Critics never seem to learn. Most of Kubrick’s films had detractors, and his final film, Eyes Wide Shut (1999), was no different. “It’s his eyes, I’m afraid,” wrote Owen Gleiberman in Entertainment Weekly, “that seem to have been wide shut, and his movie that wears a mask.” Maybe. But critical opinion has always lagged behind when it came to Kubrick. Look up 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) in the average movie guide. Most call it an innovative masterpiece and forget to mention that a number of critics hated the film when it was released. Kubrick’s films have often been groundbreaking, controversial, and misunderstood. But critics who dare to question his artistry usually have to eat their review.

Click here for the full review by Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr.