3. Moneyball
Moneyball has the same style and panache of The Social Network, which makes sense considering the script by uber-scribe Aaron Sorkin. But the two also share similar challenges of making "insider" business talk enjoyable for the average audience. With the help of a grizzled, charismatic performance by Brad Pitt, Moneyball is equally as smart, and might just make some new baseball fans along the way.
2. Drive
This is balls to the wall, high class action provided by the incomparable combination of director Nicolas Winding Refn and star Ryan Gosling. While some have expressed disappointment at the film's controlled pace, the real energy comes from the film's sleek style, and the kinetic performances by the amazing cast, including Albert Brooks, Carey Mulligan, and Bryan Cranston.
1. 50/50
Based on the true life story of writer Will Reiser, 50/50 takes on the unenviable task of making a film about cancer both affecting and funny. With the aid of a triumphant performance by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and frantic humor of Seth Rogen, director Jonathan Levine pulls off the job with ease.
DVD Pick of the Week: Transformers: Dark of the Moon
It may not be saying much to declare that Michael Bay has vastly improved on Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, but in this case it's absolutely true. Bay's robotic swan song is a much better film, bigger action, explosive special effects, and yes there's even a hint of a story there once you get through the slow moving introduction. The sky sraper crushing ,city destroying finale is a thing of pure beauty. Shia Labeouf returns as human hero Spike Witwicky, who thrusts himself yet again into the Autobot/Decepticon war. Only this time he's got more to deal with, in the form of a human contingent sympathetic to the Decepticon cause.
