I tried to keep this movie off of here for awhile, but the more I think about it the more I think people really need to run to their nearest theater and experience the beauty and power of Natalie Portman's performance.
2. Another Year
Take a break from all the explosions and shoot outs January has to offer and settle down for another Mike Leigh gem, featuring Lesley Manville's award winning performance as a middle-aged woman who has watched life pass her by for far too long. A disarming, charming little film from a true master.
1. The Mechanic
Leave the kids at home for this uber violent pairing of Con Air
director Simon West and the butt kicking machine Jason Statham. Remaking Charles Bronson's 1972 offering, The Mechanic sees Statham teaming up with Ben Foster(The Messenger
) to seek revenge on those who caused the death of a friend. The blood and bullets fly fast and often, with Statham doing what he does best while Foster continues his streak of unflinching performances. Without a doubt the best pure adrenaline vengeance thriller we've seen in years.DVD Pick of the Week: Red
Who says retirement has to be boring? If you're the grey haired, gun-toting RED("Retired Extremely Dangerous) squad, then there's never a dull moment. Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman, and John Malkovich are having way too much in this action comedy from director Robert Schwentke(Flightplan
). Moreso than seeing these screen icons(Mirren wielding a machine gun is sexier than it has any right to be) firing off rockets and leaping heroically from explosions, the film has a playful love story between Willis' character and the always welcome Mary-Louise Parker.
