'Doubt'What It's About: An icy, conservative nun (Meryl Streep) and younger, progressive priest (Philip Seymour Hoffman) are the Hannity and Colmes of a Bronx Catholic church and school in 1964. But when she suspects him of molesting the school's first black student, their relationship transforms from one of passive difference to hostile opposition.
It's Kind of Like: 'Priest' meets 'Dead Man Walking'
What We Say: Any time a film gets four Oscar nominations for acting, you know you're in for some dramatic screen magic. Don't hold it against the film that its writer-director John Patrick Shanley's last movie was 'Joe Versus the Volcano.' This is a much better conflict.
Special Features? In addition to director's commentary, the DVD includes featurettes on the film's adaptation from the stage, the score, the cast and the Sisters of Charity. Nothing on Hoffman's finely manicured fingernails, however.
Add to Netflix queue | Buy from Amazon | 50 Best Movies of 2008
'Yes Man'What It's About: Jim Carrey is an insufferable loan officer who joins a cultish movement that demands its members say "yes" to everything. He then agrees to wild and crazy things like bungee jumping, guitar lessons, and charity work -- and in the process, becomes sufferable.
It's Kind of Like: 'Liar Liar' meets L. Ron Hubbard
What We Say: Carrey's manic brand of comedy isn't aging well, but he's relatively restrained here, so that's a good thing. 'Yes Man' isn't quite up to par with Carrey's best comedies, but there's enough chuckle-worthy material (and great supporting turns by Zooey Deschanel and Rhys Darby) to make it perfectly recommendable on DVD.
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'Bedtime Stories'What It's About: Adam Sandler plays an immature uncle whose fantastical tales told to his niece and nephew begin to come true in the real world. Gumball precipitation and dwarf jokes ensue.
Critical Consensus: Though professional Adam Sandler haters -- er, film critics -- recognized the comic actor toning down his schtick for kid-friendly audiences, they were none too kind to the movie, which earned an only 22 percent approval rating on RottenTomatoes.
Box Office Mojo: Despite harsh reviews, the family film still racked up $110 million – which is fitting, seeing as Sandler's Uncle Skeeter attempts to use the stories' real-life effects to pocket $100 mil in the movie.
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Other New Releases This Week:
'The Day the Earth Stood Still'
'The Tale of Despereaux'
'Not Easily Broken'
'House'
'Donkey Punch'
'Shuttle'
Special Editions:
'No Country for Old Men'
'Cleopatra'
New on Blu-ray:
'American History X'
'Final Destination'
'John Q'
'Point of No Return'
'Taking Lives'
'Tango & Cash'
'The Wedding Singer'
New DVD Recommendations
'Slumdog Millionaire'
Release Date: March 31
What It's About:The nuggets of wisdom an uneducated teen (Dev Patel) learns growing up in the cruel slums of Mumbai (and beyond) correspond perfectly with the questions he faces on India's version of 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?'
It's Kind of Like: 'Quiz Show' meets 'City of God'
What We Say: For having a plot as gimmicky as detailed above, the fact that 'Slumdog' works so well is almost shocking. It's a fantasy steeped in a harsh reality that combines elements of drama, comedy, romance, action and adventure in conjuring up pure movie magic. Now I wish every movie ended with a Bollywood dance number.
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Fox Searchlight
'Quantum of Solace'
Release Date: March 24
What It's About: After losing the love of his life, a vengeful James Bond (Daniel Craig) is out to take kick ass, take names and -- of course -- entertain on a couple new bed buddies in this direct sequel to 'Casino Royale.'
What We Say: Whereas 'Royale' spent plenty of energy acclimating us to the new (blond!) 007 with wit, charm, romance and action, 'Solace' is all about the turbo-charged action. This didn't play well with some critics, but we'll take stylish Bond carnage over your average actioner ('Transporter' anyone?) any day.
Special Features? Unless you're only in it for the Jack White-Alicia Keys music video for 'Another Way to Die' (the sole bonus feature on the single-disc edition), opt for the two-disc, which features several making-of docs, and most importantly, more Olga Kurylenko.
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Craig-Forster Unscripted
Sony
'Bolt'
Release Date: March 24
What It's About: Bolt (voiced by John Travolta) is not a super-dog, he just plays one on TV. Of course Bolt doesn't know that. When he unwittingly lands in NYC, the lost dog recruits a cranky cat and hilarious hamster (aren't they all?) for a cross-country jaunt back to his loyal owner/co-star (Miley Cyrus) in Hollywood.
It's Kind of Like: 'Underdog' meets 'Homeward Bound'
Critical Consensus: There's no stopping talking dog movies -- but there are no singing Chihuahua armies in this animated adventure, which is probably why it fared well with critics, scoring an impressive 86 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
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50 Best Movies of 2008
Disney
'Elegy'
Release Date: March 17
What It's About: Believing it's to good to be true and thus doomed to fail, a celebrated college professor (Ben Kingsley) does everything in his power to screw up his relationship with a sexy student (Penelope Cruz).
It's Kind of Like: 'The Visitor' with sex appeal
What We Say: This underseen romantic drama about dealing with self-doubt in relationships is elegant, sophisticated and yes, even sexy (never thought we'd say that about a Ben Kingsley movie this decade). And it also reinforces the immortal words of Aaliyah: Age ain't nuthin' but a number, Sir Ben.
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Watch the trailer
Sony Classics
'Milk'
Release Date: March 10
What It's About: Sean Penn is Harvey Milk, the iconic San Francisco politician who became the first openly gay man elected to office in the U.S. in 1977. Josh Brolin is the jerk who assassinates him.
What We Say: Gus Van Sant's biopic of the slain leader is much more conventional than you might expect, but not any less affecting or inspiring. Penn's performance is a triumph. And given the recent passage of Prop 8 in California, the film is as topical as they come.
Awards & Nominations: Penn prevailed in the closest major race at the Oscars, edging out Comeback King Mickey Rourke ('The Wrestler') for Best Actor. The film also won Best Original Screenplay (Dustin Lance Black), but lost pretty much anywhere it was up against 'Slumdog.'
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Oscars Movies Made Easy
Universal
'Role Models'
Release Date: March 10
What It's About: Sentenced to community service after an energy drink-fueled rampage, "big brothers" Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott teach their "littles" how to stare at breasts without getting caught, plus more valuable life lessons.
It's Kind of Like: 'Old School' meets 'Cop and a Half'
What We Say: 'Tropic Thunder,' 'Pineapple Express' and 'Sarah Marshall' may have gotten more play, but 'Role Models' was the funniest comedy of 2008. Both brilliantly sophomoric and sneakily witty (thanks to Rudd's handprints on the script), it's a must-see, and even better on repeat.
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Watch trailer & clips
Universal
'Rachel Getting Married'
Release Date: March 10
What It's About: Released from rehab for a weekend to attend her sister's wedding, Anne Hathaway's bundle of nerves Kym tries her hardest not to ruin the bohemian-flavored celebration for all.
What We Say: Moviegoers were generally divided over this indie drama from Jonathan Demme. Fans praised its intimacy and realism. Count me in the camp that appreciated it, but found it comparable to watching someone's home video of the best.wedding.ever.
Awards & Nominations: If there's one reason to see 'Rachel,' it's Hathaway's stunning Academy Award-nominated performance (she was even an early favorite to win). It should be enough to make you forgive her for 'Bride Wars.'
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Oscar Movies Made Easy
Sony Classics
'Let the Right One In'
Release Date: March 10
What It's About: In a small and wintry Swedish town, a young boy becomes BFFs with the new girl next door, who, it turns out, is a vampire starving for blood.
What We Say: It's 'Twilight' for the arthouse crowd. Subtle but thoroughly chilling, this acclaimed import is one of the most sympathetic portraits of vampires you'll see. Eli (Lina Leandersson) may be deadly, but she's pretty damn adorable (and tortured), too.
Where It Ranks: 'Let the Right One In' placed #29 on our list of 2008's 50 best movies.
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Magnet Releasing
'I've Loved You So Long'
Release Date: March 3
What It's About: When the long-missing and mysterious Juliette (Kristin Scott Thomas) says at a dinner party she's been in prison the last 15 years for murder, people may laugh, but she ain't kidding. Her sister helps welcome her back into society.
It's Kind of Like: 'Rachel Getting Married' in French
Critical Consensus: Reviewers loved it so long, with the film scoring a 90 percent approval rating on RottenTomatoes.
Awards & Nominations: Nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actress – Drama, the excellent-in-any-language Thomas was a longshot contender for a second Oscar nom (after 'The English Patient'), but was likely edged out by Melissa Leo.
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Sony Classics
'Dear Zachary'
Release Date: Feb. 24
What It's About: After his close friend Andrew is murdered, documentarian Kurt Kuenne sets out to make a film about Andrew's life for his son Zachary. But a shocking turn of events transforms the intended tribute into something far different.
What We Say: This is a tiny, highly personal doc in the same vein as 'Capturing the Friedmans' that got next-to-no attention during its ultra-limited theatrical release, despite a nearly unanimous chorus of critics labeling it a must-see. We can only hope it finds an audience on DVD: It's one of the most devastatingly powerful and affecting documentaries ever made.
Where It Ranks: 'Zachary' placed #30 on our list 2008's 50 best movies (can someone say Oscar snub?).
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Watch the trailer
Oscilloscope
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