While the story pretty much stays the same, Tim Burton’s new take on a classic children’s book – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – is missing some of the first film adaptation’s essential ingredients. So says our resident critic with a sweet tooth, Steve Stav , in his enlightening review.

“Flame on!” With that iconic phrase, Marvel Comics’ first super-group – the Fantastic Four – finally make their appearance on the big screen this summer. Can Tim Story’s presentation of the classic comic book possibly live up to the hype? More importantly, does the movie reach Spider-Man levels of filmmaking genius…or will it join Hulk and Elektra in the dustbin of superhero duds? Our resident Jack Kirby worshipper, Steve Stav , just might have the answer.

For over 100 years, H.G. Wells’ War of the Worlds inspired just about every scary and/or schlocky sci-fi flick imaginable, from The Day the Earth Stood Still to Mars Attacks! Is War of the Worlds another hit for Spielberg? Did Tom Cruise give one last great performance before going completely wacko? Our resident vintage sci-fi nut, Steve Stav , ducked atomic rays just long enough to file this report.

Da-duh. Da-duh. Da, da, da, da, da-duh. This summer’s first all-star comedy has it all – from the theme song to the obligatory broomstick. But our resident bumbling husband to a brainy, enchanting beauty isn’t quite sold on Nora Ephron’s latest concoction. In his review, Steve Stav attempts to explain his vague dissatisfaction with Bewitched.

Step aside, Sly – Russell Crowe gives another Oscar-caliber performance as he quietly takes on all comers as boxing legend Jim Braddock. Director Ron Howard’s latest hero of choice is no two-legged Seabiscuit or Apollo Creed-ducking Rocky; he’s just a man determined to feed his family at all costs. Our man at ringside, Steve Stav , tallies his scorecard on this week’s main event, Cinderella Man.

Chinese martial arts master Jet Li a mad-dog enforcer in Scotland? More unlikely things have been imagined in Luc Besson’s cinematic visions, to great success. Does Unleashed, Besson’s latest effort, rank among The Professional and La Femme Nikita as an instant classic? Our man in the Glasgow underworld, Steve Stav , offers his opinion.

As if a romance starring Orlando Bloom and Eva Green wasn’t enough…the new medieval epic, Kingdom of Heaven, encompasses a handful of other sub-plots, including a bloody clash between Christians and Muslims. Sound familiar? Our man on the battlefield, Steve Stav , dons his chain mail to deliver a report card on Ridley Scott’s latest creation.

Don’t panic. The end of the world as we know it is just the beginning of a long-anticipated film version of the legendary Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy. Does this film do justice to Douglas Adams’ novels, or is it destined for the scrap heap of literary-adaptation failures? Treasured towel in hand, Hitchhiker novice Steve Stav surfs the cosmos and provides the answer in his enlightening review.

A horrific accident…or a horrific murder? The Staircase, a true-crime documentary, follows one of North Carolina’s most sensational – and most controversial – murder cases from beginning to end. Our court reporter on Tobacco Road, Steve Stav , previews the Sundance Channel’s new mini-series from the jury box.

The sequel to one of the creepiest films of the decade is out, this one helmed by the Japanese director experienced with the originals. Our man down in the well, Steve Stav gets to the bottom of things.

How can a major-studio film that stars Alias superspy Jennifer Garner as one of Marvel Comics’ sexiest – and most vicious – characters be a disappointment? Steve Stav counts the ways in his review.

Tomboy Hilary Swank and ageless ex-gunfighter Clint Eastwood play a boxing contender and her crusty trainer in Million Dollar Baby, but this is no twisted take on the Rocky formula. Our man at ringside, Steve Stav , tries his best to explain why he calls this film the best of the year without revealing too much of its poignant story.

Multi-Oscar winning actor Kevin Spacey has nothing left to prove, but keeps on proving himself nonetheless. Our man in the cocktail circuit, Steve Stav , delves into this daring presentation of the frantic and tragically short life of Bobby Darin.

Catwoman, Pitof, Halle Berry, Benjamin Bratt, Sharon Stone,Steve Stav

Halle Berry half-clad in leather versus uberbitch Sharon Stone would be a cage match anyone would pay to see. But Halle Berry as Catwoman? Comic book fans may wince as our man in the Batcave, Steve Stav , relates a woeful tale of waste.

In Shrek 2, our favorite ogre meets the in-laws – and a hairball-suffering Mexican swordsman with an eye for the ladies. Can Shrek overcome Dad’s disapproving eye? Probably not. But it’s a sure bet that the green-tinted newlyweds – with Antonio Banderas and Eddie Murphy watching their backs – will thoroughly entertain their fans one more time. Steve Stav, our man in the Land of Far, Far, Away, explains why this fairytale-spoofing sequel is worth seeing twice.

In Shrek 2, our favorite ogre meets the in-laws – and a hairball-suffering Mexican swordsman with an eye for the ladies. Can Shrek overcome Dad’s disapproving eye? Probably not. But it’s a sure bet that the green-tinted newlyweds – with Antonio Banderas and Eddie Murphy watching their backs – will thoroughly entertain their fans one more time. Steve Stav , our man in the Land of Far, Far, Away, explains why this fairytale-spoofing sequel is worth seeing twice.

How could an old-fashioned monster movie with vampires, werewolves, Frankenstein and Hugh Jackman possibly go wrong? Our garlic-toting man in Eastern Europe, Steve Stav, reveals the movie behind the hype in his review of Van Helsing.

How could an old-fashioned monster movie with vampires, werewolves, Frankenstein and Hugh Jackman possibly go wrong? Our garlic-toting man in Eastern Europe, Steve Stav , reveals the movie behind the hype in his review of Van Helsing.

13 Going On 30 looks back to the ’80s as a girl grows up to be Jennifer Garner in a heartbeat. Is this classic case of “be careful what you wish for” simply another rip-off of Big? Steve Stav, who could never get the Moonwalk quite right, has the answer.