"True Grit"
This superbly acted remake of the John Wayne classic is definitely worth the watch. The Coen brothers' film was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and although it didn't end up winning any, the film was still very impressive. Jeff Bridges' portrayal of Rooster Cogburn pays homage to John Wayne's character and yet, he makes the role entirely his own. The Coen brothers rarely make a bad movie, and "True Grit" doesn't disappoint.
"Take Me Home Tonight"
This isn't "The Artist." It isn't even "Hot Tub Time Machine." But this tribute to '80s culture is a fun and hilarious - if not very smart - comedy. Topher Grace graduated from MIT and now is out of college and not sure what he wants to do with his life. He and his friend Dan Fogler embark on a night-long journey of debauchery that leads them all over Los Angeles, helping Grace discover himself in the process. While the plot sounds cliché -and is - it's still a decidedly funny movie.
"Trainspotting"
Before he made "Slumdog Millionaire" and "127 Hours," Danny Boyle made a name for himself in Britain with visually intricate films that captured the tragedy and, often, the majesty of nitty gritty '90s life. Following the exploits of a group of aimless drug addicts in Edinburgh, "Trainspotting" stars such future successes as Ewan McGregor ("Moulin Rouge!"), Johnny Lee Miller ("Dexter"), Robert Carlyle ("Once Upon a Time") and Kelly Macdonald ("Boardwalk Empire"). The film is equally funny and serious, uplifting and depressing, heavy and light-hearted, but always features Boyle's eye for capturing the nuances of life through visual style.
"Waiting For 'Superman'"
This documentary about the state of the education system in America is a moving story outlining the gaps students face and improvements that need to be made. Masterfully shot, produced and edited, the film focuses its attention all over the United States. It follows students in lotteries for charter schools in Los Angeles and New York City, Interviewing big names like Michelle Rhee, former chancellor of the D.C. public school district, and Geoffrey Canada, an education reformer in Harlem, N.Y. The film provides an inside look at the failures of the American public education system, meant to energize and accelerate the change needed.
"Never Say Never"
Netflix has perfect timing when selecting and submitting their new movie arrivals to their website, and this week's picks are no exception. With his new single "Boyfriend" just out, what better movie to watch than Justin Bieber's "Never Say Never" documentary? The film recounts his story and path to stardom while listening and watching him perform some of his most popular hits in his sold-out concert in Madison Square Garden. For all of you Bieber fans, this is a must see.
