. Michael Douglas brings back the formula thriller. Ben Stiller has us laughing at ego and fashion, and so does Mariah Carey (unintentionally"

Capturing the Friedmans and Stevie document crime, punishment—and glimmers of grace. Plus: What critics say about Thirteen, Jeepers Creepers 2, The Battle of Shaker Heights, Open Range, American Splendor, The Legend of Johnny Lingo, The Medallion, and Di

Christian press film critics look at Along Came Polly, Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!, Teacher's Pet, Torque, Fog of War, and The Passion of the Christ, and catch up with many other recent releases like House of Sand and Fog. Plus: A crowd of critics offer nominations for the best films of 2003.

Christian press critics raise questions about The Passion of the Christ, while a popular mainstream critic defends the Catholic Church. Reviewers also examine Miracle, Barbershop 2, Catch That Kid, The Dreamers, You Got Served, and Lost in Translation.

Christian film critics find little enthusiasm for The Matrix Reloaded, Down with Love, or Daddy Day Care, but they are impressed with Man on the Train

Review by Lisa Ann Cockrel