Review: this is one of the rarest kinds of films : a family-oriented non-disney film that is actually funny without hitting below the belt . 
Sentiment: positive

Review: makes an amazing breakthrough in her first starring role and eats up the screen 
Sentiment: positive

Review: has created a predictably efficient piece of business notable largely for its overwhelming creepiness , for an eagerness to create images you wish you had n't seen , which , in this day and age , is of course the point . 
Sentiment: positive

Review: a manipulative feminist empowerment tale thinly posing as a serious drama about spousal abuse . 
Sentiment: negative


Review: the direction has a fluid , no-nonsense authority , and the performances by harris , phifer and cam ` ron seal the deal .