3. Carnage
Two sets of upper class Brooklyn parents, seemingly well adjusted and...sane, devolve into violence, crude accusations, and booze fueled chaos as they argue over a fight between their kids. Somebody get these poor children some proper role models! Kate Winslet, Christoph Waltz, Jodie Foster, and John C. Reilly make up this sharp, biting comedy directed by Roman Polanski, clearly enjoying the opportunity to tap into the dark side with his amazing cast.
2. Contraband
A close call. Carnage is probably the better movie, but Contraband was the bigger surprise. Taking familiar elements, such as the "one last job" heist flick, and giving them a stylish, European twist, Contraband is Mark Wahlberg doing what he does best. As a reformed smuggler pulled into one last job to save his brother-in-law, he fits in perfectly navigating the criminal element, while also fighting to protect his family.
1. In the Land of Blood and Honey
Angelina Jolie's writing and directorial debut is a triumph, effortlessly combining her humanitarian heart with skilled film making prowess. The film centers on a complicated romance between a Muslim woman and a Serbian soldier amidst the horrific Bosnian War. As rape and murder run rampant while the world stands idly by, these two must deal with the conflicting emotions raging within them. To whom do their loyalties lie? To eachother? Or to their people?
DVD Pick of the Week: Moneyball, starring Brad Pitt and Jonah Hill
Similar to The Social Network, Moneyball was tasked with making a lot geeky stats and data cool enough for the silver screen. Fortunately it had the rapid fire, whip smart dialogue of Aaron Sorkin to make it happen, along with a grounded, understated performance by Brad Pitt. The story focuses on Oakland A's general manager, Billy Beane, who puts his career on the line to not only turn his small budget team into a championship contender, but to change the entire culture of Major League Baseball.
