Gone Baby Gone - This is a fairly engaging crime drama starring Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Ed Harris, and Morgan Freeman. It is the directorial debut from Ben Alleck and he does a solid job of bringing this Dennis Lehane novel to the screen. The problems with the film lie with the Lehane source material which can best be described as contrived storylines intertwined in a contrived but emotionally poweful way. Can I emphasize how contrived this is, anymore? That isn't to say it isn't moving and doesn't end in a dramatic fashion. It is just really, really contrived times four. Rated R.
The Grade: B

30 Days of Night - Despite 10 really stupid decisions by the film's protagonists this is actually a pretty decent horror film. The premise is key - Alaska during its month long period of darkness. The visuals are amazing and the vampire attacks are truly ferocious. After the innitial bloodbath though, the survival of a few intelligent/extremely lucky citizens becomes more and more farfetched. While not particularly scary, this is a bloody, highly stylized and intense flick. Rated R.
The Grade: B/B-

Rendition - This is a well intentioned political/terrorist thriller that never really hits its stride. The major problem lies in the fact that it is basically an ensemble picture so no one character is on screen for more than five minutes at a time. It keeps you engaged but just barely. Rated R.
The Grade: B-

Lust, Caution - This subtitled film from director Ang Lee (The Ice Storm, Brokeback Mountain) has stunning visuals, fabulous acting, and an interesting WW2 spy drama storyline. It is sure to be nominated for best foreign language film this year. Rated NC-17 for explicit sexuality.
The Grade: B+

Michael Clayton - George Clooney stars in this legal thriller with more than it's share of "why did they do that?" moments. It is engaging and well acted, if a bit unrealistic. Rated R for language.
The Grade: B

The Darjeeling Limited - This movie has four or five truly inspired cinematic ideas. Wes Anderson (Rushmore, Life Aquatic) knows how to create stunning visual moments. The problem here, is the plot. There is very little of it and in the end this is a very boring film from a story standpoint. Rated R for language.
The Grade: B-

The Heartbreak Kid - Another romantic comedy starring Ben Stiller from The Farrelly Brothers (Something About Mary). It has some funny bits, here and there, but not enough to make this anything but a one night diversion from the real world. Rated R for language and nudity.
The Grade: C