Paranormal Activity 2 - This is the rare horror sequel that works. It isn't as scary (or original) as its predecessor, but it's still a satisfying scare-fest that remains faithful to Oren Peli's low-budget vision. The film provides a frame for the first PA, which makes the narrative a little more interesting, and the additions of a baby and a dog raise the stakes.
A Film Unfinished - This fascinating documentary looks at an unfinished Nazi propaganda film shot in the Warsaw ghetto just months before it was emptied. The footage speaks volumes for itself, but the additional insights from one of the key players in the film and a cameraman, along with emotional responses from survivors of the ghetto, make the film even more meaningful.
Hereafter - Clint Eastwood is very hit-and-miss for me, and this is a definite hit. Hereafter is a beautiful examination of death and, more importantly, what it means to be alive. Matt Damon does some of his best work to date, and Cecile de France is stunning. Peter Morgan's moving screenplay feels natural and, oddly enough, believable, something other dramas fail to achieve when bringing characters from around the world together.
Conviction - Conviction is an inspirational true story that really is inspirational without getting too sappy. Hillary Swank and Sam Rockwell deliver (as does the make-up used to age Rockwell as he rots away in jail). Even though the ending is a foregone conclusion, it's still a gripping story that will have your insides in knots as you wait to see how exactly everything will unfold.
Waiting for "Superman" - I can't stress enough how great this documentary is. It's compelling, important, and deeply moving - by the end, the whole theater was in tears. It's also likely to be an Oscar contender, so if you love award season like I do, this is one you have to see.
On DVD
Toy Story 3 - This one should really go without saying, but I'll say it anyways: Toy Story 3 is one of the best movies of the year. Pixar has a knack for effective story-telling, and this is one of their finest tales yet. Capping off what may be film's greatest trilogy, it's pure (yet bittersweet) joy to go on another adventure with Woody, Buzz, and the rest of the gang.
Winter's Bone - One of the best-reviewed movies of the year, Winter's Bone is a stark, shocking look at the lengths a girl will go to to protect her family. Jennifer Lawrence and John Hawkes give unforgettable performances, and the film has many darkly gripping moments, though the final glimmer of hope suggests that life can get better.
The Girl Who Played With Fire - This second entry in the film adaptations of Stieg Larsson's phenomenal books isn't as strong as the first, but it's still fueled by an exciting performance by Noomi Rapace, who is generating early Oscar buzz for her talent (if she's nominated, it will undoubtedly be for the first film). It's also important to catch up with this series, as the third entry, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest, opens in select cities today.
Orphan - This horror flick from last year stands out because, unlike most entries in the genre, it actually has a pretty interesting premise. Isabelle Fuhrman's performance is utterly haunting, making this a perfect watch for the Halloween weekend.
Coraline - Or, if you want something a bit tamer, you could take a look at this fantastic stop-motion feature from Henry Selick, director of The Nightmare Before Christmas. With trippy visuals and a great voice case, led by the superb Dakota Fanning, Coraline walks a fine line between scary and fun.
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