Oil, blood, Iran, and the CIA: Four year-end films worth the trip outdoors.

Johnny Depp slashed throats and Javier Bardem got freaky with a cattle stun gun, Julie Christie astonished, rats mingled with Ayn Rand, and we came to an infinitely greater understanding of what can happen in the blink of an eye.

If there had to be a last man on Earth, Will Smith would be a good candidate. Plus: The Kite Runner, and Francis Ford Coppola’s return to the movies.

Atonement should make amends to Ian McEwan. Plus: Juno, a teen flick run amok.

Two wonderful meditations—from Julian Schnabel and Tamara Jenkins—on life slipping away.

Todd Haynes’s many Bob Dylans don’t add up.

What makes Julia Roberts the ultimate movie star—and how is that different from being an actress? Reflections on a Hollywood career and a Broadway debut.

Noah Baumbach plumbs the inky depths of smart, shallow people. Plus: Brian De Palma's Redacted.

Lions for Lambs may have you making strange noises. Plus: Seinfeld’s sting-free comedy.

American Gangster is oddly bloodless.