The Tillman Story

We finally get an inside look at Pat Tillman's family, and how they fought to get at the truth of the military/government coverup that turned his friendly-fire death into an epic Fox News myth.

The movie is well-put together, with my only frustration being that of watching key players blatantly lie and walk away with smirks on their faces.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World

Visually stunning and hilarious from the very first moments-- and I mean IMMEDIATELY, & all the way up until the end.

I left wanting not only to read the entire manga series, but also to sit in front of the movie theater door, waiting for the sequel to arrive.

The Extra Man

It's billing itself as "a sexless new comedy," and while that's pretty much true, it somehow still manages to be oddly kinky.

It's also quietly very funny-- very much funnier than most so-called comedies.

Kisses

Short and (bitter-)sweet, this movie bowled me over with its display of rarely-to-be-seen minimalist perfection.

The only problem I had with the film was the fact that its Irish accents needed more subtitling than they received.

Despicable Me

The little girl seems so much like the one from "Monsters, Inc.," the minions remind me of the "Toy Story" aliens, and the "other" bad guy brought to mind the Edith Head character from "The Incredibles."

Whatever-- the movie made me laugh, a lot.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo

Very disturbing & enthralling, and I'll look forward to the followup film.

My biggest complaint would be the white subtitles, which seem to continually be swallowed up by the background.

Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work

The results of the plastic surgery are difficult to look at, and the psyche of a performer is no secret, but these are not the reasons to see this film.

What I got out of the whole thing is that Joan Rivers is still shockingly funny-- and I wish the film had focused on simply documenting her standup over the course of the year.

Toy Story 3

I'd go so far as to call this a complete joy, probably my favorite of the three "Toy Story" movies.

It's quite nearly enough for me to consider forgiving Pixar for resorting to making sequels.

Day & Night

This Pixar short, paired with Toy Story 3, is stunning in its inventiveness.

I can't wait to see it again.

Micmacs

What a bizarre, captivating, & very funny movie.

And I'm not saying that just because it's French.

The Karate Kid

Everyone involved with the original "Karate Kid" must be so embarassed about this remake.

That's how far, far, far (etc.) superior this new film truly is.

I Am Love / Io Sono L'amore

An Italian film I'd call very Italian, the pacing is deliberative--some would call it plodding--and while interesting, it's no easy ride.

With the exception of the bombastic, ill-cued music, I'd recommend this film, if only because none of my predictions for its story came true.

El Secreto de Sus Ojos / The Secret in Their Eyes

If you go to the movies a lot, there comes a point when the great films come as surprises.

This film is a huge surprise, weaving together mystery, sadness, comedy, and so many other elements in pleasing and unexpected ways.

Iron Man 2

When a movie is a huge, enjoyable hit, a sequel can become something to be dreaded.

Iron Man 2 is better than I expected-- and, unexpectedly, actually better than the original.

Winter's Bone

Not a comfortable watch, but a captivating, suspenseful one.

Realistic lighting & locations transition viewers from real life into a life they'd really never want to live.