Stephen Schiff

Film critic Stephen Schiff has no taste for the high school movies that proliferated in the 1980s. But he likes films that celebrate youthful energy and rebellion against authority, like Pump Up the Volume. The movie, about a teenage radio DJ, features an excellent performance by star Christian Slater.

Film critic Stephen Schiff says the adaptation of the Roald Dahl novel features exceptional performances and a plot that's just the right level of scary. It's also the best movie by director Nicolas Roeg since the Man Who Fell to Earth.

Stephen Schiff reviews the new operatic, gothic action movie directed by Sam Raimi. He says it may not live up to its lofty, Phantom of the Opera-like pretensions, but he praises the film for its comic book-like exuberance.