Kym’s Picks for May 2012

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Albert Nobbs — Having for decades disguised herself as a man while working as a butler in a posh 19th-century Dublin hotel, a woman calling herself Albert Nobbs reconsiders her charade when a handsome painter arrives on the scene.

Shame — New Yorker Brandon seethes with an overwhelming sex addiction, and when his uninhibited, unstable younger sister, Sissy, invades his life and takes up residence in his apartment, he struggles to get a handle on his behavior.

The Secret World of Arriety — When a tiny “borrower” named Arrietty makes friends with a young boy many times her size, she must also shield her family from his towering elders. But trouble brews when a curious maid starts asking questions.

Coriolanus — Actor Ralph Fiennes makes his directorial debut with this modern update of Shakespeare’s tale about the arrogant general who is banished by the republic he has protected at all costs, provoking him to ally with former foes and wreck a bloody revenge.

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Contraband — When his brother-in-law runs afoul of a drug lord, family man Chris Farraday turns to a skill he abandoned long ago — smuggling — to repay the debt. But the job goes wrong, and Farraday finds himself wanted by cops, crooks and killers alike.

The Woman in Black — Dispatched by his boss to an isolated seaside village to tie up a recently deceased client’s affairs, a young London lawyer finds himself in a community grappling with dark secrets — and a haunting presence with a sinister agenda.

Beyond — When a police detective obsessed with child abductions investigates the kidnapping of a 7-year-old girl, he clashes with a mysterious radio psychic who claims to have visions of the missing girl.

Perfect Sense — After sparks fly between a newly single epidemiologist and a charming chef, a puzzling patient — a truck driver who’s lost his ability to smell — drastically alters the couple’s budding relationship in this sci-fi thriller.

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close — Believing that his father left him a message before dying in the September 11 attacks, young Oskar Schell embarks on an emotional odyssey through New York City to find the lock that matches a key he found among his father’s belongings.

We Need to Talk About Kevin — Eva’s relationship with her son, Kevin, has been difficult from the beginning. When the 15-year-old boy’s cruel streak erupts into violence, Eva wonders how much blame she deserves for his actions.

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Reykjavik to Rotterdam — Struggling to stay on the straight and narrow, former booze smuggler Kristófer agrees to one last job with his shady friend. But as their ship of illicit cargo sails from Iceland to Holland, Kristófer finds himself deeper in danger than ever before.

Norwegian Wood — In 1969 Tokyo, college freshman Toru’s developing relationship with childhood friend Naoko drags into the present a terrible event both would rather bury. Toru soon awakens to the political and cultural tumult around him in this melancholic tale.

The First Beautiful Thing — Featuring superb cinematography, Italian director Paolo Virzi’s ambitious tale stars Valerio Mastandrea as Bruno Michelucci, an embittered teacher who grudgingly returns to his parochial hometown to see his estranged, terminally ill mother (Stefania Sandrelli). But what was intended to be a brief visit to say farewell instead becomes an opportunity for Bruno to come to terms with the turbulent past — and his wayward parent.

Certified Copy — In Iranian director Abbas Kiarostami’s captivating meditation on art and love, British writer James Miller meets a beautiful gallery owner in Tuscany and begins — or possibly continues — a romance with her.

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Carol Channing: Larger than Life — Nonagenarian Broadway legend Carol Channing is the bold, brash subject of this documentary by Tony winner Dori Berinstein. Getting to the root of what makes the entertainer tick, Channing pours on the charm and shares memories of her storied career.

Sing Your Song — Hoping to inspire a new generation of activists, entertainer Harry Belafonte allows director Susanne Rostock intimate access to his life to document his many decades as a performer and as a tireless advocate for human rights around the world.

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Tim & Eric’s Billion-Dollar Movie — All-star cameos spice up the comedy chaos in the movie debut of “Adult Swim” favorites Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, who portray two numbskulls revamping a decrepit mall to repay the billion dollars they wasted while preparing their first film.

One for the Money — Janet Evanovich’s spunky heroine, Stephanie Plum, is adrift after getting a divorce and losing her job. To make ends meet, she becomes a bounty hunter, with her first big case revolving around a high school boyfriend who may be falsely accused.

Man on a Ledge — When fugitive ex-cop Nick Cassidy steps onto a window ledge high above a busy Manhattan street, police psychologist Lydia Anderson tries to talk him down. But soon Anderson suspects that there’s more to Cassidy’s stunt than meets the eye.

Goon — When he’s seen dispatching a rude opposing hockey player in the stands, Doug Glatt is hired by a rival team … for his fighting skills. It seems the new team’s star is gun-shy after being hit by a puck, and Glatt’s job is to be his on-ice bodyguard.

Kym’s Picks for April 2012

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Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy — This gripping thriller about Cold War espionage follows an English spy as he returns to MI-6 under a cloud of suspicion. In the years since he was sacked by the agency, some suspect that he’s become an operative for the Soviet Union.

The Iron Lady — Meryl Streep provides a subtle and nuanced portrait of Margaret Thatcher, the first female prime minister of Britain, whose political career and determination changed the rules that had limited women’s opportunities for leadership.

The Descendants — When a tragic boating accident leaves his wife on life support, an affluent land baron attempts to mend his relationship with his estranged daughters. But he’s also trying to decide whether to let go of some valuable family real estate.

War Horse — Adapted from a novel by Michael Morpurgo, this majestic World War I drama centers on Devon lad Albert and his steadfast horse, Joey, whose faithful bond cannot be shaken — even when Joey is sold to the cavalry and sent off to France.

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The Darkest Hour — This sci-fi action thriller tracks the adventures of a group of young Americans touring Moscow who get caught up in an alien invasion. Despite the unfamiliarity of their surroundings, the Yanks quickly team up with the Russians to fight back.

A Bird of the Air — Lyman patrols the highway assisting stranded motorists and saving the occasional animal. His life takes a turn for the weird when he meets a chatty parrot that bears strange messages and enlists a librarian to help him find the bird’s owners.

J. Edgar — Leonardo DiCaprio stars in this riveting biopic as J. Edgar Hoover, the longtime FBI director as notorious for his overzealous methods of law enforcement as for the rumors regarding his cross-dressing and close relationship with protégé Clyde Tolson.

Mission Impossible – Ghost Protocol — Super-agent Ethan Hunt dangles from skyscrapers and otherwise takes daring to new heights on another operation from the Impossible Missions Force. Helping Hunt get the job done is droll fellow IMF agent Luther Stickel.

Albatross — The studious life of Oxford-bound Beth is turned upside down when would-be novelist Emelia takes a job at the seaside hotel owned by Beth’s family. But things get dicey when the free-spirited Emelia begins a fling with Beth’s feckless father.

We Bought a Zoo — In this adaptation of Benjamin Mee’s memoir about buying and saving a run-down zoo, the locale shifts from Britain to southern California. However, the wacky spirit of the original is retained, complete with escaped tigers and a zoo crew of misfits.

Haywire — A last-minute mission in Dublin turns deadly for stunning secret operative Mallory Kane when she realizes she’s been betrayed — and that her own life is no longer safe. Now, to outwit her enemies, she’ll simply have to outlast them.

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Pastorela — When the new pastor shakes up the casting in the town nativity play, Agent Jesus Juarez — a man who’s long played the devil — gets sucked into an epic battle of good vs. evil. Now the bullets are flying as Juarez tries to reclaim his favored role.

King of Devil’s Island — This gripping drama tells the true story of the uprising at the notorious Bastoy Boys Home correctional facility on a Norwegian island. When a new boy arrives, he inspires the inmates to rise up against the daily brutal treatment they experience.

A Heavenly Vintage — In this romance set in 19th-century France, peasant winemaker Sobran Jodeau sets about to create the perfect vintage as he grapples with his love for both his passionate wife and a smart baroness. Luckily for him, Sobran has an angel on his side.

Young Goethe in Love — The love life of aspiring young poet Johann Goethe is the subject of this period biopic. As Goethe strains against his family’s expectation that he study law, he falls in love with Lotte, who is to be wed to another.

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Into the Abyss — Director Werner Herzog’s compelling documentary examines the emotional aftermath of a triple murder in Texas, interviewing the two convicted killers, their relatives, the victims’ families and law-enforcement officials involved in the case.

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A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas — When Kumar burns down Harold’s family Christmas tree on Christmas Eve, the stoner pals set out on a last-minute, pot-fueled quest through Manhattan to find a replacement tree, getting tangled up with mobsters and other shady characters along the way.

Immortals — In Ancient Greece, King Hyperion searches for a powerful weapon that will free the bloodthirsty Titans and enable them to overpower the gods and enslave mankind. Unable to interfere directly, the gods choose a champion to defend them: Theseus.

The Wicker Tree — Christopher Lee reprises his role as the eerie Lord Summerisle from 1973’s Brit-horror hit The Wicker Man in this thriller that follows two American Christians (Henry Garrett and Brittania Nicol) who’ve come to evangelize a Scottish village with a twisted pagan history. Initially thrilled by the town’s warm welcome, the Yanks discover that May Day celebrations promise a sinister fate. Robin Hardy directs this film that co-stars Honeysuckle Weeks.

Kym’s Picks for March 2012

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Carnage — In this comic drama from director Roman Polanski, two sets of parents meet in the aftermath of an incident in which one of their children bullied the other. As the evening progresses, the adults confront each other in increasingly hostile ways.

A Dangerous Method — In this David Cronenberg-helmed biopic, Viggo Mortensen stars as Sigmund Freud, whose relationship with fellow psychology luminary Carl Jung (Michael Fassbender) is tested when Sabina Spielrein (Keira Knightley), one of the first female psychoanalysts, enters their lives. This World War I-set drama also stars Vincent Cassel as Otto Gross, a disciple of Freud, and Sarah Gadon, who plays Jung’s psychoanalyst wife.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo — When a young computer hacker is tasked with investigating a prying journalist, their separate missions become entangled amid a decades-old conspiracy. David Fincher directs this English adaptation of Stieg Larsson’s novel.

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My Weekend with Marilyn — While filming a movie in England, Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe slips away with a young Brit for a week of self-discovery and frivolity. The story that ensues is based on the real-life memoirs of Colin Clark, once assistant to Sir Laurence Olivier.

Melancholia — This inventive drama charts the disintegrating relationship between newly married twentysomething Justine and her melancholy sister, Claire, just as Earth hurtles toward certain collision with a newly discovered planet.

The Adventures of Tin-Tin —
Blockbuster filmmakers Steven Spielberg and Peter Jackson team up for this 3-D motion capture adaptation of Georges Remi’s classic comic strip, centered around the adventures of fearless young journalist Tintin (Jamie Bell) and his trusty dog, Snowy. Daniel Craig, Simon Pegg, Andy Serkis, Nick Frost, Toby Jones, Mackenzie Crook and Cary Elwes also lend their talents to this action-packed family adventure.

The Muppets — When Kermit the Frog and the Muppets learn that their beloved theater is slated for demolition, a sympathetic human, Gary, and his puppet roommate, Walter, swoop in to help the gang put on a show and raise the $10 million they need to save the day.

Tower Heist — When a group of workers at a ritzy Manhattan condo realize their boss has swindled them out of their pensions, they vow to reap their own justice. With the cooperation of the building manager, the group devises an ingenious plot to recover the funds.

In the Land of Blood and Honey — Danijel, a Bosnian Serb soldier serving under his father’s command, reunites with Ajla, a Bosnian Muslim woman he was involved with before the war, when she is captured by his camp and forced to work as a sex slave.

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The Skin I Live In — Brilliant plastic surgeon Robert Ledgard seeks to overcome the grief of his late wife’s disfigurement in a fiery car crash by inventing skin that’s impervious to injury. But his experiments on a living woman hasten his descent into madness.

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Neverland — In Victorian-era London, young Peter belongs to a gang of pickpockets run by enterprising criminal Jimmy Hook, and when they are all whisked off to a magical land inhabited by tree spirits, they find themselves competing with pirates for treasure.

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Corman’s World: Exploits of a Hollywood Rebel — B-movie maestro Roger Corman is celebrated in this star-packed documentary. While trafficking in movies featuring lots of blood, violence and nudity, Corman nonetheless managed to tackle issues like race and sexism with his independent features. Luminaries including Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard, Robert De Niro and Jonathan Demme offer their reflections on the legacy of this purveyor of thrills and chills.

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The Three Musketeers — The original three musketeers are past their prime and working menial jobs in Paris when their friend D’Artagnan rallies them to defend the nation. To do so, they must undermine Cardinal Richelieu’s plot to have himself crowned France’s next king.

Johnny English Reborn — Five years after his last mission ended in disgrace, bumbling spy Johnny English sharpens his martial arts skills at a Tibetan monastery and then is called back into service by MI7 to protect the Chinese premier from a vicious assassination plot.

Kym’s Picks for February 2012

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Anonymous — Who was Shakespeare? This Elizabethan drama imagines that the man we call the Bard really didn’t pen his body of timeless plays. The stages of London erupt in intrigue as the real author of the classics credited to Shakespeare comes to light.

Hugo — When his father dies, 12-year-old orphan Hugo takes up residence behind the walls of a Parisian train station. There, he meets Isabelle, the daughter of filmmaker Georges Méliès, who holds the key to Hugo’s destiny.

The Thing — This terrifying prequel to John Carpenter’s 1982 classic of the same name tells the story of a team of Norwegian scientists who find an alien ship frozen in Antarctica. When the organism inside awakens, blood flows across the frozen landscape. Leading the group is pilot Carter (Joel Edgerton), who allies with paleontologist Kate Lloyd (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) in a desperate attempt to rally the paranoid workers to combat the deadly threat.

Vanya on 42nd Street — In his final film, legendary director Louis Malle guides a gifted group of actors — including Wallace Shawn and Julianne Moore — through this 1994 read-through of Anton Chekhov’s play Uncle Vanya, adapted into English by David Mamet.

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Here Be Dragons — Roland Joffé directs this epic tale of love and betrayal set during the Spanish Civil War. When a present-day journalist (Dougray Scott) investigates Opus Dei founder Josemaría Escrivá (Charlie Cox), he uncovers a surprising link to his own father, Manolo (Wes Bentley). Manolo and Josemaría were childhood friends who followed different paths when the war broke out. Josemaría pursued his faith, while Manolo joined the rebels to fight Franco.

The Sunset Limited — After stopping a desperate man from jumping in front of the speeding Sunset Limited subway train, a Good Samaritan discusses the meaning of life and death with the person he rescued. This HBO drama is based on Cormac McCarthy’s stage play.

Fireflies in the Garden — In the wake of an unexpected family tragedy, novelist Michael Taylor (Ryan Reynolds) is forced to confront his fractured relationship with his father (Willem Dafoe) while dealing with painful memories of his mother (Julia Roberts), a woman who moved mountains to protect him. Emily Watson, Hayden Panettiere, Ioan Gruffudd and Carrie-Anne Moss also star in this semiautobiographical tale of rage and redemption from writer-director Dennis Lee.

Take Shelter — Michael Shannon stars in this thriller as a small-town family man who, determined to protect his wife and deaf daughter from impending disaster, builds an impenetrable storm shelter in the safety of his own backyard.

The Rum Diary — Eager to flee his humdrum life in 1950s New York, booze-loving journalist Paul moves to Puerto Rico, but his life becomes unhinged when he falls for a gorgeous woman and clashes with her shifty fiancé in this adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson’s novel.

Tiny Furniture — When twenty-something film theory major Aura (Lena Dunham) returns home after college to live with her artist mother in TriBeCa, she confronts a long list of personal and professional failures and wonders whether her dismal past will become her future. It’s an early midlife crisis for sure, but there’s hope on the horizon if Aura can figure out who she is and what she’s really meant to do. Dunham also wrote and directed this wry comedy.

The Whistleblower — Sent to Bosnia to train cops in the aftermath of that country’s brutal civil war, American policewoman Kathryn Bolkovac (Rachel Weisz) uncovers evidence that U.N. peacekeepers are complicit in a flourishing sex-trafficking trade. But when she brings her allegations to light, she discovers that her foes are more powerful than the law. Based on a true story, this thriller from director Larysa Kondracki co-stars Monica Bellucci and David Strathairn.

Outcast — Mary and her son, Fergal, are Irish nomads in a shadowy world of magic, where a deadly hunter stalks their every move. When Fergal falls in love with Petronella, a beautiful girl in their new village, it makes mother and son easy targets.

The Way — When his son dies while hiking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in the Pyrenees, a grieving father flies to France to claim the remains. Looking for insights into his estranged child’s life, he decides to complete the 500-mile trek to Spain.

London Boulevard —
Colin Farrell stars as a paroled ex-con whose attempt at straight life includes taking a job as a handyman for a reclusive young starlet. This adaptation of Ken Bruen’s novel marks the directorial debut of award-winning screenwriter William Monahan.

The Mighty Macs — Based on true events, this drama tells the story of Cathy Rush (Carla Gugino), who becomes the head women’s basketball coach at Immaculata College in Pennsylvania and whips the team into shape to win the first women’s basketball national championship. David Boreanaz co-stars as Cathy’s husband, NBA referee Ed Rush, with Marley Shelton as a nun and assistant coach, and Ellen Burstyn as Mother Superior.

Puss in Boots — Voiced by Antonio Banderas, the dauntless feline of legend goes on an animated adventure to purloin a priceless golden-egg-laying goose. To help him on his mission, Puss brings along his friends Humpty Dumpty and the super-stealthy Kitty Softpaws.

In Time — In a near future where aging stops at 25, time is the new currency and the wealthy can live forever. When Will Salas inherits decades of life from a wealthy murdered man, he’s pegged as the suspect by the corrupt Time Keepers, who enforce the law.

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Tales From the Golden Age — Everyday life in 1980s Romania under Ceausescu takes on an air of comic surrealism in this whimsical collection of shorts written by award-winning filmmaker Cristian Mungiu and helmed by several acclaimed Romanian directors.

Ocean Heaven — With the kind help of friends and neighbors, widower and aquarium worker Sam Wong (Jet Li) shares a contented life with his autistic 22-year-old son, David (Lunmei Kwai) — until Sam learns that he has a terminal illness that will soon leave David orphaned. Now, the doting father begins a quest to ensure that his boy will be loved and cared for after his death. Xiao Lu Xue directs this touching drama.

Mozart’s Sister — This film dramatizes the frustrating early life of Maria Anna “Nannerl” Mozart, a gifted musician in her own right who finds her musical career cut short by her father’s conventional view of gender roles and her younger brother Wolfgang’s talent.

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Midsomer Murders: The Sword of Guillaume — The mayor is making a lot of money — and a lot of enemies — buying up coastal property, and Tom senses corruption in the deals. The case grows sinister when the last of an ancestral British clan is murdered and the familial swords are stolen.

Midsomer Murders: The Silent Land — Driving at night, DCI Barnaby’s wife thinks she’s run into someone, and assumes she’s to blame when the village librarian is found murdered nearby. As Barnaby investigates, he learns more about the spooky past of the area and its “ghost tours.

Midsomer Murders: The Made-to-Measure Murders — Two years ago, Gerald Woodley died of a heart attack on the land of Edward Milton. Now, Woodley’s widow is murdered on her way to make a confession. Reverend Morlan believes the events are related, and hunts for clues to what was on the woman’s mind.

Blood on the Saddle — Farmer Jack Fincher and his lover (who was also his estate manager) are murdered, and plenty of people had reasons to kill. Neighboring farmer Silas Burbage battled Fincher for years over a piece of land, but did any of the Burbage clan do the deed?

Stephen King’s Bag of Bones — Reeling from the sudden death of his wife, author Mike Noonan moves into his backwoods writing retreat, only to be swept up in a supernatural conspiracy that involves a custody battle over a young girl and a vengeful ghost that haunts his house.

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Pianomania — This engaging documentary profiles Stefan Knüpfer, the master tuner for Steinway & Sons, who is tasked with the often-demanding job of pairing world-famous pianists with the right instrument and supervising all aspects of each piano’s performance.

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Dream House — Daniel Craig plays Will Atenton, a successful businessman who forsakes New York City for the rural pleasures of New England, only to discover that the tranquil abode he’s moved into was the scene of an as-yet-unsolved multiple homicide. Drawn reluctantly into the mystery surrounding the tragic events, Will and his wife (Rachel Weisz) soon begin finding plenty of reasons to worry about their own safety in this psychological thriller.

The Big Year — Inspired by Mark Obmascik’s nonfiction book of the same name, this high-flying comedy concerns a trio of competitive bird watchers who vow to win a contest by spotting and recording as many avian species as humanly possible.

Kym’s Picks for January 2012

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The Debt — Rachel Singer (Helen Mirren) is a former Mossad intelligence agent forced to relive her 1965 pursuit of a notorious Nazi war criminal when the bold and dangerous fugitive is thought to have reemerged 30 years later in the Ukraine. Director John Madden’s redo of Assaf Bernstein’s 2007 Israeli suspense piece also features Jessica Chastain as the young Rachel Singer, along with Sam Worthington, Tom Wilkinson and Ciarán Hinds.

Cowboys and Aliens — Scott Mitchell Rosenberg’s graphic novel series leaps to the screen as amnesiac gunslinger Jake Lonergan (Daniel Craig) stumbles into the Wild West town of Absolution, where he’s confronted by potent enemy Col. Dolarhyde (Harrison Ford) and a terrifying problem: invading aliens. Aided by the lovely Ella (Olivia Wilde), Jake rallies a posse of the townspeople, Dolarhyde’s minions and local Apache warriors to fight off the extraterrestrial threat.

Moneyball — An all-star cast brings to life the true story of Billy Beane (Brad Pitt), a former jock turned general manager who uses unconventional methods to bring the best players to the Oakland A’s, a major league baseball team struggling against financial hardship.

The Ides of March — Dirty tricks stand to soil an ambitious young press spokesman’s (Ryan Gosling) idealism in a cutthroat presidential campaign where “victory” is relative. The film, directed by George Clooney, is inspired by the real-life experiences of an aide who worked on Howard Dean’s failed 2004 run.

Drive — A Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver is lured from his isolated life by a lovely neighbor and her young son. His newfound peace is shattered, however, when her violent husband is released from prison.

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The Guard — When tightly wound FBI agent Wendell Everett (Don Cheadle) invades an Irish village in pursuit of international drug dealers, wisecracking local copper Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) does his best to annoy the American and get on with his circumscribed life. But soon there’s a murder, and Boyle finds himself swept up in detective work way beyond his pay grade. John Michael McDonagh directs this action-filled comedy.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes — This reboot of the Planet of the Apes franchise is a prequel set in modern-day San Francisco, where scientists are conducting genetic research on apes. The evolved primates develop advanced intelligence and revolt against being used as lab rats.

Higher Ground — Vera Farmiga stars in and directs this sensitive and searching chronicle describing one woman’s lifetime journey of faith — one that initially leads her to join a fundamentalist sect and then leave it again years later.

Answer This! — Desperate to live a little before graduating into “real life,” brilliant grad student Paul Tarson puts his dissertation on the back burner while he and his team of fellow eggheads try to win a trivia tournament held in bars across the city.

First Squad — In 1942, the Nazis command their occult division to resurrect dead ancestors to fight for Hitler on the eastern front. In response, the Russians enlist teen psychic Nadya to visit the underworld to search for new recruits to battle the Third Reich. Loosely based on characters from Soviet-era propaganda comics, this thrilling zombie-filled riff on World War II history is the first-ever Russian-produced anime feature.

Toast — Adapted from famed food writer Nigel Slater’s memoir, this drama centers on young Nigel, who struggles with his mother’s death, a troubled relationship with his father and a new stepmother even as he pursues his passion for cooking.

Dolphin Tale — A badly maimed juvenile dolphin is given a new tail, and a new life, through the efforts of the humans who save it in this true-life adventure saga. After losing its tail to a crab trap, the dolphin is doomed until a young boy spots its plight.

Today’s Special — After he gets passed over for promotion, haute cuisine sous chef Samir quits to pursue his dream of cooking in Paris, but an emergency forces him to take over his family’s shabby Indian restaurant in Queens.

The Double — Retired CIA agent Paul Shepherdson joins young FBI agent Ben Geary to track down a Russian assassin who has seemingly returned after the Cold War. Old conspiracies quickly resurface, embroiling the pair in deeper and deeper peril.

50/50 — An otherwise healthy twentysomething has a comically early midlife crisis when he gets slapped with a cancer diagnosis — and a 50-50 chance of survival. But what’s the meaning of life when you’re not sure how long yours will last?

Another Happy Day — Upper-crust family dysfunction takes center stage in this drama, which stars Ellen Barkin as a divorcée attending the highbrow wedding of the son she barely knows and trying to hold her own against a family that couches judgment in every smile.

Contagion — Steven Soderbergh steers big stars through this big-screen disaster-thriller about a global team of doctors tasked with tamping down a deadly outbreak of infectious disease before it annihilates mankind.

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Protektor — As the Nazis occupy Prague, radio host Emil Vrbata (Marek Daniel) tries to protect his Jewish spouse, Hana (Jana Plodková), by collaborating with the Germans in this atmospheric drama that examines the role the media played during World War II. Despite Emil’s broadcasting of enemy propaganda, Hana is threatened with internment — and the couple’s deteriorating marriage reaches a turning point when a Nazi official is assassinated.

Saving Private Perez — Despite his ruthless reputation, the most notorious drug lord in Mexico has one soft spot — his mother — and when she orders him to invade Iraq to rescue his little brother, he assembles a squad of oddball hombres to fulfill his suicidal mission.

Film Socialisme — Listen in on the musings of a war criminal, an American singer and other compelling characters as they travel aboard a Mediterranean cruise ship. Jean-Luc Godard introduces technical errors into the film as a commentary on the fragility of video.

1911 — In early 20th-century China, a man schooled in the ways of modern warfare returns from a stay in Japan to unite his splintering country. But going up against the well-armed Qing Dynasty presents a challenge of epic proportions.

Special Treatment — High-class prostitute Alice (Isabelle Huppert) specializes in wealthy, eccentric clients and is in the throes of a midlife crisis when her services are engaged by prominent psychiatrist Xavier (Bouli Lanners), who’s estranged from his wife and suffering his own existential malaise. While Alice seeks an analyst who can help her find direction, Xavier tries to reconnect with his emotions, and the two unwittingly lead each other to their goals.

Mysteries of Lisbon — When a 14-year-old orphan asks the loving priest who raised him about his unknown origins, he settles in for a sweeping tale of forbidden passion and bitter disappointment involving a beautiful countess, a wealthy businessman and a life of piracy.

Happy, Happy — Set in a remote Norwegian town, this black comedy centers on cheerful housewife Kaja (Agnes Kittlesen), who is contentedly wedded to her loveless high school sweetheart but lands in hot water when a risqué encounter with her urbane new neighbor, Sigve (Henrik Rafaelsen), goes too far. With a full-blown affair on her hands and Christmas just around the corner, Kaja falls back on blinding optimism to get her through the snowballing scandal.

The Mill and the Cross — Flemish master Pieter Bruegel’s 1564 painting The Procession to Calvary is transformed through amazing special effects into a big-screen epic starring Rutger Hauer as Bruegel, whose artwork affects everyone around him, including the Virgin Mary (Charlotte Rampling). While explaining his depiction of Christ’s passion to art collector Nicholas Jonghelinck (Michael York), Bruegel is also confronted by the atrocities of invading Spanish forces.

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Doctor Who: The Android Invasion — After landing on Earth in the bucolic village of Devesham, Sarah Jane and the Doctor discover strange goings on. The village is deserted, and men in white space suits patrolling the area seem determined to kill the two visitors!

Doctor Who: Invasion of the Dinosaurs — The Doctor and Sarah Jane return to a deserted London under martial law — and discover dinosaurs running rampant through the streets! While the Doctor tries to determine the origins of the prehistoric creatures, Sarah Jane investigates on her own.

An Idiot Abroad — In a twist on the travelogue genre, comedian Ricky Gervais sends his “idiot” friend Karl Pilkington to a series of exotic locales around the world. The result is an amusing social experiment that forces Karl to confront his cultural hang-ups.

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The Hellstrom Chronicle — Featuring stunning microphotography of a variety of insects, this quasi-documentary presents itself as the creation of (fictional) Swedish entomologist Dr. Hellstrom (Lawrence Pressman), who warns that bugs are taking over the world. And with ultra close-ups of wars between ant colonies and a gigantic praying mantis practicing cannibalism, it’s easy to believe. This unusual blend of horror film and nature study won an Oscar for Best Documentary.

Zeitgeist — Peter Joseph explores the controversial links between organized religion, the global financial markets and the international power structure in this thought-provoking documentary that probes several well-known conspiracy theories. The award-winning film shows the similarities of several major religions, examines alleged secrets of the Sept. 11 terror attacks, and delves into the relationship between the Federal Reserve and America’s foreign wars.

Resurrect Dead — For three decades, strange plaques with messages about resurrecting the dead have mysteriously appeared on streets throughout North and South America, prompting director Jon Foy to seek out the story of their origin.

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The Hangover II — In this booze- and laugh-soaked sequel to The Hangover, the buddies from the earlier film’s bachelor party reunite for a wedding trip to Thailand where one of them, Stu Price (Ed Helms), is planning to tie the knot. Stu is determined that his own pre-wedding party should be a restrained and dignified affair, but between the habits of his friends and the multiple distractions of Bangkok, fate has other plans in store for him. Todd Phillips directs.

Sinners and Saints — Maverick cop Sean Riley is still grief-stricken over the death of his young son when he’s paired with a rookie partner to investigate a string of brutal murders that leads to an old friend who’s involved in a terrifying conspiracy.

Real Steel — In a future world where flesh-and-blood boxers have been replaced by towering mechanized fighters, pugilist-turned-promoter Charlie Kenton reconnects with his estranged son, Max, to convert a discarded machine into a World Robot Boxing contender.

Janie Jones — Has-been rock star Ethan Brand is attempting a comeback when a former groupie tells him he has a 13-year-old daughter, Janie, and leaves her in his care. Janie must then convince the hedonistic Ethan to reform and accept his responsibilities.

Kym’s Picks for December 2011

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II — In the second installment of the two-part conclusion to the überpopular Harry Potter series, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his best friends, Ron (Rupert Grint) and Hermione (Emma Watson), continue their quest to vanquish the evil Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) once and for all. Just as things begin to look hopeless for the young wizards, Harry discovers a trio of magical objects that endow him with powers to rival Voldemort’s formidable skills.

The Help — In 1960s Jackson, Miss., aspiring writer Eugenia Phelan crosses taboo racial lines by conversing with Aibileen Clark about her life as a housekeeper, and their ensuing friendship upsets the fragile dynamic between the haves and the have-nots. When other long-silent black servants begin opening up to Eugenia, the disapproving conservative Southern town soon gets swept up in the turbulence of changing times.

Margin Call — An all-star cast shines in this engrossing drama about a critical 24-hour period at a high-profile investment bank in the early days of the 2008 financial crisis, when young analyst Peter Sullivan (Zachary Quinto) uncovers information that could destroy the firm. When he alerts upper management to the precarious position of their risky investments, an emergency meeting is held to decide if they should alert clients or abscond with the profits.

The Tempest — After years stranded on a deserted island, exiled duchess and sorceress Prospera (Helen Mirren) exacts vengeance on her enemies, whose passing vessel she has shipwrecked. What she doesn’t know is that the ship also carries a potential suitor to her daughter (Felicity Jones). Writer-director Julie Taymor’s bold adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic play also stars Russell Brand, Djimon Hounsou, Alfred Molina and Chris Cooper.

Midnight in Paris — In this charming romantic comedy, legendary director Woody Allen focuses his lens on an engaged young couple whose experiences traveling together in Paris make them begin to question the kind of life they want to live.

Another Earth — After a strange Earth-like planet is discovered, astrophysics student Rhoda accidentally slams her car into the vehicle of John, killing his family. In time, Rhoda and John begin an unlikely romance, but Rhoda begins to wonder about the other planet.

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Atlas Shrugged: Part 1 — Ayn Rand’s controversial bestseller is the basis for this potent drama about Dagny Taggart, a fiercely independent railroad tycoon determined to use innovative technology and enterprising partners to revive her business, no matter the personal cost.

Kung Fu Panda 2 — As the legendary Dragon Warrior, Po (Jack Black), the kung fu panda, dutifully guards the Valley of Peace alongside his allies the Furious Five. When a frightful new enemy emerges, Po and company embark on a perilous journey to save China and the art of kung fu. Directed by Jennifer Yuh, this animated action adventure sequel also features the vocal talents of Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman and Seth Rogen.

Warrior — Set in the violent world of mixed martial arts combat, this gritty drama follows two brothers at war with each other, who have pursued separate lives. But preparation for a championship bout soon leads the siblings back into each other’s paths.

Burke and Hare — Director John Landis rolls out his first feature film in more than a decade with this black comedy based on the true exploits of two 19th-century body snatchers, played by Simon Pegg and Andy Serkis. When Burke and Hare’s successful business — selling corpses to the Edinburgh Medical College for dissection — is hampered by a supply shortage, the men are forced to take drastic measures. Isla Fisher and Tim Curry also star.

Colombiana — After watching Bogota gangsters slay her parents in cold blood, young Cataleya Restrepo (Zoe Saldana) dedicates her life to becoming a ruthless assassin on the hunt for the criminals who killed her family.

Blackthorn — This Western imagines the later career of Butch Cassidy, who escapes to Bolivia where he leads a quiet life with the woman he loves. That is until he meets up with a Spanish robber who promises him one last adventure he can’t refuse.

Apollo 18 — If you buy in to official statements, Apollo 17 was NASA’s last manned mission to the moon. But what if found footage of a secret Apollo mission that had taken place the following year could prove otherwise — and explain why we haven’t gone back?

Brighton Rock — In hopes of silencing a waitress (Andrea Riseborough) who saw him kill another criminal, a young thug (Sam Riley) decides to romance her and suss out how much she knows. But at what point does his premeditated plot blossom into true passion? And are either party’s motives 100 percent pure? John Hurt and Helen Mirren co-star in writer-director Rowan Joffe’s film adaptation of Graham Greene’s novel.

The First Grader — Based on a true story, this inspirational drama profiles the amazing determination of 84-year-old Kenyan Kimani N’gan’ga Maruge, a Mau Mau freedom fighter who wants to take advantage of a new universal education decree by learning how to read.

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Rapt — When corporate figurehead Stanislas Graff is kidnapped and held for an absurd ransom of 50 million Euros, the police and powerful business he represents are forced to debate whether one man’s life is worth that much money.

Point Blank — Samuel Pierret (Gilles Lellouche) is a nurse who saves the wrong guy — a thief (Roschdy Zem) whose henchmen take Samuel’s pregnant wife (Elena Anaya) hostage to force him to spring their boss from the hospital. A race through the subways and streets of Paris ensues, and the body count rises. Can Samuel evade the cops and the criminal underground and deliver his beloved to safety? Fred Cavayé directs, with nods to classic French thrillers.

Mammuth — Slaughterhouse worker Serge (Gérard Depardieu) is ready to reap his pensioner’s rewards but finds that former employers have neglected to declare his earnings. Climbing on his aged Mammoth motorbike, Serge sets off on a trip to recover lost wages and buried memories. As he reconnects with old friends, Serge discovers that their idea of him is vastly at odds with his self-image; only an unconventional niece sees the artist in the seeming oaf.

Life, Above All — In a tiny village near Johannesburg, 12-year-old Chanda is left to care for two younger siblings when her infant sister dies and her mother becomes gravely ill. But this isn’t the only challenge she faces; the town has turned against her.

A Matter of Size — Fed up with their fruitless attempts to lose weight, Herzl (Itzik Cohen) and his three heavyset friends decide to give up their tortuous diets and try their luck in the girth-friendly arena of sumo wrestling. Led by Japan native Kitano (Togo Igawa), Herzl and crew discover that there are places in the world where oversized waistlines are appreciated. Dvir Benedek and Shmulik Cohen also star in this lighthearted comedy.

Medea — This film version of the 5th-century BC Greek tragedy by Euripides tells the story of Medea, a woman who becomes furious with her husband and retaliates by killing her children. Legendary opera diva Maria Callas stars as the titular murderess. Director Pier Paolo Pasolini takes the helm of this classic tale as Giuseppe Gentili stars as Medea’s husband. Jason. Massimo Girotti co-stars as Medea’s father, King Creon.

Detective Dee and the Mystery of the Phantom Flame — When unexplained spontaneous combustions kill a pair of dignitaries in 7th-century China, the nation’s first female emperor, Wu Zetian (Carina Lau) calls upon the trusted Detective Dee (Andy Lau) to solve the mystery in this stylish action epic.

Circumstance — Iranian teens Atafeh and Shireen explore their forbidden attraction to one another against the backdrop of modern-day Tehran. Atafeh’s brother, Mehran, returns home after drug rehab and is soon dismayed by his sister’s newfound sense of liberation.

Julia’s Eyes — This heart-pounding thriller follows Julia (Belén Rueda), who is losing her eyesight to a degenerative disease. When her twin sister, Sara, supposedly commits suicide, Julia suspects that a murderer is on the loose — and that she’s next. As she investigates with her husband, Isaac (Lluís Homar), Julia realizes that a man is watching her, but her credibility is weakened by her worsening vision and the fact that she can’t identify her pursuer.

Love Crime — French director Alain Corneau delivers a chilling tale of two ambitious women — a senior executive and her eager young assistant — whose professional appetites grow dangerously personal as they jockey for power.

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Jig — Slip on your dancing shoes for this documentary that goes behind the scenes at the fiercely competitive 40th Irish Dancing World Championships, where dancers from around the world don flashy costumes and dance their hearts out for top honors.

Bobby Fischer Against the World — Filmmaker Liz Garbus sheds light on one of the most enigmatic of 20th-century personalities: Bobby Fischer, a boy who rose to fame as a world-champion child chess prodigy and later found himself embroiled in Cold War-era politics.

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Larry Crowne — After he’s laid off from his longtime job at a soulless retail giant, average middle-aged guy Larry Crowne decides it’s time to change his life by heading back to college, where he finds a new perspective — and a new romance with a professor.

Fright Night — This update of the 1985 horror comedy focuses more on terror than laughs when teen Charley Brewster (Anton Yelchin) suspects that his new neighbor, the sinister Jerry Dandrige (Colin Farrell), is a vampire, and turns to a self-styled vampire expert, Peter Vincent (David Tennant), for help. Las Vegas magician Vincent proves useless, and it’s up to Charley to save his mom, Jane (Toni Collette), and girlfriend, Amy, from the seductive bloodsucker.

Kym’s Picks for November 2011

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The Tree of Life — Brad Pitt and Sean Penn star in Terrence Malick’s 1950s adventure about a confused man named Jack, who sets off on a journey to understand the true nature of the world. Growing up in the Midwest with two brothers, Jack has always been torn between his mother’s guidance to approach everything he encounters with an open heart and his father’s advice to look after his own interests. Now, Jack must find a way to regain purpose and perspective.

Super 8 — With a nod toward producer Steven Spielberg’s landmark sci-fi films of the 1970s and ’80s, writer-director J.J. Abrams crafts a supernatural tale about six kids who witness something incredible while shooting a movie with their Super 8 camera.

Cave of Forgotten Dreams — In this spellbinding documentary, filmmaker Werner Herzog offers an unprecedented examination of the Chauvet Cave, a cavern in southern France that contains the oldest human-painted images yet to be found on Earth.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan — Noted director Wayne Wang helms this adaptation of Lisa See’s best-selling novel about two young girls in 19th-century China who are pledged as lifelong companions through an ancient ritual, although their friendship is sorely tested as they mature.

The Nutcracker: The Untold Story — One of the most loved stories of all time is reinterpreted in this fantasy from famed Russian director Andrei Konchalovsky. Elle Fanning stars as Mary, the young girl who receives a nutcracker for Christmas and enters a fabulous world of adventure. Actually a prince (Charlie Rowe) transformed by the evil Rat King (John Turturro), the nutcracker takes Mary to his magical kingdom, where they befriend lively toys and battle the rodent invaders.

Beginners — Based on indie director Mike Mills’s relationship with his father, this intriguing drama tells the story of Oliver (Ewan McGregor), a graphic artist coming to grips with the imminent death of his father (Christopher Plummer), who, at 75, has one last secret: He’s gay. Both inspired and confused by his father’s determination to find true love at last, Oliver tentatively pursues a romance with commitment-shy French actress Anna (Mélanie Laurent).

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The Sleeping Beauty — Three well-meaning witches save Anastasia from the curse of death on her 16th birthday, dooming her to 100 years’ sleep instead. But in this lyrical version of the tale the heroine’s slumber is filled with dreams in which she wanders a fantasy world.

The Human Resources Manager — This beautifully shot film combines comedy and tragedy in the tale of a workaholic human resources manager (Mark Ivanir) who neglects his family to further his career. But when an employee at his bakery is killed, he begins an odd journey toward self-realization. Offering to escort the woman’s body from Israel back to her Eastern European homeland, the manager is puzzled by eccentric characters along the way but begins to understand the importance of family.

13 — After assuming the identity of a dead person, a callow young man is quickly sucked into a dark and violent underworld where powerful men gamble on human lives in very high-stakes games of Russian roulette. Writer-director Géla Babluani remakes his inventive French thriller, 13 Tzameti — winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 2006 — with Mickey Rourke, Jason Statham, Ray Liotta, Emmanuelle Chriqui and 50 Cent.

Horrible Bosses — Disgruntled buddies Nick (Jason Bateman), Kurt (Jason Sudeikis) and Dale (Charlie Day) can’t leave their miserable jobs, so they cook up a creative strategy for eliminating each other’s micromanaging and maniacal employers (Jennifer Aniston, Colin Farrell, Kevin Spacey) instead in this crackpot comedy. Peculiar advice from con artist Motherf**ker Jones (Jamie Foxx) gets the scheme in motion, but the pals can’t keep the wheels from flying off.

Green Lantern — Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds), a brash, talented test pilot, is chosen by an alien force of warriors to become their representative on Earth and use his new powers as the Green Lantern to promote order and justice before conflict destroys his world. Despite being the first human to wear the ring that bestows his abilities, Hal must combat villain Parallax. Fellow pilot Carol Ferris (Blake Lively) aids Hal in his quest to save the galaxy.

Griff the Invisible — Office peon Griff (Ryan Kwanten) is mocked by his co-workers, yet at night, his superhero alter ego takes to the air, defending Melbourne against menaces to society. Griff trusts no one with his secret — that is, until he meets brilliant scientist Melody (Maeve Dermody). Beautiful, strange and a true believer, Melody is one kindred spirit in a million. But can their eccentric connection survive in a cold and unimaginative world?

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides — Cunningly clumsy Capt. Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) meets his match when mysterious beauty Angelica (Penélope Cruz) forces the pirate to join her in search of the Fountain of Youth in the fourth installment of the humorous and action-packed “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise. Sparrow tries to determine whether Angelica is friend or foe while the riotous adventure sets him aboard a vessel belonging to the fearsome pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane).

Sarah’s Key — In the midst of researching an article about the roundup of Jews that took place in Paris in 1942, American-born journalist Julia Jarmond (Kristin Scott Thomas) uncovers a sobering connection between her story and the home she shares with her boorish French husband (Frederic Pierrot). Gilles Paquet-Brenner directs this gripping drama based on a bestselling novel of the same name that was inspired by actual events.

Spy Kids: All the Time in the World — Former Spy Kids Carmen and Juni Cortez return as teenagers to help 10-year-old twin siblings Rebecca and Cecil Wilson save the world with their stepmother — a retired secret agent who’s been called back into service to stop a conniving smuggler.

Conan the Barbarian — Based on the pulp fiction of Robert E. Howard, this action-driven adventure breathes new life into the story of Conan the Barbarian, a warrior who rises to defend the people of Hyboria after evil forces slaughter his family and fellow villagers.

The Devil’s Double — Dominic Cooper stars as Uday Hussein — Saddam Hussein’s depraved, decadent elder son — and as Latif Yahia, the army lieutenant forcibly drafted to be his body double, in this drama based on Yahia’s autobiographical novel.

Tucker & Dave vs. Evil — Expecting to enjoy a relaxing vacation at their rundown mountain cabin, backwoods boys Tucker and Dale see their peaceful trip turn into a nightmare when college kids camping nearby accuse the duo of being psychotic killers.

Water for Elephants — In this captivating Depression-era melodrama, impetuous veterinary student Jacob Jankowski joins a celebrated circus as an animal caretaker but faces a wrenching dilemma when he’s transfixed by angelic married performer Marlena.

Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva — Amateur detective Professor Layton is invited to a former student’s operatic performance, just as London is rocked by a string of disappearances. But it isn’t a coincidence when the clues lead the professor directly to the opera house itself.

The Wave — To give his students a real-world example of how dictatorships can grow powerful, a high school teacher starts a social experiment that gives some of his students a strong advantage while leaving others subservient and powerless.

5 Days of War — When American journalist Thomas Anders (Rupert Friend) is sent to cover the 2008 Russia-Georgia war, he and his cameraman become entangled with a beautiful Georgian scholar (Emmanuelle Chriqui) and soon risk becoming casualties of the brief but brutal conflict. Caught in the crossfire, Anders faces charges of espionage. Val Kilmer, Andy Garcia and Dean Cain co-star in this tense drama directed by Renny Harlin.

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Doctor Who: Colony in Space — Three Time Lords release the Doctor from exile to retrieve a doomsday device from the planet Uxarius before the Master can seize it for himself. When the Doctor and Jo arrive, they discover that Uxarius’ mining colonists worship the device.

Bedlam — In an apartment building that once housed mental patients, the tenants find themselves terrorized by chilling supernatural encounters and hauntings. Meanwhile, some of the residents’ dark secrets come to light.

Masterpiece Contemporary: Page Eight — Silky-smooth veteran MI5 agent Johnny Worricker is wholly dedicated to his work, but his loyalty to the British spy agency is about to be tested. A top secret document surfaces that reveals heinous government misdeeds — and puts Johnny on the spot.

Whitechapel — Historic horror meets modern investigative methods in this atmospheric crime series set in 2008. When a killer mimics the murders of Jack the Ripper, a team of detectives and a tour guide join forces to bring the copycat to justice.

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Great Directors — New York-based businesswoman and filmmaker Angela Ismailos offers this collection of in-depth interviews with David Lynch, John Sayles, Catherine Breillat, Bernardo Bertolucci and six other internationally acclaimed film directors. Touching on everything from the creative process and the history of cinema to the necessity of balancing art and commerce, Ismailos’s interviews also include sit-downs with Liliana Cavani, Ken Loach and Agnès Varda.

The Wavy Gravy Movie: Saint Misbehavin — Explore the meaningful life of longtime clown and political activist Wavy Gravy with this documentary, which follows the popular figure for more than 10 years, revealing his true character, core convictions and biggest contributions to society.

Superheroes — Filmmaker Michael Barnett takes on the ultimate odd job in this eye-opening documentary about real-life “superheroes,” ordinary people who don capes, masks and alter egos in their spare time to right wrongs and make criminals pay for their actions. Among other characters, you’ll meet a tight-knit Brooklyn foursome that tackles tough cases as a squad dubbed the New York Initiative and a San Diego security officer who calls himself Mr. Xtreme.

These Amazing Shadows: The Movies That Make America — Fueled by exclusive interviews and dazzling archival footage, filmmakers Paul Mariano and Kurt Norton shine a light on the work of the National Film Registry and the art of preserving aesthetically, culturally and historically significant cinema. Highlights in this Sundance selection include input from the likes of Christopher Nolan, John Waters, Rob Reiner, Debbie Reynolds, Tim Roth and George Takei.

Reel Injun — This engrossing documentary reveals the film industry’s effect on the experiences of North American native people in the United States and Canada, who’ve been depicted in movies in a variety of ways — many of them wildly inaccurate.

Sons of Perdition — Following three teenage boys who’ve left a polygamist sect over a 2-year period, filmmakers Tyler Measom and Jennilyn Merten offer up a poignant portrayal of the overwhelming challenges these young men face as they try to live in mainstream society. Cut off completely from their families and everything they know, the boys struggle to support and educate themselves and try to help other family members break away.

Life in a Day — After thousands of people around the world joined together to record banal and remarkable everyday events on July 24, 2010, director Kevin MacDonald led a team of editors to condense more than 4,500 hours of video into this picture of life on Earth.

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Kym’s Picks for October 2011

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Hanna — Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) is a teenager raised and trained by her father (Eric Bana), an ex-CIA operative, to become a highly skilled assassin. But when she’s sent on a deadly mission across Europe, Hanna takes to an English family and starts longing for a normal life. She must first solve the puzzle of her mysterious past, however. Joe Wright (Atonement) directs this tense actioneer; Cate Blanchett also stars.

Attack the Block — When aliens attack a South London neighborhood, a teen gang pulls together to protect their turf by any means necessary. But extraterrestrials prove far more formidable than anyone they ever jumped on the streets.
Cast: Nick Frost, Jodie Whittaker, Luke Treadaway, John Boyega, Alex Esmail
Director: Joe Cornish

The Princess of Montpensier — Aristocrat Marie de Mézières (Mélanie Thierry) loves the dashing Duke Henri de Guise (Gaspard Ulliel), but her father (Philippe Magnan) forces her to marry a prince she doesn’t know (Grégoire Leprince-Ringuet). With her new husband at war, Marie’s passion for Henri grows stronger than ever. Bertrand Tavernier directs this historical drama set against a backdrop of religious conflict in 16th-century France.

Mr. Nice — Rhys Ifans stars as privileged drug smuggler Howard Marks, who graduated from Oxford to become a top importer of marijuana into Britain in the 1960s. Marks poses as an MI5 agent to elude prison, and later campaigns for cannabis legalization. Bernard Rose directs this fascinating biopic that co-stars Chloe Sevigny as Marks’s wife, Judy, and David Thewlis as Marks’s Irish republican contact, Jim McCann.

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Elvira’s Haunted Hills — Elvira (Cassandra Peterson) is traveling to Paris for a performance, accompanied by her servant Zou Zou (Mary Jo Smith). The two women stop to spend the night at the creepy castle of Lord Vladimir Hellsubus (Richard O’Brien), a man plagued by a terrible curse. It seems that the spirit of Vladimir’s first wife looms large over the estate, and Vladimir’s second wife (Mary Scheer) is none too happy about her lingering presence.

Submarine — When he learns that his mother is on the verge of deserting his father for a dance instructor, young Welsh teen Oliver (Craig Roberts) resolves to do whatever it takes to save his parents’ marriage before the end of summer. Meanwhile, the offbeat lad also schemes to seduce pushy pyromaniac Jordana (Yasmin Paige) with nothing but the power of his mind. Richard Ayoade directs this quirky coming-of-age comedy based on a novel by Joe Dunthorne.

X-Men: First Class — In this exciting prequel to the X-Men series, Charles Xavier and Erik Lehnsherr — the future Professor X and Magneto — are best friends dedicated to harnessing their powers and promoting the education of fellow mutants during the turbulent 1960s.

Beautiful Boy — This heartrending drama stars Michael Sheen as Bill Carroll, who is contemplating separating from his wife, Kate (Maria Bello), when the unimaginable happens: Their 18-year-old son, Sam (Kyle Gallner), commits mass murder at his university before killing himself. While coping with their grief, Bill and Kate must deal with the insatiable media, other parents furious at them for their son’s actions and their own questions about their culpability.

The Trip — Steve Coogan and Rob Brydon, the stars of the 2005 comedy Tristram Shandy, reunite with director Michael Winterbottom for this mockumentary about a pair of actors — handily named Steve and Rob — who embark on a foodie road trip across England. Mostly improvised and highlighting the duo’s penchant for dueling impressions of famous actors, the film follows them as they test their friendship while sampling the best restaurants in Northern England.

The Robber — Having developed a taste for the adrenaline that comes from the thrill of the chase, Austrian marathon runner Johann Rettenberger (Andreas Lust) turns his disciplined mind and world-class athletic talents to a new hobby: robbing banks in broad daylight. But for how long can the fleet-footed thief keep outrunning the police? Franziska Weisz co-stars in this drama based on a true story, directed by Benjamin Heisenberg.

Baaria — Over the course of the 20th century, three generations of a family face tumultuous personal and political events as their lives unfold in the Sicilian town of Bagheria — referred to as Baarìa by many locals. Acclaimed writer-director Guiseppe Tornatore (Cinema Paradiso, Malena) based his intimate comedy epic on his own experiences growing up in this village. Francesco Scianna, Margaret Madè, Raoul Bova, Laura Chiatti and Monica Bellucci co-star in this Golden Globe nominee.

Bridesmaids — Named her best friend’s maid of honor, down-on-her-luck Annie’s competition with a fellow bridesmaid, the wealthy and beautiful Helen, threatens to destroy the wedding. Meanwhile, a local cop takes a liking to Annie.

Bad Teacher — Cameron Diaz stars as Elizabeth Halsey, a scheming and coarse-tongued middle school teacher who gets dumped by her wealthy boyfriend and rebounds by sinking her claws into a handsome substitute teacher (Justin Timberlake).

Sucker Punch — Gambler and hustler Ray Davidson is scraping hard when he meets street fighter Charles Buchinsky, who has all the talent Ray needs to get rich quick. After cleaning up on their first bout, Ray finds himself deep in debt — and in danger of worse.

Captain America: The First Avenger — Marvel launches another super franchise with this action-packed origin story, which follows Steve Rogers (Chris Evans) as he volunteers for a secret experiment during World War II. Transformed into a superhero named Captain America, Steve goes after the Axis. With his perfect physique and heightened reflexes — and his sidekick, Bucky (Sebastian Stan) — Steve battles the Red Skull (Hugo Weaving), a super soldier created by Italian fascists.

An Invisible Sign — When a puzzling disease devastates her beloved father, math prodigy Mona Gray deals with the pain by isolating herself from the rest of the world and turning for comfort to the reliable world of mathematics. But when she later teaches math to troubled grade school kids, Mona discovers that her gift can be a route back from her long emotional exile. Marilyn Agrelo directs and Jessica Alba stars in this adaptation of the book by Aimee Bender.

The Countess — Blaming her advancing age for a failed romance with a younger man, 16th-century Hungarian countess Erzebet Báthory begins murdering virgin girls and bathing in their blood, believing that the grim ritual will restore her youthful beauty.
Cast: Julie Delpy, Daniel Brühl, William Hurt, Anamaria Marinca
Director: Julie Delpy

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Moby Dick — William Hurt stars as the fiery Capt. Ahab in this star-studded TV miniseries based on Herman Melville’s classic novel about 19th-century whalers. Determined to kill the white beast that chomped off his leg, Ahab leads his crew on a wild chase.
Cast: William Hurt, Ethan Hawke, Charlie Cox Eddie Marsan, Gillian Anderson, Billy Boyd, Raoul Trujillo, Donald Sutherland

Wishful Drinking — Most know Carrie Fisher as Princess Leia from the Star Wars films, but in this one-woman stage performance, she reveals a more personal story. Raised in a family of movie stars, Fisher went on to battle drugs, alcohol, depression and more.

Snuff Box — Brit Matt Berry and Yank Rich Fulcher play a hangman and his assistant, respectively, in this exceedingly dark BBC comedy series. With much of the action taking place at “a gentleman’s club for hangmen,” the lads run into awkward situations aplenty.

Hamlet at Elsinore — The BBC’s landmark 1964 production of Shakespeare’s tragedy features an all-star cast, many of whom were not yet famous at the time of production, and marks the first time since 1910 that a film of the play was shot on location at Elsinore, Denmark.

Robot Chicken: S5 — This offbeat stop-motion series returns with even more irreverent animation that knows no bounds when it comes to going “too far.” Highlights include parodies of Saving Private Ryan, Malcolm X and Catch Me If You Can.

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Ken Burns: Prohibition — Ken Burns’s fascinating multipart documentary examines the history of alcohol in America, including the events leading up to the passage of the 18th Amendment, the social and legal effects of prohibiting alcohol, and the repeal of Prohibition.

Tibet in Song — Ngawang Choephel’s documentary delves into the determination and fortitude of the Tibetan people to save their cultural identity of music in contemporary Tibet. Calling their centuries-old land “an ocean of music and dance,” those who can still relate the meaning of this description fight to not let folklore die in the face of Chinese-sponsored pop culture. Choephel brings the struggle to light and features the beauty of his homeland’s song.

The People vs George Lucas — Building a balanced but spirited case without taking sides, Swiss filmmaker Alexandre O. Philippe sets up the decades-old conflict between Star Wars director (and writer and producer) George Lucas and his legions of passionate fans. A “participatory documentary,” the film includes the usual mix of interviews but blends them with various fan films that were submitted online, resulting in an unusually democratic final cut.

How the States Got Their Shapes — Brian Unger hosts this clever road documentary series blending history, politics and geography to show how America’s states got their current borders. Each episode focuses on a unique regional history, tracing shifts in U.S. demographics and culture.

Magic Trip — Using found footage captured by author Ken Kesey (One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest), filmmakers Alison Ellwood and Alex Gibney re-create the writer’s infamous 1964 road trip to New York’s Tomorrowland. And what a long, strange trip it was. While riding high on LSD in a brightly painted school bus, Kesey’s inner circle of Merry Pranksters explore the limits of the mind and the possibilities of drug-addled imagination.

Hot Coffee — Filmmaker Susan Saladoff directs this documentary that examines the case of Liebeck v. McDonald’s Restaurants the so-called “hot coffee lawsuit” in which a woman sued the fast-food giant after she spilled her coffee and burned herself. Looking past the scathing negative publicity of the trial, Saladoff examines the insidious reasons why McDonald’s invested heaps of money to sway public opinion against the plaintiff.

Kym’s Picks for September 2011

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Thor — Kenneth Branagh directs this Marvel Comics-inspired action flick about the thunder god Thor (Chris Hemsworth), a powerful warrior whose father, Odin (Anthony Hopkins) — the king of Asgard — forces him to live among humans on Earth and learn humility. Once there, he finds a friend (Natalie Portman), along with unexpected enemies sent from his world. Kat Dennings, Stellan Skarsgård and Rene Russo co-star.

Win Win — When down-on-his-luck part-time high school wrestling coach Mike agrees to become legal guardian to an elderly man, his ward’s troubled grandson turns out to be a star grappler, sparking dreams of a big win — until the boy’s mother retrieves him.

Paul — Nick Frost and Simon Pegg star as two science-fiction freaks who, while on a quest to discover what lies at the heart of Nevada’s infamous Area 51, cross paths with an alien (voice of Seth Rogen) on the run from earthly authorities. The irreverent duo that brought us Shaun of the Dead assembled an impressive cast that includes Jane Lynch, Jason Bateman, Kristen Wiig and Blythe Danner for this raucous cross-country romp.

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Everything Must Go — Director-writer Dan Rush makes his film debut with this dramedy based on a Raymond Carver short story about Nick (Will Ferrell), a good-hearted but relapsed alcoholic who decides to live on his front lawn after losing his job and being thrown out by his wife.

Your Highness — When a twisted wizard kidnaps the virginal fiancée of a valiant prince, his ne’er-do-well brother grudgingly joins his sibling on a quest to save the beautiful damsel. Along the way, the duo meets their match in the form of a fetching female warrior.

Lourdes — Confined to a wheelchair for most of her life, lonely Christine (Sylvie Testud) devises a plan to change her circumstances by journeying to Lourdes, the small town in the foothills of the Pyrenees, where many flock to be healed. The journey yields startling results for our isolated hero in director Jessica Hausner’s Austrian drama, an official selection at the Toronto International Film Festival and the Venice Film Festival.

The Last Lullaby — Offered a huge sum to ice a beautiful young librarian (Sasha Alexander) who witnessed a murder, a retired — and increasingly restless — hit man (Tom Sizemore) gets back in the assassination game … until he begins falling for his mark. Directed by Jeffrey Goodman and based on a short story by Max Allan Collins, this tense indie thriller also stars Sprague Grayden, Bill Smitrovich and Jerry Hardin.

Incendies — When their mother’s will implores them to deliver letters to the father they thought was dead and a brother they never knew about, twins Jeanne (Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin) and Simon (Maxim Gaudette) journey to the Middle East and attempt to reconstruct their family’s hidden history. Adapted from a Wajdi Mouawad play, director Denis Villeneuve’s Oscar-nominated drama flashes back to intense scenes set during the Lebanese civil war in the 1970s.

Hesher — Struggling to accept the death of his mother, T.J. (Devin Brochu) befriends Hesher (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a twentysomething misfit who becomes both a mentor and a bad influence on the lost and awkward teen. Hesher soon invites himself to live with T.J. and his self-medicating dad (Rainn Wilson). Their bizarre relationship is tested when T.J. develops a crush on a supermarket checkout girl (Natalie Portman) who rescues him from a gang of bullies.

Jane Eyre — Driven from her post at Thornfield House by her love for her brooding employer and his secret past, young governess Jane Eyre reflects on her youth and the events that led her to the misty moors in this artful adaptation of Charlotte Brontë’s novel.

Bride Flight — Set in the 1950s, this lush epic centers on Ada, Marjorie and Esther, Dutch brides-to-be flying to New Zealand to take up married life. On the trip, they form a bond and meet a dashing cowboy who alters their lives in unseen ways.

Bal — Six-year-old Yusuf delights in accompanying his father, Yakup, into the woods, where they gather honey from homemade beehives. But one day, Yakup travels to a faraway forest, and Yusuf stops speaking. Several days pass, and Yusuf’s mother begins to worry about her husband’s whereabouts and her son’s silence. Inspired by a mysterious dream, Yusuf sets out to find his father. Bora Altas, Tülin Özen and Erdal Besikçioglu star in this Turkish drama.

Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz — The classic cartoon cat-and-mouse team is swept into an old but new world in this recasting of The Wizard of Oz, with familiar characters Dorothy, Toto and the Tin Man on hand to follow the yellow brick road with Tom and Jerry.

Henry’s Crime — Keanu Reeves stars in this dark comedy as Henry, an affable tollbooth worker in Buffalo, N.Y., who finds himself on the wrong end of justice when he’s accused and convicted of a bank robbery that he didn’t commit. After getting some advice from an old convict (James Caan) while spending time in the clink, Henry hatches a daring scheme of his own. Vera Farmiga, Judy Greer and Peter Stormare co-star.

Today’s Special — After he gets passed over for promotion, haute cuisine sous chef Samir (Aasif Mandvi) quits to pursue his dream of cooking in Paris, but an emergency forces him to take over his family’s shabby Indian restaurant in Queens. Taxi driver-turned-chef Akbar (Naseeruddin Shah) shares his passion for Indian food with Samir, whose romance with fellow chef Carrie (Jess Weixler) fuels his desire to prove himself and save the restaurant.

The Ledge — This unusual, character-driven thriller follows young hotel manager Gavin (Charlie Hunnam), who steps out onto a high ledge to commit suicide. World-weary police officer Hollis (Terrence Howard) is assigned to talk him down but is tormented by traumatic issues of his own. The men find themselves debating atheism, faith and the meaning of life, and soon are embroiled in a battle of wills that has each man questioning his commitment to his chosen path.

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Midsomer Murders: The Great and the Good — Nobody believes a teacher who claims she keeps hearing a prowler in her house — until a man who may be infatuated with her winds up dead in her garden. As Barnaby and Jones investigate, they discover a host of rivalries and intrigues in the village.

The Creeper — While a thief known as “The Creeper” stages a series of robberies at the homes of Midsomer’s elite, a dinner guest at Chettham Park House turns up dead. As Barnaby and Jones investigate, they begin to see links between the burglaries and the murder.

Small Mercies — In this installment of the beloved British mystery series, DCI Tom Barnaby and DS Ben Jones investigate the bizarre circumstances surrounding the murder of a man discovered staked out in a model village like the protagonist of Gulliver’s Travels.

Carlos (Miniseries) — Édgar Ramírez stars as Ilich Ramírez Sánchez — aka Carlos the Jackal — an elusive Venezuelan terrorist who executed scores of assassination plots, abductions and bombings across Europe and the Middle East. This Golden Globe-winning biopic follows Sanchez from 1973 to 1994 as he and his cohorts wreak havoc on the Left Bank in Paris, storm OPEC headquarters in Vienna and carry out other devastating acts of politically motivated violence. This is the 5 1/2 hour miniseries.

The Hour — This six-part political thriller focuses on the launch of a new BBC news program in June 1956, as the Suez Crisis is unfolding in the Middle East. The story follows the efforts of the show’s staff to reveal the tangled politics of the era.

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American Harmony — Fifty barbershop quartets compete to win the coveted first-place title in the International Championships of Barbershop Singing. This fascinating documentary focuses on four contenders as it offers a glimpse of their eccentric world. Former champion quartet Max Q is favored to win, but they face stiff competition from heartthrob team OC Times, 30-year veterans Reveille and an outstanding rookie quartet, Vocal Spectrum.

Nostalgia for the Light — Two distinct activities are underway in Chile’s Atacama Desert: While astronomers study distant stars through a giant telescope, local people sift through the soil looking for graves of family members killed during the nation’s brutal political past. The region’s uniquely dry, clear air encourages both pursuits and inspires director Patricio Guzmán to draw metaphorical links between them in this thoughtful, heartfelt documentary.

Circo — Mexican ringmaster Tino struggles to operate his family’s long-running traveling circus in the midst of an economic downturn, while coping with the demands of his fed-up wife and four talented young children in this fascinating documentary.

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Kym’s Picks for August 2011

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Tracker — Arjan (Ray Winstone), a hard-bitten guerilla fresh from the Boer War, takes a job tracking down Kereama (Temuera Morrison), a Maori warrior accused of killing a British soldier. Kereama, who proves to be elusive prey, maintains his innocence. As the tracker catches and loses his target time and again, a bond forms between the two men — and for the first time, Arjan feels conflicted about his calling.

Limitless — With his writing career dragging and his girlfriend casting him off, Eddie Morra’s life turns around when he takes a drug that provides astonishing mental focus — but its deadly side effects threaten his future.

The Beaver — Suffering from a severe case of depression, toy company CEO Walter Black (Mel Gibson) begins using a beaver hand puppet to help him open up to his family. With his father seemingly going insane, adolescent son Porter (Anton Yelchin) pushes for his parents to get a divorce. Jodie Foster directs and co-stars as Walter’s wife in this dark comedy that also features Riley Thomas Stewart and Jennifer Lawrence.

Outcasts — Set in 2040, this BBC sci-fi drama focuses on the residents of the frontier town of Forthaven on the planet Carpathia — a region colonized by a hardy group of settlers who rocketed away from Earth in the wake of war and nuclear devastation.

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Cold Weather — After things go south for former forensic science major Doug (Cris Lankenau), he leaves Chicago and returns home to Oregon to live with his sister, Gail (Trieste Kelly Dunn) — and soon finds himself entangled in an unexpected situation that calls on his investigative mind. Together with Gail and his friend Carlos, Doug uses his forensic skills and the techniques he’s learned as a detective fiction enthusiast to unravel the mystery he encounters.

Queen to Play — Intrigued by a pair of vacationing lovers playing chess, hotel maid Hélène sets her sights on mastering the game. With some coaching from a doctor who employs her services, Hélène hones her chess skills and begins to notice big changes in her life.

Priest — In this horror-thriller based on the popular comic book series, Paul Bettany plays Priest, a man-of-the-cloth hell-bent on rescuing his niece while taking down a horde of rampaging vampires in the process. With a terrific cast that includes Karl Urban, Maggie Q, Christopher Plummer and Brad Dourif, this is a genre-bending apocalyptic action movie that’s every bit as wild and blood-soaked as its source material.

The Conspirator — Robert Redford directs this gripping historical drama that follows the efforts of young lawyer Frederick Aiken (James McAvoy) as he defends Mary Surratt (Robin Wright Penn), a Confederate sympathizer accused of conspiring to assassinate Abraham Lincoln. Realizing that Surratt may in fact be innocent, Aiken defies public opinion and risks everything to get her acquitted. The stellar cast also includes Tom Wilkinson, Kevin Kline and Alexis Bledel.

Idiots and Angels — In this animated dark comedy, Angel is in a battle for his soul when he wakes up one morning with wings on his back and is forced to face his selfish and morally bankrupt ways. Trying to use the wings for evil, he’s swayed by their divine influence. As others plot to steal his wings, Angel finds love and redemption in the most unexpected way. Filmmaker Bill Plympton features music from Tom Waits, Pink Martini and others in this surreal tale.

Trollhunter — Three students enter the Norwegian woods to film a documentary on a bear poacher named Hans. When they find him, he claims that bear hunting is just a ruse, and that he actually tracks trolls for the Norwegian government! This footage captures the trio as they follow Hans deep into the forest. If the hunter’s story is true, they’ll have the makings of the best student film in history. Otto Jespersen, Glenn Erland Tosterud, Johanna Mørck and Tomas Alf Larsen star.

Poetry — A poetry-writing class inspires serenely self-possessed grandmother Mija (Jeong-hie Yun) to open her senses to her suburban surroundings, but in rushes an array of unsettling discoveries in this lyrical South Korean melodrama. Along with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease comes information that Mija’s teenage grandson was party to a horrific incident, and it is left to Mija to compose order from the untidy emotional consequences.

The Chameleon — Nicholas Barclay, the long-missing son of a Texas family, answers his mother’s prayers when he resurfaces with the sensational story that he escaped from a child prostitution ring in this gripping true-crime thriller.

Sympathy for Delicious –Struggling for survival on the rough streets of Los Angeles, newly paralyzed DJ “Delicious” Dean O’Dwyer gains the supernatural ability to heal the sick. But he uses the gift to capitalize on his dreams of rock success in this offbeat drama. Written by Thornton, Mark Ruffalo’s directorial debut also stars Orlando Bloom as the front man of a rock band and Laura Linney as the group’s persistent manager.

Neds — In 1972 Glasgow, Joe enters middle school and is ostracized for his intellect and brother Benny’s fierce reputation. Joe follows in Benny’s footsteps and becomes a NED — a non-educated delinquent — transforming into a vicious thug to survive.

Phineas and Ferb: Across the Second Dimension — After following Dr. Doofenshmirtz into an alternate universe via his Otherdimensionator, Phineas and Ferb make a surprising discovery about their pet platypus, Perry: He’s been working as a skilled secret agent.

Little Big Soldier — Jackie Chan stars as a grizzled veteran who kidnaps a young enemy general (Lee-Hom Wang), then escorts him on a long journey to collect a reward, in this comic martial arts extravaganza set in the days of ancient China. But as their perilous road trip unfolds, the old soldier soon realizes he’s bitten off more than he can chew. Chan also wrote the screenplay for this film directed by Sheng Ding.

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Police, Adjective — Undercover cop Cristi (Dragos Bucur) trails suspected pot dealer Victor (Radu Costin) through the decrepit streets of Vaslui, but when he learns that the suspect is just a teen who sometimes gets high with his pals, he refuses to make an arrest. Unfortunately, Cristi’s boss (Ioan Stoica) isn’t quite as forgiving. The Romanian New Wave rolls on strongly with this complex drama from writer-director Corneliu Porumboiu.

In a Better World — Danish director Susanne Bier delves into the realm of fathers, sons and their perceived burden of male responsibility with this Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning drama about the interplay between two dysfunctional families. With his father working abroad, bullied Elias (Markus Rygaard) finds solace in a budding friendship with a volatile new student (William Jøhnk Nielsen). But the boys’ shared revenge only seems to invite more violence.

Cell 211 — Knocked out cold during his first day on the job, prison officer Juan (Alberto Ammann) awakens to realize that his co-workers have abandoned him in the middle of an inmate uprising. To survive, Juan must pose as a prisoner and befriend the riot’s leader, Malamadre (Luis Tosar). As the violence escalates and political fallout mounts, Juan must use all his cunning to stay alive in this masterfully suspenseful Spanish thriller.

The Perfect Host — A fugitive on the lam decides to crash a dinner party. But he seriously regrets it when the mysterious and unusual host soon has him convinced that he would have been better off hiding somewhere else. David Hyde Pierce plays the memorable Warwick Wilson; Nathaniel Parker, Clayne Crawford and Helen Reddy also star in this thriller from first-time feature writer-director Nick Tomnay.

Rio — When a cooped-up macaw named Blu leaves the confines of his birdcage behind for the tropical climes of Rio de Janeiro, he’s forced to wing it and re-examine everything he knows about life — and being a bird.

Chillar Party — Eight feisty boys who live in the same housing complex befriend young drifter Bheedu and his dog. When a mean politician threatens Bheedu’s way of life, the boys band together to campaign against the grown-ups in honor of their innocent pal.

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Tower Prep — In this imaginative high school mystery drama, rebellious young Ian Archer gets a whole new start in life after getting suspended: He wakes up to find himself enrolled not just in another school but in a completely unfamiliar reality as well.

The Event — Everyman Sean Walker finds himself drawn into a conspiracy of global implications when his girlfriend goes missing during an ocean cruise. Evidence of extraterrestrial life on earth comes to light, and Sean must race to save the love of his life.

Doc Martin — In this feature-length prequel to the hit series, London-based obstetrician Dr. Martin Bamford leaves his cheating wife and goes on holiday in a quaint Cornish village, where he soon finds himself swept up in a peculiar mystery.

Doc Martin and the Legend of the Cloutie — In the second of two films that precede the popular series, Dr. Martin Bamford is now practicing medicine in a charming seaside village, where he tries to frighten away Londoners who want to buy a farmhouse he wants for himself.

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The Greatest Movie Ever Sold — Intrepid filmmaker Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me) directs this entertaining, bitingly ironic documentary, which scrutinizes the pervasive marketing, advertising and product placement practices that have become de rigueur in the entertainment industry. Cheerfully using the proceeds gleaned from product placement within this film to finance it (and underscore his point), Spurlock reveals the corporate power that saturates both film and television.

Forks Over Knives — Focusing on the research of two food scientists, this earnest documentary reveals that despite broad advances in medical technology, the popularity of modern processed foods has led to epidemic rates of obesity, diabetes and other diseases.

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