The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)

In his first role as a less-than-attractive character, Matthew McConaughey does a great job.  And by great job I mean he is totally credible as a scum-sucking bottom feeder.  But as expected, his character redeems himself by the end of the story, sort of.  Consistent with my theory of human nature, people don't really change unless threatened in some way, and when the threat is gone, so goes the changes.  But I digress.

Marisa Tomei is hot but subdued here.  No scene stealing here, just a solid performance.  Love it.  William H. Macy is great in his limited but hugely pivotal role here.  This guy can do no wrong in my opinion.  Other great names giving just the right amount of flavor to the story include John Leguizamo and Josh Lucas.

Evil personified here is played by Ryan Phillippe.  He does the pretty-boy thing well, but in my opinion, did not pull off the real depth this character could have.  Okay, granted, he is not the true evil "genius" here; slight spoiler alert.  But, I think he could have played it a little more over the top.

Watch this with someone who may not be aware there are creatures thriving among us just like every character in this story.

Barney's Version (2010)

I confess to low expectations on this one, but I was totally wrong.  Not only is this a good romantic comedy, it is also a very funny commentary on growing older and relationships.

Paul Giamatti delivers another masterful performance.  Dustin Hoffman surprises with the opposite to his Foker's character.  Rosamund Pike is stunning and classy as the love interest.

Jake Hoffman does another great job even playing on the same cast as his father.  Lots of fun other faces too make this a great watch for everyone over the age of 30.

Great Canadian cinema.  I loved it.

Watch this movie with someone who has met the love of their life under less than ideal circumstances.

Des hommes et des dieux "Of Gods and Men" (2010)

With social, political, and personal lessons galore, this brilliant French production is short on words but long on  morel.  Beautifully photographed and masterfully orchestrated, this film should be watched by everyone.  Especially if you are negotiating international relations or if you are stuck in the middle between two warring tribes.  Or if you are a Christian or Muslim.

Lambert Wilson and Michael Lonsdale leads a brilliant cast locals and French nationals.  There are so many characters to love here, and so many to wonder about.  Can terrorists and foreigners get along?

Watch this movie with someone who will enjoy the lack of dialogue as much as the subtext.