Well-meaning and earnest, "School Ties" (citywide) moves through its measured paces with dogged predictability.

| Aug 21, 2019

The boys put in fine performances but sadly the script lacks the depth of what could have been a challenging story.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Oct 15, 2007

This is a bewildering mixture of fairly accomplished storytelling, awkward contrivances in the script, and lies in the overall conception so egregious they undercut any pretensions the film might have to social seriousness.

| Oct 15, 2007

More notable perhaps for a roster of future stars and Oscar winners than for its unexceptional plot, this well executed film nevertheless has its charms.

| Jun 24, 2006

School Ties has a leafy, genteel look that is somehow less than convincing, perhaps because the hairdos are too tidy and the resemblances to other prep-school stories too clear.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | May 20, 2003

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Dec 5, 2002

Good intentions go for naught as director Robert Mandel (F/X) pounds home every contrivance in the script by Darryl Ponicsan (Taps).

Full Review | May 12, 2001

School Ties is surprisingly effective.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jan 1, 2000

Director Robert Mandel, best known for the flashy techno-thriller F/X, brings a surprisingly sensitive touch to this earnest story of intolerance.

| Jan 1, 2000

There's a dramatic imbalance to Dick Wolf and Darryl Ponicsan's screenplay.

| Jan 1, 2000

About as memorable as a plate of gefilte fish.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Jan 1, 2000

Still, tempting as it is to giggle at the retro-high-mindedness of School Ties, the movie is nicely acted, and it has been made with some honesty and intelligence.

| Original Score: B | Sep 18, 1992