'Vicky Cristina Barcelona'What It's About: When vacationing Yanks Scarlett Johansson and Rebecca Hall meet Spanish lothario Javier Bardem (and his beautifully psychotic ex Penelope Cruz), it's mix-and-match-lovers time.
What We Say: Woody Allen ditches the Euro-thriller ('Match Point,' 'Cassandra's Dream') for the Euro-romance, and it's a surprising treat, equal parts sexy and funny. (You guessed it – Woody does not appear.)
Awards & Nominations: Along with Heath Ledger, Cruz became the first certified Oscar contender of '08 this past summer for her electric turn as a Spanglish-speaking firebrand liable to kill in the heat of passion. Rightly so, she earned her second nod last week.
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'Lakeview Terrace'What It's About: Outraged that his new neighbors a) are an interracial couple, and b) didn't ask permission to plant those trees, an LAPD cop (Samuel L. Jackson) makes their lives a living hell.
Critical Consensus: Reviewers were split on this domestic thriller, with a modest 48 percent approval rating on RottenTomatoes. The upsides? An angry Jackson is the last man you'd want as your neighbor; and the film's better than his last, who knows, 20-something movies ('Jumper,' 'Cleaner,' etc).
Recommended If You Liked: According to Jeffery Mingo's highly entertaining user list on Amazon.com entitled "Sistas and Whiteguys Flicks": 'Monster's Ball,' 'Besieged' and 'The Bodyguard.'
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'Pride and Glory'What It's About: An NYPD family is torn apart when Edward Norton's investigation points to dirtiness on the part of his fellow copper brother (Noah Emmerich) and brother-in-law (Colin Farrell).
Critical Consensus: The jury found this cop drama guilty of several cinematic crimes. It registered a mere 34 percent on RottenTomatoes, with the descriptions "hackneyed" and "hokum" popping up impressively often.
Recommended If You Liked: 'Righteous Kill,' 'Street Kings,' 'Cop Land'
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Other New Releases This Week:
'Fireproof'
'Rocknrolla'
'The Rocker'
'College'
'The Lucky Ones'
'Secret of the Magic Gourd'
Special Editions:
'Mary Poppins'
Recent DVD Recommendations
'Pineapple Express'
Release Date: Jan. 6
What It's About: A stoner (Seth Rogen) and his pot dealer (James Franco) attempt to stay sober enough to run for their lives after one witnesses a murder.
What We Say: You don't actually have to be stoned stupid to find yourself giggling non-stop at this endearing bromantic comedy that builds up to an outrageously violent (but hilarious!) climax.
Add to Netflix queue | Watch Rogen-Franco Unscripted
Sony
'The Wackenss'
Release Date: Jan. 6
What It's About: A pot-dealing teen ((Josh Peck) who trades weed for therapy ((Sir Ben Kingsley plays the bong-smoking shrink) comes of age in NYC, 1994.
What We Say: Those who grew up on hip-hop, namely the "Golden Era" sounds of Notorious B.I.G., A Tribe Called Quest and the likes, will revel in the nostalgia of this funny and sincere flick.
Add to Netflix queue | Read Olivia Thirlby Q&A
Sony Classics
'The Duchess'
Release Date: Dec. 28
What It's About: Keira Knightley plays Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, a socialite who was like the Paris Hilton of 18th Century England (only charming, talented and likable).
What We Say: Like many Oscar bait dramas this year, this one is noteworthy for its performances above anything, but it's still a stirring historical soap opera.
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Paramount Vantage
'Burn After Reading'
Release Date: Dec. 21
What It's About: Two bumbling gym employees (Brad Pitt and Frances McDormand) attempt to blackmail a bumbling ex-spy (John Malkovich) when they find a lost disc. A bumbling George Clooney co-stars.
What We Say: As far as the Coen brothers oeuvre goes, it falls smack dab in the middle of 'Fargo' (being their best) and 'Ladykillers' (their worst).
Add to Netflix queue | Read Coen brothers Q&A
Focus Features
'American Teen'
Release Date: Dec. 21
What It's About: Documentarian Nanette Burnstein follows five Indiana high school seniors -- and each fits perfectly into a classic stereotype.
What We Say: It's an amusing, heartfelt, incredibly entertaining portrait of Middle America High, complete with heroes (we love you, Hannah!) and villains (damn you, Megan Krizmanich).
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Paramount Vantage
'The Dark Knight'
Release Date: Dec. 9
What It's About: You already know. But for fun: A vigilante dresses up like a flying rodent (Christian Bale) and battles a man even crazier, the Joker (Heath Ledger).
What We Say: There's a reason this baby made $530 million at the box office, second only to 'Titanic' all time: It rocks. Now bring on the posthumous Oscar for Heath.
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Warner Bros.
'Horton Hears a Who!'
Release Date: Dec. 9
What It's About: The unlikely relationship between an elephant (voiced by Jim Carrey) and the specks of dust on his back.
What We Say: Thank you Hollywood for finally animating Dr. Seuss! (Anyone else still suffer bad 'Cat in the Hat' flashbacks?). 'Horton' is sweet, charming and a treat to watch.
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Fox
'Man on Wire'
Release Date: Dec. 9
What It's About: The amazing story of Frenchman Philippe Petit, who tightrope-walked between World Trade Center towers in 1974.
What We Say: The best-reviewed film of all time, according to RottenTomatoes.com, this doc combines interviews and actual footage with impressively non-corny reenactments, and is 100% breathtaking.
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Magnolia
'Wanted'
Release Date: Dec. 2
What It's About: An everyday Joe (James McAvoy) is recruited by a secret society of assassins who kill to orchestrate fate ... which is determined by a loom.
What We Say: It's all style, no brains (see Loom of Fate); both ridiculously cool and just-plain ridiculous. Those with a low threshold for nonsensical plots be warned. The rest of us can just sit back and enjoy the ride.
Add to Netflix queue | Read James McAvoy Q&A
Universal
'Step Brothers'
Release Date: Dec. 2
What It's About: Two 40-something man-children (Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly) become siblings first, enemies second, and finally, BFFs.
What We Say: This proudly vulgar comedy doesn't always work, but there are enough moments of hilarity to recommend a DVD viewing. (Warning: Contains disturbing images of Will Ferrell's bits.)
Add to Netflix queue | Watch Ferrell-Reilly Unscripted
Sony
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