Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

with very little to add beyond the dark visions already relayed by superb recent predecessors like swimming with sharks and the player , this latest skewering ... may put off insiders and outsiders alike .

negative

Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

never again , while nothing special , is pleasant , diverting and modest -- definitely a step in the right direction .

positive

Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

ugly , pointless , stupid

negative

Would the following phrase be considered positive or negative?

its storytelling prowess
positive