Why You Should See: 'Revolutionary Road'

We're breaking down all the Oscar contenders for you, so that you can decide whether you want to see them -- or at the very least, hold your own at cocktail parties. Next up: 'Revolutionary Road,' Kate and Leo's long-awaited reunion.

Nominated For: Best Supporting Actor (Michael Shannon), Best Art Direction, Best Costume Design

What It's About: Call it an anti-romance. Frank (Leonardo DiCaprio) and April (Kate Winslet) are a married couple in 1950s Connecticut so miserable in their union, their day-to-day routines (he's a suit, she's a housewife) and their picket-fenced surroundings, they decide the only way to happiness is to move to Paris. And that's when things get really thorny. Moral of the story: Being married in the suburbs sucks.

Why You Should See It: There's one major reason to see 'Revolutionary Road,' and that's the phenomenal acting. Though the film has to be considered a disappointment in view of its pre-release hype, it boasts three of the best performances of the year. Strangely only Shannon (as a family friend fresh out of the loony bin) earned an Oscar invite, despite the fact that Leo gives his best performance yet, and Winslet is better here than in 'The Reader.' But, be warned: as far as entertainment goes, it's a major downer (unless you consider spouses screaming at each other for two hours entertaining).

It's Kind of Like: 'War of the Roses' meets 'Mad Men'

How You Can See It: In theaters now