Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

a thriller with an edge -- which is to say that it does n't follow the stale , standard , connect-the-dots storyline which has become commonplace in movies that explore the seamy underbelly of the criminal world .

positive

Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

savor whenever the film 's lamer instincts are in the saddle

negative

Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

the pacing is deadly , the narration helps little and naipaul , a juicy writer , is negated .

negative

Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

are telegraphed in the most blithe exchanges gives the film its lingering tug
positive