10. 50/50
When Adam, given a few brownies laced with medical marijuana by fellow patient played by Philip Baker Hall, concludes his first chemotherapy session and wanders the oncology ward stifling the giggles, the film is transformed. In a genius move, Levine sets this scene to the Bee Gees. From then on, the focus of the film shifts from the supporting cast, including an overly made-up Bryce Dallas Howard as Adam's artist girlfriend, to Adam. His change from a Pollyanna people pleaser (except with his mom) to someone struggling to put his own health first makes him fascinating to watch. He's aided in this dynamic change by therapy Ph.D. candidate Katherine, portrayed charmingly by Anna Kendrick. Read more of this review here.
9. Midnight in Paris
Much more than a mere love letter to Paris, Woody Allen's latest comedy cleverly disguises a serious examination of imagination and romanticism behind its surface narrative. Under a charming love triangle subterfuge, Midnight in Paris answers questions of longing for and expectations of another time and place. You can read my review here.
8. My Week With Marilyn
Curtis makes the filming of the movie within the movie a fascinating battle between traditional and new ways of performing on screen. There's considerable talk of the craft of acting, but it's treated with an agile hand so it remains enjoyable. Very seldom does Strasberg make it onto the actual screen, but she does so here. Plus, Judi Dench as Dame Sybil Thorndike provides an additional comedic but respectful perspective. Lovers of old movies will find much to like in this new one. Read the review here.
7. The Ides of March
As a director, Clooney's visuals are ambitious. A few of the set pieces draw too much attention to themselves,but overall, he provides a format for great storytelling and keeps the pace tight but deep. His greatest strength, however, is allowing his fellow actors great performances. He lets them talk to each other without too much camera movement because what they're saying is important. Read the review here.
6. The Guard
In one particularly arresting series of scenes, the bad guys discuss their plans in an aquarium, and here director of photography Larry Smith showcases the mood and elevates the film to the status of art. Such care isn't accidental and it effortlessly transforms the experience of watching the film. Read the rest of the review here.
5. Certified Copy
Through the careful skill of cinematographer Luca Bigazzi, the Tuscan scenery is at once full of ancient wonder as well as claustrophobic exhaustion. As the pair sets out on their adventure, full of pep and certain of themselves, the countryside is fresh and new. However, as the afternoon wears on, and they transform into conspirators, acting out hurt and bitterness, the quaintness wears into claustrophobia. In the end, you feel, like the characters, as if you've been somewhere. Read the review here.
4. Take Shelter
Without exposition or other common movie-making crutches, Nichols creates a realistic view of the modern Midwestern world. Through authentic details, he portrays the anxiety and frustration of medical bureaucracy, environmental concerns, and economic uncertainty. Although the black clouds on the horizon and the swooping birds are CGI, they too look real and seem menacing. Whether in Curtis' ill imagination or part of an apocalyptic incoming storm, they create an actual tension that propels the movie toward the penultimate scene. Read the rest of the review here.
3.Martha Marcy May Marlene
As Martha/Marcy May, Elizabeth Olsen provides a much-needed emotional focal point for the film. As the two story lines reveal more about the character and her fractured identity, Olsen intensifies her performance. She broods with a fierce artistry but also exudes contentment with the smallest of gestures. Olsen easily vacillates between being vulnerable and lashing out. Read the review here.
2. Meek's Cutoff
Meek's Cutoff quietly yet assuredly casts its spell of contained suspense and wild, rugged beauty. Read the rest of the review here.
1. Another Earth
In their screenplay, co-writers Mike Cahill and Brit Marling have layered heart-breaking human drama with the dark, moody side of science fiction. Read the rest of the review here.