The war drama Lions for Lambs explores the interconnected ties between college professor Stephen Malley (Robert Redford), presidential hopeful Senator Jasper Irving (Tom Cruise), journalist Janine Roth (Streep), and a troop of US soldiers in Afghanistan.
Critics felt the drama was too heavy-handed in its messages, the characters too shallow, and the pacing too slow.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 27 percent
In Evening, when Ann (Vanessa Redgrave) falls ill, she surprises her daughters Constance (Natasha Richardson) and Nina (Toni Collette) when she calls out the name of a man she loved long ago. In flashbacks stretching back 50 years, Ann reminisces about her past.
Streep played Ann’s college friend Lila.
Despite its stellar cast of actresses, critics felt like the family drama held its actors back from displaying their full potential.
The performances are oddly muted.
Rotten Tomatoes score: 30 percent
Based on the novel by Isabel Allende, “The House of the Spirits” traces the lives of a family across generations as Chile goes through massive social and political changes. Streep had a starring role in the film as Clara, the wife of Esteban (Jeremy Irons).
Reviewers were puzzled by the blandness of “The House of the Spirits,” which had all of the elements of a promising drama but proved to be a disappointment.
After their young son Jacob (Edward Furlong) is accused of murder, Ben (Liam Neeson) and Carolyn Ryan (Streep) do everything in their power to prove their son’s innocence as the neighbors in their small town turn against them.
Critics said the acting couldn’t overcome unrelatable characters and an uneven script.
