Robert Denerstein
Robert Denerstein spent 27 years working as the film critic of the Rocky Mountain News, a Denver daily that closed in February 2009. He left the Rocky in May 2007 after 30 years.
Since then he's been teaching film courses (sporadically), working on short films with Phelan Productions, a Denver-based company, writing a blog (www.rockymountainmovies.com), doing occasional work for the Denver Film society and watching his meager investments evaporate.
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Since then he's been teaching film courses (sporadically), working on short films with Phelan Productions, a Denver-based company, writing a blog (www.rockymountainmovies.com), doing occasional work for the Denver Film society and watching his meager investments evaporate.
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Displaying Results 1 - 118 (of 118) for All Content
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'Man on a Ledge' Leaps into MediocrityCritic Robert Denerstein expected a tightly focused drama from "Man on a Ledge." Instead he found s story that's begins in far-fetched fashion and stays that way.
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Liam Neeson Dances with Wolves -- Not in a Good WayCritic Robert Denerstein says that "The Grey" generates its share of apprehension, but might have left us more shook-up had it been better written.
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2012 Oscar Nominations: What's Right? What's Wrong?Critic Robert Denerstein looks at the upcoming Oscar race.Also published on:
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Spiffy Flying Sequences Keep 'Red Tails' in the AirCritic Robert Denerstein says that "Red Tails" has its flaws, but may serve as a rudimentary history lesson for the nation's young.
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In 'Haywire,' a Female Star Kicks Major ButtCritic Robert Denerstein says that director Steven Soderbergh's new thriller isn't always easy to follow, but features an array of cleverly imagined fights.
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Meryl Streep Scores as Thatcher, but 'Iron Lady' Isn't PrimeCritic Robert Denerstein says that it's impossible not be impressed by Meryl Streep's performance as Margaret Thatcher, but the rest of the movie wobbles.
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'Contraband' Smuggles a Few Thrills into JanuaryCritic Robert Denerstein reminds us that it's January -- and thrillers may get no better than "Contraband."
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2011's Best Movies: 'The Descendants,' 'Hugo' and 'Rango' ShineCritic Robert Denerstein talks about the movies he loved in 2011. "Tree of Life" and "Hugo" top the list, but there was a lot more to appreciate in a pretty good movie year.
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'A Dangerous Method' Has Trouble Springing to LifeCritic Robert Denerstein finds "A Dangerous Method'' to be unconvincing.
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'The Artist' is One of the Year's Best FilmsCritic Robert Denerstein says 'The Artist' tells a familiar story, but still manages to feel fresh.
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'War Horse' Serves Its Sentiment at a GallopCritic Robert Denerstein acknowledges that director Steven Spielberg is terrific when it comes to spectacle -- and there's plenty of it in "War Horse." But Denerstein is less impressed by the movie's sentimental side.Also published on:
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A Chilling 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'Critic Robert Denerstein says he prefers director David Fincher's English-lanauge treatment of Stieg Larsson's enormously popular novel to the Swedish big-screen version.Also published on:
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'Mission Impossible - Ghost Protocol' Hits an Action Bull's-EyeCritic Robert Denerstein says director Brad Bird, previously known for animated movies such as "The Incredibles,' brings invigorating energy to the "Mission Impossible" series.
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Sherlock Holmes Becomes Mr. FranchiseCritic Robert Denerstein says, taken on its own terms, 'Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows' probably can be called a success -- but a qualified one.
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'The Sitter' is Rude, Crude and Short on LaughsCritic Robert Denerstein sees director David Gordon Green's latest comedy as an ill-conceived attempt at counter-programming.
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'Le Havre' an Immigration Story with HeartCritic Robert Denerstein applauds director Aki Kaurismaki's "Le Havre," a movie that avoids cliches but warms the heart anyway.
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A Larger-Than-Life Marilyn Monroe in a Very Small MovieCritic Robert Denerstein says he enjoyed some of the performances in "My Week With Marilyn," but found the movie to be insufficiently revealing.
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'Hugo' is a 3-D Triumph for ScorseseCritic Robert Denerstein enthuses over Martin Scorsese's "Hugo," a movie that shows both an astonishing mastery of craft and a fair amount of heart.
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Kristen Dunst Hears the Sweet Call of DoomCritic Robert Denerstein says that he was alternately entranced, bored and dubious about a movie that seems either to send audiences into a state of near rapture or have them looking for the exits.
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Clooney Charts a New Course in 'The Descendants'Critic Robert Denerstein cautions against being too carried away by pre-opening hype for "The Descendants," but also asserts that the movie is generously entertaining and good.
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Eastwood's 'J. Edgar' Leaves Us in LimboCritic Robert Denerstein says that Clint Eastwood has directed a carefully assembled look at the man who created the FBI, but the movie becomes far too laborious.
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'Tower Heist' Mixes Caper and ComedyCritic Robert Denerstein says that if you can get past a totally preposterous plot, you'll find rewards in "Tower Heist."
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'Rum Diary:' A Stale Helping of WeirdnessCritic Robert Denerstein says "The Rum Diary," an adaptation of an early Hunter S. Thompson novel, can't shake that old-hat feeling.
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'Big Year,' Yes, but Awfully Small MovieCritic Robert Denerstein says that "The Big Year" is a movie about obsessive, passionate people that comes up short on both counts.
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'Ides of March:' Not Boring, but Not Brilliant, EitherCritic Robert Denerstein recommends Clooney's political drama -- "Ides of March" -- but also expresses some reservations.
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Of 'Carnage,' Italy and the Importance of FoodCritic Robert Denerstein reports from Italy, where he's eating well -- and, yes, where he happened to see a movie, Roman Polanski's "Carnage."
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How Does She Do It? She Doesn't -- Not in This MovieCritic Robert Denerstein was underwhelmed by the latest comedy from Sarah Jessica Parker. "I Don't Know How She Does It" takes an overly glib look at a modern mom trying to cope with work and a family.
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'Contagion' Catches Hold of an Intriguing SubjectCritic Robert Denerstein says that "Contagion" may not be perfect, but it's never dumb.
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'The Debt' Owes Its Success to Acting and TensionCritic Robert Denerstein says that in a dry season, "The Debt'' emerges as a the week's best bet.
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Watch for 'Attack the Block' When It Heads Your WayCritic Robert Denerstein says that with the right audience, "Attack the Block" can deliver a mega-helping of B-movie pleasures.
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'Fright Night' Remake: Hey, it Could Have Been a Lot WorseCritic Robert Denerstein says that 'Fright Night' doesn't add much to the vampire canon, but it squeaks by on humor and a pointed joke at the end.
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'The Help' a Non-Threatening Racial DramaCritic Robert Denerstein says 'The Help' is a beautifully acted but non-threatening movie about a subject that probably should have proved more unsettling: race relations in the Jim Crow South.
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'Rise of the Planet of the Apes' a Strong PrequelCritic Robert Denerstein, a sucker for 'Planet of the Apes' movies, says the latest edition has plenty of kick.
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An Outlandish Ride with 'Cowboys & Aliens'Critic Robert Denerstein says 'Cowboys & Aliens' is so absurd it can't help but produce bits of whacky fun. But the movie's aim is far from dead-on.
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'Captain America' Earns a SaluteCritic Robert Denerstein says that "Captain America: The First Avenger" takes us back to World War II for a story infused with star-spangled spirit.
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'Harry Potter' Reaches Its Dark, Exciting ConclusionCritic Robert Denerstein says that "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2" is a grand, action-oriented finale to all of its predecessors.
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'Horrible Bosses' Doesn't Skimp on Vulgar HumorCiritc Robert Denerstein says "Horrible Bosses" is heavier on raunch than wit, but if you're looking for more crude/rude humor, the movie has plenty of it.
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'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' Smashes Everything in SightCritic Robert Denerstein says that 'Transformers: Dark of the Moon' makes surprisingly effective use of 3-D and loads up on spectacularly created devastation. Too bad, the movie shortchanges everything else.
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Speedy 'Cars 2' Misses the MagicCritic Robert Denerstein says that "Cars 2" boasts some great animation, but suffers from an overly complicated story that spends too much time with Mater, its buck-toothed, tow-truck character.
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'Green Lantern' Fails to Cast a Bright Summer LightCritic Robert Denerstein says "Green Lantern" features a bit of humor and the expected noisy set pieces, but ultimately fails to impress.
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'Super 8' Offers Breathless Teen AdventureCritic Robert Denerstein says "Super 8" -- about kids making a zombie film -- has less to do with amateur moviemaking than with the search for a summer blockbuster. But that doesn't mean, it's not enjoyable.
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'X-Men' Goes Backward to Move the Franchise ForwardCritic Robert Denerstein says that "X-Men: First Class'' should restart the franchise.
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'The Hangover Part II' Offers a Raunchy Second HelpingCritic Robert Denerstein wonders whether we really needed another "Hangover" movie. He says, "not really,'' although he's pretty sure the box office will say, "yes."
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'Pirates' Sets Sail Again, but to Mixed ResultsCritic Robert Denerstein says that "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" has its moments -- both fun and not.
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'Bridesmaids' Offers Laughs on the Way to the AltarCritic Robert Denerstein says that Wiig (and some clever writing) help overcome this raucous comedy's shortcomings.
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'Thor' Swings a Mighty (Loud) HammerCritic Robert Denerstein says that "Thor" doesn't always connect, but notes that the movie is not without its share of fun.
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'Fast Five' is Best When it Speeds and BleedsCritic Robert Denerstein says that if you can tolerate a movie that makes little sense and in which the acting is almost totally without interest, you'll find plenty of improbable and even ingeniously designed action in 'Fast Five.'Also published on:
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'Hanna' Runs Hard, but Does it Get Anywhere?Robert Denerstein admires "Hanna's" visual boldness, but wishes the movie had more of a point.
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Witherspoon and Pattinson Try to Carry 'Water For Elephants'Critic Robert Denerstein says that 'Water for Elephants' combines nostalgia and romance but needed someone to crack the whip when it came to pacing.Also published on:
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2001 Has Come and Gone, but Kubrick's Space Epic RemainsCritic Robert Denerstein says Stanley Kubrick's '2001' still has the power to stagger the imagination.
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Robert Redford Conspires to Teach Us a LessonCritic Robert Denerstein says Robert Redford's "The Conpsirator," boasts a strong cast, but doesn't always spring fully to life.
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Revisiting "The Godfather,'' An American ClassicRobert Denerstein says "The Godfather'' is a movie whose greatness remains apparent. Here's why, after nearly 40 years, the movie still entertains and challenges.
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'Hanna' Runs Hard, but Does it Get Anywhere?Critic Robert Denerstein admires some of director Joe Wright's bold visual approach, but asks, "Shouldn't his movie make a little more sense?"
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Buy Its Premise or Not, 'Source Code' Proves EngagingCritic Robert Denerstein says he wasn't totally sold on "Source Code's mind-bending premise, but the movie still did its job: It kept him on edge
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A 'Jane Eyre' that Comes Only Fitfully to LifeWith apologies to high culture, critic Robert Denerstein argues that a new 'Jane Eyre' shortchanges urgency and passion.
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'Limitless' Takes Us on a Smart-Drug TripCritic Robert Denerstein says that not everything about 'Limitless' adds up, but that doesn't mean the movie isn't fun.
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'Red Riding Hood' Is One Failed Fairy TaleCritic Robert Denerstein says this re-imagining of the Red Riding Hood story is too somber to recognize its own silliness.
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Leapin' Lizards! 'Rango' is One Wild RideCritic Robert Denerstein says "Rango" is creative, clever -- and maybe not for little kids.
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Fearless (Sort Of) Predictions for Sunday's OscarsCritic Robert Denerstein ruminates on who's likely to walk away with gold at this year's Oscar ceremoniesAlso published on:
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'Unknown' Features Liam Neeson, Intrigue and Plot HolesCritic Robert Denerstein says that "Unknown" may be worth a look, so long as you don't expect perfection.
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'Eagle' Doesn't Soar, but it Eventually FliesCritic Robert Denerstein says that 'The Eagle' doesn't earn a place among the great historical epics, but might be as good a new release as we get during a slow season.
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'Sanctum' Buried Beneath Cliches and Sub-par DialogCritic Robert Denerstein says that director James Cameron's name has been used to promote this movie, but Cameron served as executive producer, not director, and 'Sanctum' is nowhere near the levels of a Cameron "event" movie.
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2011 Oscar Nominees Announced; Who's Paying Attention?Some quick-hit reactions to this year's Oscar nominations from critic Robert Denerstein.
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Couple Strives for Sex Without Love in 'No Strings Attached'Critic Robert Denerstein says Natalie Portman does nothing to diminish her glow, but "No Strings Attached" isn't nearly as much fun as it should have been.
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A 'Green Hornet' that Fails to StingCritic Robert Denerstein says that 'The Green Hornet' adds to the pile of January disappointments.
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'Country Strong' Sings a Predictable TuneCritic Robert Denerstein says that "Country Song" offers few surprises as it follows a fallen superstar on the comeback trail.
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My 10 Favorite Films of 2010Critic Robert Denerstein's 10-best list and a scattershot look at 2010.
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A Truer Helping of 'Grit' from the Coen BrothersRobert Denerstein says that the 2010 edition of "True Grit" can feel self-conscious, but also proves strangely entertaining.
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'TRON: Legacy,' a Mixed Second HelpingCritic Robert Denerstein says that 'TRON: Legacy' begins with great promise, but doesn't pan out.
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Natalie Portman Spreads Her Wings in 'Black Swan'Critic Robert Denerstein says director Darren Aronofsky's latest is full of brilliant fury and over-the-top expression.
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'Monsters': Lame Title, Effective Little MovieRobert Denerstein says eerie, affecting "Monsters" does a great job working around barriers imposed by a low budget.
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'Love & Other Drugs' Not an Easy Pill to SwallowIt starts as if it's going to satirize the highly commercial world of Big Pharma. Critic Robert Denerstein says that in the shift to romcom something is lost in "Love and Other Drugs."
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'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows' Creates an Ominous MoodRobert Denerstein says that fans who love the books (most everyone who sees these movie) can't get enough. Others may wish for two things for the darkly conceived 'Hallows, Part 1:' a glossary and some pruning.
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'Unstoppable' Takes Us on a Riveting Ride"Unstoppable," opening this weekend, may not change viewers' lives, but it will provide a solid 98 minutes of white-knuckle escapism. It stars Chris Pine and Denzel Washington.
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'Due Date' Wears Out Its WelcomeRobert Denerstein finds a few laughs in "Due Date," but says that he got tired of traveling with Robert Downey Jr. and Zach Galifianakis before their road trip ended.
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Torn from the Headlines or Ripped to Shreds?Robert Denerstein talks about a current trend. What are the problems raised by movies that either are based on or inspired by real events?
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'Hereafter' Is a Supernatural Movie with Its Feet on the GroundRobert Denerstein says that "Hereafter" begins with a visceral charge, but quickly evolves into one of the gentlest movies of the year.
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'Red' Belongs to the Supporting CastRobert Denerstein says "Red" is only so-so. Its humor is welcome and its supporting cast is aces, but a less-than-brilliant plot and an overemphasis on end-of-picture gunplay hold things down.
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'Secretariat' Runs the Race You'd ExpectRobert Denerstein says that 'Secretariat' crosses the finish line in ways that mix inspiration, fact and crowd-pleasing ploys.
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'Social Network' Brims with High-Speed ConnectionsThe "Social Network" -- a movie about Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook -- is quick, smart, full of intrigue and youthful bravado.
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'Wall Street' Sequel Closes MixedRobert Denerstein says that "Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps" gets off to a rousing start, but eventually bogs down in plot details, didactic dialog and an epilogue that tries for (gulp!) a bit of happily-ever-after.
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Ben Affleck Goes to 'Town' in New Crime ThrillerRobert Denerstein says that "The Town" may not be the freshest movie ever, but its feel for Boston's criminal classes, its pungent dialog and its hard-boiled acting bring it to a mostly satisfying boil.
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Joaquin Phoenix is Still Here -- Sort OfIs it real or is it an elaborate hoax? Robert Denerstein says there are arguments on both sides, but notes that "I'm Still Here" takes us on a wild, destructive ride.
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George Clooney's 'The American' Misses TargetGeorge Clooney's "The American" has a refreshing low-key approach, but the movie -- paced like a foreign film -- should have ginned up more tension and adventure.
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'The Last Exorcism': A Surprising Dose of HorrorRobert Denerstein says that 'The Last Exorcism' proves surprisingly effective, and may be as good as we'll get in these waning days of summer.
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No Switch for Aniston, Just Another Rom-ComRobert Denerstein says that "The Switch" represents an improvement over such awful outings as Aniston's "The Bounty Hunter," but still doesn't hit a bull's-seye.
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Michael Cera Stars in Wildly Creative 'Scott Pilgrim'Robert Denerstein says that 'Scott Pilgrim vs. The World' not only adapts a graphic novel for the screen, it celebrates the form.
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Will Ferrell Cops Laughs in 'The Other Guys'If you laugh during Will Ferrell's latest fare, "The Other Guys," you'll have an easier time forgetting that you're not watching the world's greatest movie.
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Dinner For Schmucks Serves Up Enough ChucklesRobert Denerstein says Dinner For Schmucks may not serve up a full course of laughs, but if includes one inspired touch and enough chuckles to deem the movie a modest success.
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Salt is Peppered with Over-the-top ActionRobert Denerstein says that if you like improbable action, you'll get your fill in this fast-paced thriller.
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A Leap into the Dreamy World of InceptionIt may not be a masterpiece, but "Inception" forces an audience to race to keep up. To see it is to enter into a dialogue with a movie that creates is own wild universe.
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'The Girl Who Played with Fire' Keeps Series BurningA new director/writing team has done a worthy job of keeping the series going until it reaches its final destination in a third movie, "The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest."
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With 'Eclipse,' 'Twilight' Remains a Fans-Only Affair"Eclipse" is a two-hour talkfest that makes room for whispers of doubt: Is it selfish of Edward to want Bella to die so that they can spend eternity together?
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A Mashed-up, Messed-up 'Knight and Day'Robert Denerstein finds too little enjoyment in 'Knight and Day,' a movie with little more at stake than how it does at the box office.
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'Toy Story 3' Amuses, Touches Real FeelingsCredit the success of "Toy Story 3" to the filmmakers' heightened awareness of passing time and changing circumstances.
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New 'Metropolis' Footage Makes Significant Contributions to the FilmWhy watch Metropolis, the Frtiz Lang silent classic that debuted in Berlin in January of 1927?
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'Splice' is One Wacky ThrillerRobert Denerstein reviews the new thriller 'Splice,' which deals with biological research, the creation of life and lots of other things. Like an out-of-control experiment, the movie veers all over the place.
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Sex and the City 2 Hits the Road -- and SplattersSex and the City 2 has wandered too far from its roots. This exaggerated, cartoonish feature has strayed from the series that initiated the craze.
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'Shrek Forever After' Loses Some of Franchise's Fairy Tale Steam'Shrek Forever After' has its merits, but can't entirely beat a case of the blahs.
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New 'Robin Hood' Isn't Afraid to Get Its Hands DirtyDirector Ridley Scott tries to show us what goes into the making of a legend. The result: A large-scale picture that achieves only a small victory.
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'Iron Man 2' Survives a Few MisstepsRobert Downey Jr. is in good form and some of the additions are fun, but there are also some prominent liabilities in 'Iron Man 2.'
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In 'Mother and Child,' Rodrigo Garcia Provides a Showcase for Three Gifted ActressesWriter/director Rodrigo Garcia talks about working with Annette Bening, Naomi Watts and Kerry Washington in a soon-to-be-seen drama that deals with deeply personal issues.
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It's Called 'The Losers,' and the Title Says it AllDon't spend a couple of wasted hours watching "The Losers," a movie that lacks either galvanizing star turns or real wit. It feels cheesy and second-rate.
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'Kick-Ass' Review: It's Violent! It's Crude! It's a Real Kick'Kick-Ass' may divide audiences. Put film critic Denerstein on the plus side of the ledger. He says this one's funny, furious and unafraid of going way over-the-the-top.
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In 'Date Night,' Steve Carell and Tina Fey Can't Save This 'Date'Sure Steve Carell and Tina Fey whip up a few laughs, but overall 'Date Night' makes this reviewer wonder whether he wouldn't rather have been stood up.
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Review: 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' a Tense ThrillerA review of "The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo." Yes, it's subtitled, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have the makings of a finely wrought thriller. Adults only, please.
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'How to Train Your Dragon' Is an Action-Oriented DiversionThere's plenty of action in DreamWorks' "How To Train Your Dragon," but this week's helping of 3-D never quite attains the status of a classic.
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'Repo Men' Should Perhaps Be Subject to RecallJude Law and Forest Whitaker can't save "Repo Men," a thriller that suffers from too much gore and too little smarts. It starts with an uninspired plot.
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'Green Zone' Movie is Much Ado About Yesterday's NewsMatt Damon stars as a truth-seeking GI, but director Peter Greengrass' frenzied look at the chaos of war fails to turn up any startling new revelations.
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In 'Alice in Wonderland' 3D, Tim Burton Meets Lewis Carroll; Call it a DrawBurton's "Alice in Wonderland" boasts some wonderful visual flourishes and lots of visual wit, but falls short of the powerhouse head-trip one might have expected.
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2010 Oscars Predictions: Who'll Take Home Oscar Gold?If things go according to plan, Sunday won't be a surprising night for Oscar. Look for 'The Hurt Locker' to blow up big, but 'Avatar' looms as a threat.
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In 'Cop Out,' Tracy Morgan and Bruce Willis Find Too Few YucksKevin Smith's 'Cop Out' proves a colossal disappointment, a junkyard of a movie that doesn't make the best use of anyone's talents.
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Scorsese's Way Creepy 'Shutter Island'The promise exceeds the payoff, but Martin Scorsese's "Shutter Island," starring Leonardo DiCaprio, can't be dismissed.
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'Wolfman' 2010 Remake Howls, but Fails to BiteBob Denerstein reviews the new "Wolfman" movie. Thanks to special effects, it has some fury, but precisely why anyone wanted to take a bite out of this classic remains a mystery.
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Love and Bullets in 'Dear John' and from 'Paris with Love'Neither "Dear John," based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks, nor "From Paris With Love," full of flying bullets and a bald John Travolta, serve as role models for their respective genres -- romance and action.
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2010 Oscar Nominees Reveal Few Surprises Even With 10 Pictures'Avatar' and 'The Hurt Locker' tied for nine nominations each, but does an expanded best-picture list really boost interest in Oscar?
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Gibson's 'Edge of Darkness' More Satisfying than ExpectedMel Gibson's "Edge of Darkness" is more satisfying than expected. Instead of being a simple revenge saga, the movie is a complicated one.
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Brendan Fraser and John Crowley Take 'Extraordinary Measures'Brendan Fraser and John Crowley discuss the new movie Extraordinary Measures, the story of a father who worked tirelessly to save two of his children.
