The Road   (2009, USA, 111mins, 14a)

Dir. John Hillcoat Starring Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron and Kodi Smit-McPhee

A father and son are transformed into homeless scavengers by a cataclysmic event: the destruction of the world. The Road, starring Viggo Mortensen as a once-civilized man shepherding his 11-year-old boy (Kodi Smit-McPhee) through an America ravaged into rubble, is adapted from Cormac McCarthy’s Pulitzer-winning 2007 novel. The father, fearing for his health and sanity, is sustained only by his love for his son and his need to protect him. The Road becomes heartening against the odds of what McCarthy called the “dimming” of the world. In this haunting portrait of America as no country for old men or young, Hillcoat — through the artistry of Mortensen and Smit-McPhee — carries the fire of our shared humanity and lets it burn bright and true. Peter Travers-Rolling Stone

TWilight: New Moon   (2009, USA, 130mins, PG)

Dir. Chris Weitz Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene

At first, Bella (angst princess Kristen Stewart) gets dumped by beloved Edward (passion prince Robert Pattinson), because Vampire Boy can't trust himself around her. Then good chum Jacob (studmuffin Taylor Lautner), all furry and feral when near Bella, reveals himself as Teen Werewolf. This swoony adaptation of the second installment in Stephenie Meyer's young-adult series is a potent stew of fairy tale and romance-novel fantasy set in the primeval woods of the American Northwest. In her senior year of high school, Bella studies Romeo & Juliet in English, turns 18, and demands more than a chaste kiss from Edward. He can't live without Bella. Nor can he live with himself if he "changes" her - i.e. makes her a vampire. Frankly erotic, though appropriate for those 12 and older, New Moon (like its source material and also like many romantic movies and literature before 1970) is about the sexual heat generated by chastity. Carrie Rickey-Philadelphia Inquirer

twilight: new Moon   (2009, USA, 130mins, PG)

Dir. Chris Weitz Starring Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Ashley Greene

At first, Bella (angst princess Kristen Stewart) gets dumped by beloved Edward (passion prince Robert Pattinson), because Vampire Boy can't trust himself around her. Then good chum Jacob (studmuffin Taylor Lautner), all furry and feral when near Bella, reveals himself as Teen Werewolf. This swoony adaptation of the second installment in Stephenie Meyer's young-adult series is a potent stew of fairy tale and romance-novel fantasy set in the primeval woods of the American Northwest. In her senior year of high school, Bella studies Romeo & Juliet in English, turns 18, and demands more than a chaste kiss from Edward. He can't live without Bella. Nor can he live with himself if he "changes" her - i.e. makes her a vampire. Frankly erotic, though appropriate for those 12 and older, New Moon (like its source material and also like many romantic movies and literature before 1970) is about the sexual heat generated by chastity. Carrie Rickey-Philadelphia Inquirer

the road   (2009, USA, 111mins, 14a)

Dir. John Hillcoat Starring Viggo Mortensen, Charlize Theron and Kodi Smit-McPhee

A father and son are transformed into homeless scavengers by a cataclysmic event: the destruction of the world. The Road, starring Viggo Mortensen as a once-civilized man shepherding his 11-year-old boy (Kodi Smit-McPhee) through an America ravaged into rubble, is adapted from Cormac McCarthy’s Pulitzer-winning 2007 novel. The father, fearing for his health and sanity, is sustained only by his love for his son and his need to protect him. The Road becomes heartening against the odds of what McCarthy called the “dimming” of the world. In this haunting portrait of America as no country for old men or young, Hillcoat — through the artistry of Mortensen and Smit-McPhee — carries the fire of our shared humanity and lets it burn bright and true. Peter Travers-Rolling Stone

Movies for mommies:
the hurt locker   (2009, USA, 131mins, 14a)

Dir. Kathryn Bigelow Starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Ralph Fiennes, and Guy Pearce

The Army bomb-disposal specialist so memorably played by Jeremy Renner in the extraordinary battlefield drama The Hurt Locker operates with the swagger of a hothead in a job that depends on cool. Is this decent man's addiction to adrenaline the cost to today's American soldier of volunteering for such a crazy assignment, one that requires a husband with a family thousands of miles away to lie down in the road in the hot sun next to a live bomb to disarm a deadly device while locals whose language he can't understand stare impassively? The Hurt Locker is an intense, action-driven war pic, a muscular, efficient standout that simultaneously conveys the feeling of combat from within as well as what it looks like on the ground. Lisa Schwartzbaum- Entertainment Weekly

the hurt locker   (2009, USA, 131mins, 14a)

Dir. Kathryn Bigelow Starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Ralph Fiennes, and Guy Pearce

The Army bomb-disposal specialist so memorably played by Jeremy Renner in the extraordinary battlefield drama The Hurt Locker operates with the swagger of a hothead in a job that depends on cool. Is this decent man's addiction to adrenaline the cost to today's American soldier of volunteering for such a crazy assignment, one that requires a husband with a family thousands of miles away to lie down in the road in the hot sun next to a live bomb to disarm a deadly device while locals whose language he can't understand stare impassively? The Hurt Locker is an intense, action-driven war pic, a muscular, efficient standout that simultaneously conveys the feeling of combat from within as well as what it looks like on the ground. Lisa Schwartzbaum- Entertainment Weekly

a serious man   (2009, USA/UK/France, 105mins, 14a)

Dir. Ethan & Joel Coen Starring Michael Stuhlbarg, Fred Melamed, Richard Kind, Aaron Wolf, Sari Wagner, Jessica McManus, and Adam Arkin

The Gopniks are an unstable clan: Anxious Larry (Stuhlbarg) uncertainly pursues tenure as a math prof while one of his students blackmails him for a better grade. His wife is leaving him for an orotund patronizer (the outstanding Melamed); Larry’s oily brother (Kind) won’t vacate the bathroom; his daughter wants a nose job; and his son alternates bar mitzvah prep with habitual toking. The Coens have used their own personal memories to shift toward a grander inquiry, best expressed in a piece of rock music that sneaks up on you with its aptness: Don’t you want somebody to love? Maybe there is no one to love, or love us back; on the horizon is oblivion. See this film immediately.—Joshua Rothkopf

a serious man   (2009, USA/UK/France, 105mins, 14a)

Dir. Ethan & Joel Coen Starring Michael Stuhlbarg, Fred Melamed, Richard Kind, Aaron Wolf, Sari Wagner, Jessica McManus, and Adam Arkin

The Gopniks are an unstable clan: Anxious Larry (Stuhlbarg) uncertainly pursues tenure as a math prof while one of his students blackmails him for a better grade. His wife is leaving him for an orotund patronizer (the outstanding Melamed); Larry’s oily brother (Kind) won’t vacate the bathroom; his daughter wants a nose job; and his son alternates bar mitzvah prep with habitual toking. The Coens have used their own personal memories to shift toward a grander inquiry, best expressed in a piece of rock music that sneaks up on you with its aptness: Don’t you want somebody to love? Maybe there is no one to love, or love us back; on the horizon is oblivion. See this film immediately.—Joshua Rothkopf

the hurt locker   (2009, USA, 131mins, 14a)

Dir. Kathryn Bigelow Starring Jeremy Renner, Anthony Mackie, Brian Geraghty, Ralph Fiennes, and Guy Pearce

The Army bomb-disposal specialist so memorably played by Jeremy Renner in the extraordinary battlefield drama The Hurt Locker operates with the swagger of a hothead in a job that depends on cool. Is this decent man's addiction to adrenaline the cost to today's American soldier of volunteering for such a crazy assignment, one that requires a husband with a family thousands of miles away to lie down in the road in the hot sun next to a live bomb to disarm a deadly device while locals whose language he can't understand stare impassively? The Hurt Locker is an intense, action-driven war pic, a muscular, efficient standout that simultaneously conveys the feeling of combat from within as well as what it looks like on the ground. Lisa Schwartzbaum- Entertainment Weekly

It's complicated   (2009, USA, 120mins, 14a)

Dir. Nancy Meyers Starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin

Meryl Streep is Jane, a divorced mother of three wrestling with empty-nest syndrome and still trying to shake off the sting of her divorce 10 years earlier. And Alec Baldwin is Jane's smooth-talking lawyer of an ex-husband, Jake, who decides to try and rekindle his romance with Jane during a weekend together at their youngest son's graduation. The result: a fun and sweet romantic comedy that lands comfortably on the smart side of vacant, along the way offering a pleasant and satisfying diversion for the grown-ups in the room. Mike Scott

an education   (2009, UK, 95mins, PG)

Dir. Lone Scherfig Starring Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Dominic Cooper, Rosamund Pike,

“An Education” is set in that sexy, beguiling moment when England was about to start swinging but still had both feet firmly on the ground. Jenny Miller (who will no doubt receive and Oscar nom) is a 16-year-old girl of talent, intelligence, passion, and ambition who harbors dreams of college and travel and men and mirth and music. One afternoon, she and her cello are caught in a downpour and accept a ride home from David, an older man of taste, means, and, though Jenny doesn’t quite allow herself to notice, secrets and cunning. This coming-of-age story -- a fairy tale, in a way, with a precocious Little Red Riding Hood drawn in by a Big Bad Wolf with mysterious sources of income -- is based on a memoir by writer Lynn Barber, who lived these very events, more or less, and adapted by screenwriter Nick Hornby and director Lone Scherfig, And it is, in its quiet, precise, classical way, nearly perfect. Shawn Levy

where the wild things are   (2009, USA, 101mins, PG)

Dir. Spike Jonze Starring Catherine Keener, Max Records, Mark Ruffalo, Lauren Ambrose, James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara, and Forest Whitaker

From Maurice Sendak's beloved children’s book about a rambunctious little boy named Max and the kingdom of untamed creatures who adopt him as their like-minded king, filmmaker Spike Jonze has made a movie that is true to Sendak's unique sensibilities and simultaneously true to Jonze's own colorful instincts for anarchy. Lisa Shwarzbaum

it's complicated   (2009, USA, 120mins, 14a)

Dir. Nancy Meyers Starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin

Meryl Streep is Jane, a divorced mother of three wrestling with empty-nest syndrome and still trying to shake off the sting of her divorce 10 years earlier. And Alec Baldwin is Jane's smooth-talking lawyer of an ex-husband, Jake, who decides to try and rekindle his romance with Jane during a weekend together at their youngest son's graduation. The result: a fun and sweet romantic comedy that lands comfortably on the smart side of vacant, along the way offering a pleasant and satisfying diversion for the grown-ups in the room. Mike Scott

it's complicated   (2009, USA, 120mins, 14a)

Dir. Nancy Meyers Starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin

Meryl Streep is Jane, a divorced mother of three wrestling with empty-nest syndrome and still trying to shake off the sting of her divorce 10 years earlier. And Alec Baldwin is Jane's smooth-talking lawyer of an ex-husband, Jake, who decides to try and rekindle his romance with Jane during a weekend together at their youngest son's graduation. The result: a fun and sweet romantic comedy that lands comfortably on the smart side of vacant, along the way offering a pleasant and satisfying diversion for the grown-ups in the room. Mike Scott

an education   (2009, UK, 95mins, PG)

Dir. Lone Scherfig Starring Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Dominic Cooper, Rosamund Pike,

“An Education” is set in that sexy, beguiling moment when England was about to start swinging but still had both feet firmly on the ground. Jenny Miller (who will no doubt receive and Oscar nom) is a 16-year-old girl of talent, intelligence, passion, and ambition who harbors dreams of college and travel and men and mirth and music. One afternoon, she and her cello are caught in a downpour and accept a ride home from David, an older man of taste, means, and, though Jenny doesn’t quite allow herself to notice, secrets and cunning. This coming-of-age story -- a fairy tale, in a way, with a precocious Little Red Riding Hood drawn in by a Big Bad Wolf with mysterious sources of income -- is based on a memoir by writer Lynn Barber, who lived these very events, more or less, and adapted by screenwriter Nick Hornby and director Lone Scherfig, And it is, in its quiet, precise, classical way, nearly perfect. Shawn Levy

where the wild things are   (2009, USA, 101mins, PG)

Dir. Spike Jonze Starring Catherine Keener, Max Records, Mark Ruffalo, Lauren Ambrose, James Gandolfini, Catherine O'Hara, and Forest Whitaker

From Maurice Sendak's beloved children’s book about a rambunctious little boy named Max and the kingdom of untamed creatures who adopt him as their like-minded king, filmmaker Spike Jonze has made a movie that is true to Sendak's unique sensibilities and simultaneously true to Jonze's own colorful instincts for anarchy. Lisa Shwarzbaum

it's complicated   (2009, USA, 120mins, 14a)

Dir. Nancy Meyers Starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin

Meryl Streep is Jane, a divorced mother of three wrestling with empty-nest syndrome and still trying to shake off the sting of her divorce 10 years earlier. And Alec Baldwin is Jane's smooth-talking lawyer of an ex-husband, Jake, who decides to try and rekindle his romance with Jane during a weekend together at their youngest son's graduation. The result: a fun and sweet romantic comedy that lands comfortably on the smart side of vacant, along the way offering a pleasant and satisfying diversion for the grown-ups in the room. Mike Scott

it's complicated   (2009, USA, 120mins, 14a)

Dir. Nancy Meyers Starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin

Meryl Streep is Jane, a divorced mother of three wrestling with empty-nest syndrome and still trying to shake off the sting of her divorce 10 years earlier. And Alec Baldwin is Jane's smooth-talking lawyer of an ex-husband, Jake, who decides to try and rekindle his romance with Jane during a weekend together at their youngest son's graduation. The result: a fun and sweet romantic comedy that lands comfortably on the smart side of vacant, along the way offering a pleasant and satisfying diversion for the grown-ups in the room. Mike Scott

an education   (2009, UK, 95mins, PG)

Dir. Lone Scherfig Starring Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Dominic Cooper, Rosamund Pike,

“An Education” is set in that sexy, beguiling moment when England was about to start swinging but still had both feet firmly on the ground. Jenny Miller (who will no doubt receive and Oscar nom) is a 16-year-old girl of talent, intelligence, passion, and ambition who harbors dreams of college and travel and men and mirth and music. One afternoon, she and her cello are caught in a downpour and accept a ride home from David, an older man of taste, means, and, though Jenny doesn’t quite allow herself to notice, secrets and cunning. This coming-of-age story -- a fairy tale, in a way, with a precocious Little Red Riding Hood drawn in by a Big Bad Wolf with mysterious sources of income -- is based on a memoir by writer Lynn Barber, who lived these very events, more or less, and adapted by screenwriter Nick Hornby and director Lone Scherfig, And it is, in its quiet, precise, classical way, nearly perfect. Shawn Levy

an education   (2009, UK, 95mins, PG)

Dir. Lone Scherfig Starring Carey Mulligan, Peter Sarsgaard, Alfred Molina, Dominic Cooper, Rosamund Pike,

“An Education” is set in that sexy, beguiling moment when England was about to start swinging but still had both feet firmly on the ground. Jenny Miller (who will no doubt receive and Oscar nom) is a 16-year-old girl of talent, intelligence, passion, and ambition who harbors dreams of college and travel and men and mirth and music. One afternoon, she and her cello are caught in a downpour and accept a ride home from David, an older man of taste, means, and, though Jenny doesn’t quite allow herself to notice, secrets and cunning. This coming-of-age story -- a fairy tale, in a way, with a precocious Little Red Riding Hood drawn in by a Big Bad Wolf with mysterious sources of income -- is based on a memoir by writer Lynn Barber, who lived these very events, more or less, and adapted by screenwriter Nick Hornby and director Lone Scherfig, And it is, in its quiet, precise, classical way, nearly perfect. Shawn Levy

it's complicated   (2009, USA, 120mins, 14a)

Dir. Nancy Meyers Starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin

Meryl Streep is Jane, a divorced mother of three wrestling with empty-nest syndrome and still trying to shake off the sting of her divorce 10 years earlier. And Alec Baldwin is Jane's smooth-talking lawyer of an ex-husband, Jake, who decides to try and rekindle his romance with Jane during a weekend together at their youngest son's graduation. The result: a fun and sweet romantic comedy that lands comfortably on the smart side of vacant, along the way offering a pleasant and satisfying diversion for the grown-ups in the room. Mike Scott

invictus  (2009, USA, 134mins, PG)

Dir. Clint Eastwood Starring Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman

Based on John Carlin’s historical account, “Invictus” tells the story of how Nelson Mandela (Freeman), newly minted as South Africa’s first post-Apartheid president in 1994, focused on sports as a means of uniting the citizens of a potentially unstable nation. He seizes on the rugby team - with its millions of white fans - as a vehicle for bringing together all South Africans in a common cause. Mick LaSalle

it's complicated   (2009, USA, 120mins, 14a)

Dir. Nancy Meyers Starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin

Meryl Streep is Jane, a divorced mother of three wrestling with empty-nest syndrome and still trying to shake off the sting of her divorce 10 years earlier. And Alec Baldwin is Jane's smooth-talking lawyer of an ex-husband, Jake, who decides to try and rekindle his romance with Jane during a weekend together at their youngest son's graduation. The result: a fun and sweet romantic comedy that lands comfortably on the smart side of vacant, along the way offering a pleasant and satisfying diversion for the grown-ups in the room. Mike Scott

Movies for mommies:
it's complicated   (2009, USA, 120mins, 14a)

Dir. Nancy Meyers Starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin

Meryl Streep is Jane, a divorced mother of three wrestling with empty-nest syndrome and still trying to shake off the sting of her divorce 10 years earlier. And Alec Baldwin is Jane's smooth-talking lawyer of an ex-husband, Jake, who decides to try and rekindle his romance with Jane during a weekend together at their youngest son's graduation. The result: a fun and sweet romantic comedy that lands comfortably on the smart side of vacant, along the way offering a pleasant and satisfying diversion for the grown-ups in the room. Mike Scott

september issue   (2009, USA, 90mins, PG)

Dir. R.J. Cutler

In The September Issue, we observe the process by which Vogue editor Anna Wintour and her vast army of editors, designers, photographers, models, and gofers labor, throughout the summer of 2007, to assemble Vogue's massive September issue, a plush treasure chest of ads, photo spreads, and 
 gilded dreams. It's through Voguethat Wintour, more than any other figure, reigns over the decisions — 
of taste, aesthetics, economics — that shape the $300 billion-a-year fashion industry. The September issue is more than a magazine. It's a major motion picture stuffed between glossy covers, with Wintour as its all-knowing, all-dictatorial producer. She pulls the whole issue together, keeping her eye on the big picture while micromanaging the small ones. Is she a diva, a bitch? The devil in Prada? Owen Gleiberman-Entertainment Weekly

invictus  (2009, USA, 134mins, PG)

Dir. Clint Eastwood Starring Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman

Based on John Carlin’s historical account, “Invictus” tells the story of how Nelson Mandela (Freeman), newly minted as South Africa’s first post-Apartheid president in 1994, focused on sports as a means of uniting the citizens of a potentially unstable nation. He seizes on the rugby team - with its millions of white fans - as a vehicle for bringing together all South Africans in a common cause. Mick LaSalle

september issue   (2009, USA, 90mins, PG)

Dir. R.J. Cutler

In The September Issue, we observe the process by which Vogue editor Anna Wintour and her vast army of editors, designers, photographers, models, and gofers labor, throughout the summer of 2007, to assemble Vogue's massive September issue, a plush treasure chest of ads, photo spreads, and 
 gilded dreams. It's through Voguethat Wintour, more than any other figure, reigns over the decisions — 
of taste, aesthetics, economics — that shape the $300 billion-a-year fashion industry. The September issue is more than a magazine. It's a major motion picture stuffed between glossy covers, with Wintour as its all-knowing, all-dictatorial producer. She pulls the whole issue together, keeping her eye on the big picture while micromanaging the small ones. Is she a diva, a bitch? The devil in Prada? Owen Gleiberman-Entertainment Weekly

invictus  (2009, USA, 134mins, PG)

Dir. Clint Eastwood Starring Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman

Based on John Carlin’s historical account, “Invictus” tells the story of how Nelson Mandela (Freeman), newly minted as South Africa’s first post-Apartheid president in 1994, focused on sports as a means of uniting the citizens of a potentially unstable nation. He seizes on the rugby team - with its millions of white fans - as a vehicle for bringing together all South Africans in a common cause. Mick LaSalle

fantastic mr. fox   (2009, USA/UK, 87mins, PG)

Dir. Wes Anderson Voiced by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe

For his best film since "The Royal Tenenbaums," Anderson has cleverly cast a self-mocking George Clooney as the voice of the corduroy-clad Mr. Fox, who reluctantly gives up stealing livestock at the urging of his pregnant wife (Meryl Streep). Twelve years later, he's a newspaper reporter. But when the family -- which includes their angst-ridden teenage son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) -- moves to a new home in a tree, the old urges return. A series of "Ocean's Eleven"-style raids on his human neighbors' farms triggers an escalating war waged by their furious owners, led by the cadaverous Mr. Bean (Michael Gambon). Mr. Fox -- who memorably gets his tail shot off in one scene -- must rise to the occasion and save an animal kingdom that includes his lawyer Badger (Bill Murray) and his sidekick Kylie (Wally Wolodarsky). Lou Lumenick-New York Post

nine  (2009, USA/Italy, 118mins, PG)

Dir. Rob Marshall Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren, Judie Dench, Kate Hudson

1960s Italy. Once-celebrated film director Guido Contini (Day-Lewis) struggles with his unwritten script for his comeback film. Looking for inspiration, he turns to his mistress (Cruz), his wife (Cotillard), his muse (Kidman), his confidante (Dench) and his childhood memories to solve his crisis, with well-sung results. Alastair Plumb

fantastic mr. fox   (2009, USA/UK, 87mins, PG)

Dir. Wes Anderson Voiced by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe

For his best film since "The Royal Tenenbaums," Anderson has cleverly cast a self-mocking George Clooney as the voice of the corduroy-clad Mr. Fox, who reluctantly gives up stealing livestock at the urging of his pregnant wife (Meryl Streep). Twelve years later, he's a newspaper reporter. But when the family -- which includes their angst-ridden teenage son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) -- moves to a new home in a tree, the old urges return. A series of "Ocean's Eleven"-style raids on his human neighbors' farms triggers an escalating war waged by their furious owners, led by the cadaverous Mr. Bean (Michael Gambon). Mr. Fox -- who memorably gets his tail shot off in one scene -- must rise to the occasion and save an animal kingdom that includes his lawyer Badger (Bill Murray) and his sidekick Kylie (Wally Wolodarsky). Lou Lumenick-New York Post

nine  (2009, USA/Italy, 118mins, PG)

Dir. Rob Marshall Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren, Judie Dench, Kate Hudson

1960s Italy. Once-celebrated film director Guido Contini (Day-Lewis) struggles with his unwritten script for his comeback film. Looking for inspiration, he turns to his mistress (Cruz), his wife (Cotillard), his muse (Kidman), his confidante (Dench) and his childhood memories to solve his crisis, with well-sung results. Alastair Plumb

fantastic mr. fox   (2009, USA/UK, 87mins, PG)

Dir. Wes Anderson Voiced by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe

For his best film since "The Royal Tenenbaums," Anderson has cleverly cast a self-mocking George Clooney as the voice of the corduroy-clad Mr. Fox, who reluctantly gives up stealing livestock at the urging of his pregnant wife (Meryl Streep). Twelve years later, he's a newspaper reporter. But when the family -- which includes their angst-ridden teenage son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) -- moves to a new home in a tree, the old urges return. A series of "Ocean's Eleven"-style raids on his human neighbors' farms triggers an escalating war waged by their furious owners, led by the cadaverous Mr. Bean (Michael Gambon). Mr. Fox -- who memorably gets his tail shot off in one scene -- must rise to the occasion and save an animal kingdom that includes his lawyer Badger (Bill Murray) and his sidekick Kylie (Wally Wolodarsky). Lou Lumenick-New York Post

nine  (2009, USA/Italy, 118mins, PG)

Dir. Rob Marshall Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren, Judie Dench, Kate Hudson

1960s Italy. Once-celebrated film director Guido Contini (Day-Lewis) struggles with his unwritten script for his comeback film. Looking for inspiration, he turns to his mistress (Cruz), his wife (Cotillard), his muse (Kidman), his confidante (Dench) and his childhood memories to solve his crisis, with well-sung results. Alastair Plumb

fantastic mr. fox   (2009, USA/UK, 87mins, PG)

Dir. Wes Anderson Voiced by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe

For his best film since "The Royal Tenenbaums," Anderson has cleverly cast a self-mocking George Clooney as the voice of the corduroy-clad Mr. Fox, who reluctantly gives up stealing livestock at the urging of his pregnant wife (Meryl Streep). Twelve years later, he's a newspaper reporter. But when the family -- which includes their angst-ridden teenage son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) -- moves to a new home in a tree, the old urges return. A series of "Ocean's Eleven"-style raids on his human neighbors' farms triggers an escalating war waged by their furious owners, led by the cadaverous Mr. Bean (Michael Gambon). Mr. Fox -- who memorably gets his tail shot off in one scene -- must rise to the occasion and save an animal kingdom that includes his lawyer Badger (Bill Murray) and his sidekick Kylie (Wally Wolodarsky). Lou Lumenick-New York Post

nine  (2009, USA/Italy, 118mins, PG)

Dir. Rob Marshall Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren, Judie Dench, Kate Hudson

1960s Italy. Once-celebrated film director Guido Contini (Day-Lewis) struggles with his unwritten script for his comeback film. Looking for inspiration, he turns to his mistress (Cruz), his wife (Cotillard), his muse (Kidman), his confidante (Dench) and his childhood memories to solve his crisis, with well-sung results. Alastair Plumb

fantastic mr. fox   (2009, USA/UK, 87mins, PG)

Dir. Wes Anderson Voiced by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe

For his best film since "The Royal Tenenbaums," Anderson has cleverly cast a self-mocking George Clooney as the voice of the corduroy-clad Mr. Fox, who reluctantly gives up stealing livestock at the urging of his pregnant wife (Meryl Streep). Twelve years later, he's a newspaper reporter. But when the family -- which includes their angst-ridden teenage son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) -- moves to a new home in a tree, the old urges return. A series of "Ocean's Eleven"-style raids on his human neighbors' farms triggers an escalating war waged by their furious owners, led by the cadaverous Mr. Bean (Michael Gambon). Mr. Fox -- who memorably gets his tail shot off in one scene -- must rise to the occasion and save an animal kingdom that includes his lawyer Badger (Bill Murray) and his sidekick Kylie (Wally Wolodarsky). Lou Lumenick-New York Post

nine  (2009, USA/Italy, 118mins, PG)

Dir. Rob Marshall Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren, Judie Dench, Kate Hudson

1960s Italy. Once-celebrated film director Guido Contini (Day-Lewis) struggles with his unwritten script for his comeback film. Looking for inspiration, he turns to his mistress (Cruz), his wife (Cotillard), his muse (Kidman), his confidante (Dench) and his childhood memories to solve his crisis, with well-sung results. Alastair Plumb

fantastic mr. fox   (2009, USA/UK, 87mins, PG)

Dir. Wes Anderson Voiced by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe

For his best film since "The Royal Tenenbaums," Anderson has cleverly cast a self-mocking George Clooney as the voice of the corduroy-clad Mr. Fox, who reluctantly gives up stealing livestock at the urging of his pregnant wife (Meryl Streep). Twelve years later, he's a newspaper reporter. But when the family -- which includes their angst-ridden teenage son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) -- moves to a new home in a tree, the old urges return. A series of "Ocean's Eleven"-style raids on his human neighbors' farms triggers an escalating war waged by their furious owners, led by the cadaverous Mr. Bean (Michael Gambon). Mr. Fox -- who memorably gets his tail shot off in one scene -- must rise to the occasion and save an animal kingdom that includes his lawyer Badger (Bill Murray) and his sidekick Kylie (Wally Wolodarsky). Lou Lumenick-New York Post

nine  (2009, USA/Italy, 118mins, PG)

Dir. Rob Marshall Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren, Judie Dench, Kate Hudson

1960s Italy. Once-celebrated film director Guido Contini (Day-Lewis) struggles with his unwritten script for his comeback film. Looking for inspiration, he turns to his mistress (Cruz), his wife (Cotillard), his muse (Kidman), his confidante (Dench) and his childhood memories to solve his crisis, with well-sung results. Alastair Plumb

fantastic mr. for   (2009, USA/UK, 87mins, PG)

Dir. Wes Anderson Voiced by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe

For his best film since "The Royal Tenenbaums," Anderson has cleverly cast a self-mocking George Clooney as the voice of the corduroy-clad Mr. Fox, who reluctantly gives up stealing livestock at the urging of his pregnant wife (Meryl Streep). Twelve years later, he's a newspaper reporter. But when the family -- which includes their angst-ridden teenage son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) -- moves to a new home in a tree, the old urges return. A series of "Ocean's Eleven"-style raids on his human neighbors' farms triggers an escalating war waged by their furious owners, led by the cadaverous Mr. Bean (Michael Gambon). Mr. Fox -- who memorably gets his tail shot off in one scene -- must rise to the occasion and save an animal kingdom that includes his lawyer Badger (Bill Murray) and his sidekick Kylie (Wally Wolodarsky). Lou Lumenick-New York Post

nine  (2009, USA/Italy, 118mins, PG)

Dir. Rob Marshall Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren, Judie Dench, Kate Hudson

1960s Italy. Once-celebrated film director Guido Contini (Day-Lewis) struggles with his unwritten script for his comeback film. Looking for inspiration, he turns to his mistress (Cruz), his wife (Cotillard), his muse (Kidman), his confidante (Dench) and his childhood memories to solve his crisis, with well-sung results. Alastair Plumb

fantastic mr. fox   (2009, USA/UK, 87mins, PG)

Dir. Wes Anderson Voiced by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe

For his best film since "The Royal Tenenbaums," Anderson has cleverly cast a self-mocking George Clooney as the voice of the corduroy-clad Mr. Fox, who reluctantly gives up stealing livestock at the urging of his pregnant wife (Meryl Streep). Twelve years later, he's a newspaper reporter. But when the family -- which includes their angst-ridden teenage son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) -- moves to a new home in a tree, the old urges return. A series of "Ocean's Eleven"-style raids on his human neighbors' farms triggers an escalating war waged by their furious owners, led by the cadaverous Mr. Bean (Michael Gambon). Mr. Fox -- who memorably gets his tail shot off in one scene -- must rise to the occasion and save an animal kingdom that includes his lawyer Badger (Bill Murray) and his sidekick Kylie (Wally Wolodarsky). Lou Lumenick-New York Post

nine  (2009, USA/Italy, 118mins, PG)

Dir. Rob Marshall Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren, Judie Dench, Kate Hudson

1960s Italy. Once-celebrated film director Guido Contini (Day-Lewis) struggles with his unwritten script for his comeback film. Looking for inspiration, he turns to his mistress (Cruz), his wife (Cotillard), his muse (Kidman), his confidante (Dench) and his childhood memories to solve his crisis, with well-sung results. Alastair Plumb

nine  (2009, USA/Italy, 118mins, PG)

Dir. Rob Marshall Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren, Judie Dench, Kate Hudson

1960s Italy. Once-celebrated film director Guido Contini (Day-Lewis) struggles with his unwritten script for his comeback film. Looking for inspiration, he turns to his mistress (Cruz), his wife (Cotillard), his muse (Kidman), his confidante (Dench) and his childhood memories to solve his crisis, with well-sung results. Alastair Plumb

it's complicated   (2009, USA, 120mins, 14a)

Dir. Nancy Meyers Starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin

Meryl Streep is Jane, a divorced mother of three wrestling with empty-nest syndrome and still trying to shake off the sting of her divorce 10 years earlier. And Alec Baldwin is Jane's smooth-talking lawyer of an ex-husband, Jake, who decides to try and rekindle his romance with Jane during a weekend together at their youngest son's graduation. The result: a fun and sweet romantic comedy that lands comfortably on the smart side of vacant, along the way offering a pleasant and satisfying diversion for the grown-ups in the room. Mike Scott

movies for mommies:
nine  (2009, USA/Italy, 118mins, PG)

Dir. Rob Marshall Starring Daniel Day-Lewis, Marion Cotillard, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman, Sophia Loren, Judie Dench, Kate Hudson

1960s Italy. Once-celebrated film director Guido Contini (Day-Lewis) struggles with his unwritten script for his comeback film. Looking for inspiration, he turns to his mistress (Cruz), his wife (Cotillard), his muse (Kidman), his confidante (Dench) and his childhood memories to solve his crisis, with well-sung results. Alastair Plumb

it's complicated   (2009, USA, 120mins, 14a)

Dir. Nancy Meyers Starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin

Meryl Streep is Jane, a divorced mother of three wrestling with empty-nest syndrome and still trying to shake off the sting of her divorce 10 years earlier. And Alec Baldwin is Jane's smooth-talking lawyer of an ex-husband, Jake, who decides to try and rekindle his romance with Jane during a weekend together at their youngest son's graduation. The result: a fun and sweet romantic comedy that lands comfortably on the smart side of vacant, along the way offering a pleasant and satisfying diversion for the grown-ups in the room. Mike Scott

the blind side   (2009, USA, 126mins, PG)

Dir. John Lee Hancock Starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates

In this true story, Michael is on the verge of flunking out of a lily-white Christian academy when Leigh Anne (Bullock)-- seeing him running around in shorts and a T-shirt during the dead of winter -- decides to make him an improbable member of her family. They meet a tutor (Kathy Bates) who is hired to help Michael improve his grades enough that he can try out for the school's football team. Part football movie and part "Precious", John Lee Hancock's "The Blind Side" is a heart-tugger that once again proves that sometimes truth is stranger than reality. Lou Lumenick

the blind side   (2009, USA, 126mins, PG)

Dir. John Lee Hancock Starring Sandra Bullock, Tim McGraw, Kathy Bates

In this true story, Michael is on the verge of flunking out of a lily-white Christian academy when Leigh Anne (Bullock)-- seeing him running around in shorts and a T-shirt during the dead of winter -- decides to make him an improbable member of her family. They meet a tutor (Kathy Bates) who is hired to help Michael improve his grades enough that he can try out for the school's football team. Part football movie and part "Precious", John Lee Hancock's "The Blind Side" is a heart-tugger that once again proves that sometimes truth is stranger than reality. Lou Lumenick

it's complicated   (2009, USA, 120mins, 14a)

Dir. Nancy Meyers Starring Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, Alec Baldwin

Meryl Streep is Jane, a divorced mother of three wrestling with empty-nest syndrome and still trying to shake off the sting of her divorce 10 years earlier. And Alec Baldwin is Jane's smooth-talking lawyer of an ex-husband, Jake, who decides to try and rekindle his romance with Jane during a weekend together at their youngest son's graduation. The result: a fun and sweet romantic comedy that lands comfortably on the smart side of vacant, along the way offering a pleasant and satisfying diversion for the grown-ups in the room. Mike Scott

young victoria   (2009, UK/USA, 100mins, PG)

Dir. Jean-Marc Vallee Starring Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson

In "The Young Victoria," director Jean-Marc Vallée and screenwriter Julian Fellowes have succeeded, along with star Emily Blunt, in presenting a fresh look at the first chapters in the monarch's life, while maintaining historical fidelity.
You don't get to be the longest-reigning monarch in British history without ascending to the throne at a young age, in Victoria's case less than a month after turning 18. As portrayed by Blunt, she's smart and confident, but also somewhat naive; it's an impressive performance in a surely daunting role. Victoria is buffeted by the demands of her mother, the Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson), and torn between the romantic and/or political appeals of the manipulative Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany) and the earnest, progressive Prince Albert of Belgium (Rupert Friend). Marc Mohan-The Oregonian

broken embraces   (2009, Spain, 127mins. 14a)

Dir. Pedro Almodovar Starring Penelope Cruz, Lluis Homar, Blanca Portilla

You may get whiplash following the twists and turns in the latest wild ride from Almodóvar. But it hurts so good. Broken Embraces is the fourth film in which Almodóvar has directed his muse, Penélope Cruz. They bring out something elemental in each other, even when a plot defies description. Cruz plays Lena, a hooker-turned-actress who falls for her Almodóvar-ish director (Lluís Homar), who uses makeup, wigs and wardrobe to morph her into sexual fantasies men can watch. Then a car crash ends Lena’s life and the director’s career until . . . Peter Travers-Rolling Stone

the princess and the frog   (2009, USA, 97mins, G)

Dir. Ron Clements/John Musker Starring Anika Noni Rose, Terrence Howard, John Goodman, Oprah Winfrey

Every Disney princess has to find two things: independence and love. Tiana, a culinary prodigy, dreams of turning an abandoned building into her own restaurant. Tiana entertains the attentions of the dashing playboy Naveen, but he's fallen under the spell of the black-magical Dr. Facilier (Keith David). A fateful kiss transforms Tiana and Naveen into frogs, who make for the bayou for refuge and retransformation. This film proves that 2-D can be more than 3-D, when gifted filmmakers put old-fashioned snap back into animation. The lines are freer here, the character movements more supple, the sense of fun unfettered. The movie is a triumph from the makers of The Little Mermaid

young victoria   (2009, UK/USA, 100mins, PG)

Dir. Jean-Marc Vallee Starring Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson

In "The Young Victoria," director Jean-Marc Vallée and screenwriter Julian Fellowes have succeeded, along with star Emily Blunt, in presenting a fresh look at the first chapters in the monarch's life, while maintaining historical fidelity. You don't get to be the longest-reigning monarch in British history without ascending to the throne at a young age, in Victoria's case less than a month after turning 18. As portrayed by Blunt, she's smart and confident, but also somewhat naive; it's an impressive performance in a surely daunting role. Victoria is buffeted by the demands of her mother, the Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson), and torn between the romantic and/or political appeals of the manipulative Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany) and the earnest, progressive Prince Albert of Belgium (Rupert Friend). Marc Mohan-The Oregonian

young victoria   (2009, UK/USA, 100mins, PG)

Dir. Jean-Marc Vallee Starring Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson

In "The Young Victoria," director Jean-Marc Vallée and screenwriter Julian Fellowes have succeeded, along with star Emily Blunt, in presenting a fresh look at the first chapters in the monarch's life, while maintaining historical fidelity. You don't get to be the longest-reigning monarch in British history without ascending to the throne at a young age, in Victoria's case less than a month after turning 18. As portrayed by Blunt, she's smart and confident, but also somewhat naive; it's an impressive performance in a surely daunting role. Victoria is buffeted by the demands of her mother, the Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson), and torn between the romantic and/or political appeals of the manipulative Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany) and the earnest, progressive Prince Albert of Belgium (Rupert Friend). Marc Mohan-The Oregonian

broken embraces   (2009, Spain, 127mins. 14a)

Dir. Pedro Almodovar Starring Penelope Cruz, Lluis Homar, Blanca Portilla

You may get whiplash following the twists and turns in the latest wild ride from Almodóvar. But it hurts so good. Broken Embraces is the fourth film in which Almodóvar has directed his muse, Penélope Cruz. They bring out something elemental in each other, even when a plot defies description. Cruz plays Lena, a hooker-turned-actress who falls for her Almodóvar-ish director (Lluís Homar), who uses makeup, wigs and wardrobe to morph her into sexual fantasies men can watch. Then a car crash ends Lena’s life and the director’s career until . . . Peter Travers-Rolling Stone

the princess and the frog   (2009, USA, 97mins, G)

Dir. Ron Clements/John Musker Starring Anika Noni Rose, Terrence Howard, John Goodman, Oprah Winfrey

Every Disney princess has to find two things: independence and love. Tiana, a culinary prodigy, dreams of turning an abandoned building into her own restaurant. Tiana entertains the attentions of the dashing playboy Naveen, but he's fallen under the spell of the black-magical Dr. Facilier (Keith David). A fateful kiss transforms Tiana and Naveen into frogs, who make for the bayou for refuge and retransformation. This film proves that 2-D can be more than 3-D, when gifted filmmakers put old-fashioned snap back into animation. The lines are freer here, the character movements more supple, the sense of fun unfettered. The movie is a triumph from the makers of The Little Mermaid

broken embraces   (2009, Spain, 127mins. 14a)

Dir. Pedro Almodovar Starring Penelope Cruz, Lluis Homar, Blanca Portilla

You may get whiplash following the twists and turns in the latest wild ride from Almodóvar. But it hurts so good. Broken Embraces is the fourth film in which Almodóvar has directed his muse, Penélope Cruz. They bring out something elemental in each other, even when a plot defies description. Cruz plays Lena, a hooker-turned-actress who falls for her Almodóvar-ish director (Lluís Homar), who uses makeup, wigs and wardrobe to morph her into sexual fantasies men can watch. Then a car crash ends Lena’s life and the director’s career until . . . Peter Travers-Rolling Stone

young victoria   (2009, UK/USA, 100mins, PG)

Dir. Jean-Marc Vallee Starring Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson

In "The Young Victoria," director Jean-Marc Vallée and screenwriter Julian Fellowes have succeeded, along with star Emily Blunt, in presenting a fresh look at the first chapters in the monarch's life, while maintaining historical fidelity. You don't get to be the longest-reigning monarch in British history without ascending to the throne at a young age, in Victoria's case less than a month after turning 18. As portrayed by Blunt, she's smart and confident, but also somewhat naive; it's an impressive performance in a surely daunting role. Victoria is buffeted by the demands of her mother, the Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson), and torn between the romantic and/or political appeals of the manipulative Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany) and the earnest, progressive Prince Albert of Belgium (Rupert Friend). Marc Mohan-The Oregonian

broken embraces   (2009, Spain, 127mins. 14a)

Dir. Pedro Almodovar Starring Penelope Cruz, Lluis Homar, Blanca Portilla

You may get whiplash following the twists and turns in the latest wild ride from Almodóvar. But it hurts so good. Broken Embraces is the fourth film in which Almodóvar has directed his muse, Penélope Cruz. They bring out something elemental in each other, even when a plot defies description. Cruz plays Lena, a hooker-turned-actress who falls for her Almodóvar-ish director (Lluís Homar), who uses makeup, wigs and wardrobe to morph her into sexual fantasies men can watch. Then a car crash ends Lena’s life and the director’s career until . . . Peter Travers-Rolling Stone

young victoria   (2009, UK/USA, 100mins, PG)

Dir. Jean-Marc Vallee Starring Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson

In "The Young Victoria," director Jean-Marc Vallée and screenwriter Julian Fellowes have succeeded, along with star Emily Blunt, in presenting a fresh look at the first chapters in the monarch's life, while maintaining historical fidelity. You don't get to be the longest-reigning monarch in British history without ascending to the throne at a young age, in Victoria's case less than a month after turning 18. As portrayed by Blunt, she's smart and confident, but also somewhat naive; it's an impressive performance in a surely daunting role. Victoria is buffeted by the demands of her mother, the Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson), and torn between the romantic and/or political appeals of the manipulative Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany) and the earnest, progressive Prince Albert of Belgium (Rupert Friend). Marc Mohan-The Oregonian

broken embraces   (2009, Spain, 127mins. 14a)

Dir. Pedro Almodovar Starring Penelope Cruz, Lluis Homar, Blanca Portilla

You may get whiplash following the twists and turns in the latest wild ride from Almodóvar. But it hurts so good. Broken Embraces is the fourth film in which Almodóvar has directed his muse, Penélope Cruz. They bring out something elemental in each other, even when a plot defies description. Cruz plays Lena, a hooker-turned-actress who falls for her Almodóvar-ish director (Lluís Homar), who uses makeup, wigs and wardrobe to morph her into sexual fantasies men can watch. Then a car crash ends Lena’s life and the director’s career until . . . Peter Travers-Rolling Stone

broken embraces   (2009, Spain, 127mins. 14a)

Dir. Pedro Almodovar Starring Penelope Cruz, Lluis Homar, Blanca Portilla

You may get whiplash following the twists and turns in the latest wild ride from Almodóvar. But it hurts so good. Broken Embraces is the fourth film in which Almodóvar has directed his muse, Penélope Cruz. They bring out something elemental in each other, even when a plot defies description. Cruz plays Lena, a hooker-turned-actress who falls for her Almodóvar-ish director (Lluís Homar), who uses makeup, wigs and wardrobe to morph her into sexual fantasies men can watch. Then a car crash ends Lena’s life and the director’s career until . . . Peter Travers-Rolling Stone

young victoria   (2009, UK/USA, 100mins, PG)

Dir. Jean-Marc Vallee Starring Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson

In "The Young Victoria," director Jean-Marc Vallée and screenwriter Julian Fellowes have succeeded, along with star Emily Blunt, in presenting a fresh look at the first chapters in the monarch's life, while maintaining historical fidelity. You don't get to be the longest-reigning monarch in British history without ascending to the throne at a young age, in Victoria's case less than a month after turning 18. As portrayed by Blunt, she's smart and confident, but also somewhat naive; it's an impressive performance in a surely daunting role. Victoria is buffeted by the demands of her mother, the Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson), and torn between the romantic and/or political appeals of the manipulative Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany) and the earnest, progressive Prince Albert of Belgium (Rupert Friend). Marc Mohan-The Oregonian

Movies for mommies:
young victoria   (2009, UK/USA, 100mins, PG)

Dir. Jean-Marc Vallee Starring Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Miranda Richardson

In "The Young Victoria," director Jean-Marc Vallée and screenwriter Julian Fellowes have succeeded, along with star Emily Blunt, in presenting a fresh look at the first chapters in the monarch's life, while maintaining historical fidelity. You don't get to be the longest-reigning monarch in British history without ascending to the throne at a young age, in Victoria's case less than a month after turning 18. As portrayed by Blunt, she's smart and confident, but also somewhat naive; it's an impressive performance in a surely daunting role. Victoria is buffeted by the demands of her mother, the Duchess of Kent (Miranda Richardson), and torn between the romantic and/or political appeals of the manipulative Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany) and the earnest, progressive Prince Albert of Belgium (Rupert Friend). Marc Mohan-The Oregonian

the imaginarium of dr. parnassus   (2009, UK/Canada/France, 122mins. PG)

Dir. Terry Gilliam Starring Christopher Plumer, Heath Ledger, Tom Waits, Johnny Depp

Doctor Parnassus (Plummer) leads a travelling theatre troupe with a different approach: they transport audiences into a realm of strange wonders. But he risks losing the soul of his daughter in a bet with the devil that newcomer Tony (Ledger) might help or hinder. Olly Richards-Empire

leap year   (2010, USA/Ireland, 100mins, PG)

Dir. Anand Tucker Starring Amy Adams, Matthew Goode, John Lithgow

In Leap Year, Amy Adams plays Anna, a real estate exhibitor who chases her cardiologist boyfriend (Adam Scott) all the way to Ireland to propose to him on leap-year day (an old Irish custom). Matthew Goode is Declan, the tall, faraway-eyed scruffy-dreamboat Irish bartender who, for 500 euros, agrees to shepherd Anna to Dublin. The two spend the movie roving through the countryside, from pubs to inns to old castles to crashed weddings, working their way through various levels of annoyance, class warfare, and erotic tension. Owen Gleiberman-Entertainment Weekly

leap year   (2010, USA/Ireland, 100mins, PG)

Dir. Anand Tucker Starring Amy Adams, Matthew Goode, John Lithgow

In Leap Year, Amy Adams plays Anna, a real estate exhibitor who chases her cardiologist boyfriend (Adam Scott) all the way to Ireland to propose to him on leap-year day (an old Irish custom). Matthew Goode is Declan, the tall, faraway-eyed scruffy-dreamboat Irish bartender who, for 500 euros, agrees to shepherd Anna to Dublin. The two spend the movie roving through the countryside, from pubs to inns to old castles to crashed weddings, working their way through various levels of annoyance, class warfare, and erotic tension. Owen Gleiberman-Entertainment Weekly

the imaginarium of dr. parnassus   (2009, UK/Canada/France, 122mins. PG)

Dir. Terry Gilliam Starring Christopher Plumer, Heath Ledger, Tom Waits, Johnny Depp

Doctor Parnassus (Plummer) leads a travelling theatre troupe with a different approach: they transport audiences into a realm of strange wonders. But he risks losing the soul of his daughter in a bet with the devil that newcomer Tony (Ledger) might help or hinder. Olly Richards-Empire

Precious: Based on the novel push by sapphire   (2009, USA, 109mins, 14a)

Dir. Lee Daniels Starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Mariah Carey, Paula Patton

Played by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, Claireece "Precious" Jones could hardly ask for a more ironic nickname: she’s raped by her father and verbally, physically, and sexually abused by her mother (Mo’nique), a welfare wastrel determined to keep her daughter locked into the same cycle of poverty that ruined her. A dim light appears at the end of the tunnel when Precious transfers to an alternative school and falls under the guidance of a generous teacher (Paula Patton) and an attentive counselor (Mariah Carey). The girl's story is almost unbearably painful, and when Precious finally reclaims her dignity and self-worth, her accomplishment seems genuinely heroic. J.R. Jones-Chicago Reader

up in the air   (2009, USA, 109mins,14a)

Dir. Jason Reitman Starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman

George Clooney plays slick corporate downsizer Ryan Bingham. He's a smooth operator, specializing in swift layoffs. Ryan travels to offices he has never set foot in and affably fires people he'll never see again. He's in his element amid the anonymity of business class, enjoying the perks of his position, reveling in rootlessness. Ryan's comfortably nomadic existence is upset when his smarmy boss, Craig (Jason Bateman), hires the freshly minted Natalie (Anna Kendrick) and institutes her plan to "revolutionize" the business by terminating employees via the Internet. A one-night stand with fellow traveler Alex (Vera Farmiga) also begins to take on emotional heft for Ryan. Artfully blending a breezy, blithe spirit with a darker social satire, Up in the Air has one of the year's sharpest scripts and an exceptional ensemble cast.

toons for toddlers   ()

You've been asking, and Toons for Toddlers is thrilled to be returning this February another screening. This is the perfect event for you to enjoy with your little one age 18 months- 6 years. Note: Babies are welcome too!. Enjoy two back to back episodes of the amazing In the Night Garden new release to DVD of Fun in the Garden.This is a 60 minute event, sound levels are reduced, and lights left dim. A great first movie experience!

Screening: 10:30 Am
Doors open 10AM.
Admission : $5 per toddler, no charge for adults.

Birthday Party packages available too - phone 905 707 8866.

fantastic mr. fox   (2009, USA/UK, 87mins, PG)

Dir. Wes Anderson Voiced by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe

For his best film since "The Royal Tenenbaums," Anderson has cleverly cast a self-mocking George Clooney as the voice of the corduroy-clad Mr. Fox, who reluctantly gives up stealing livestock at the urging of his pregnant wife (Meryl Streep). Twelve years later, he's a newspaper reporter. But when the family -- which includes their angst-ridden teenage son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) -- moves to a new home in a tree, the old urges return. A series of "Ocean's Eleven"-style raids on his human neighbors' farms triggers an escalating war waged by their furious owners, led by the cadaverous Mr. Bean (Michael Gambon). Mr. Fox -- who memorably gets his tail shot off in one scene -- must rise to the occasion and save an animal kingdom that includes his lawyer Badger (Bill Murray) and his sidekick Kylie (Wally Wolodarsky). Lou Lumenick-New York Post

up in the air   (2009, USA, 109mins,14a)

Dir. Jason Reitman Starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman

George Clooney plays slick corporate downsizer Ryan Bingham. He's a smooth operator, specializing in swift layoffs. Ryan travels to offices he has never set foot in and affably fires people he'll never see again. He's in his element amid the anonymity of business class, enjoying the perks of his position, reveling in rootlessness. Ryan's comfortably nomadic existence is upset when his smarmy boss, Craig (Jason Bateman), hires the freshly minted Natalie (Anna Kendrick) and institutes her plan to "revolutionize" the business by terminating employees via the Internet. A one-night stand with fellow traveler Alex (Vera Farmiga) also begins to take on emotional heft for Ryan. Artfully blending a breezy, blithe spirit with a darker social satire, Up in the Air has one of the year's sharpest scripts and an exceptional ensemble cast.

Precious: Based on the novel push by sapphire   (2009, USA, 109mins, 14a)

Dir. Lee Daniels Starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Mariah Carey, Paula Patton

Played by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, Claireece "Precious" Jones could hardly ask for a more ironic nickname: she’s raped by her father and verbally, physically, and sexually abused by her mother (Mo’nique), a welfare wastrel determined to keep her daughter locked into the same cycle of poverty that ruined her. A dim light appears at the end of the tunnel when Precious transfers to an alternative school and falls under the guidance of a generous teacher (Paula Patton) and an attentive counselor (Mariah Carey). The girl's story is almost unbearably painful, and when Precious finally reclaims her dignity and self-worth, her accomplishment seems genuinely heroic. J.R. Jones-Chicago Reader

up in the air   (2009, USA, 109mins,14a)

Dir. Jason Reitman Starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman

George Clooney plays slick corporate downsizer Ryan Bingham. He's a smooth operator, specializing in swift layoffs. Ryan travels to offices he has never set foot in and affably fires people he'll never see again. He's in his element amid the anonymity of business class, enjoying the perks of his position, reveling in rootlessness. Ryan's comfortably nomadic existence is upset when his smarmy boss, Craig (Jason Bateman), hires the freshly minted Natalie (Anna Kendrick) and institutes her plan to "revolutionize" the business by terminating employees via the Internet. A one-night stand with fellow traveler Alex (Vera Farmiga) also begins to take on emotional heft for Ryan. Artfully blending a breezy, blithe spirit with a darker social satire, Up in the Air has one of the year's sharpest scripts and an exceptional ensemble cast.

fantastic mr. fox   (2009, USA/UK, 87mins, PG)

Dir. Wes Anderson Voiced by George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, Willem Dafoe

For his best film since "The Royal Tenenbaums," Anderson has cleverly cast a self-mocking George Clooney as the voice of the corduroy-clad Mr. Fox, who reluctantly gives up stealing livestock at the urging of his pregnant wife (Meryl Streep). Twelve years later, he's a newspaper reporter. But when the family -- which includes their angst-ridden teenage son Ash (Jason Schwartzman) -- moves to a new home in a tree, the old urges return. A series of "Ocean's Eleven"-style raids on his human neighbors' farms triggers an escalating war waged by their furious owners, led by the cadaverous Mr. Bean (Michael Gambon). Mr. Fox -- who memorably gets his tail shot off in one scene -- must rise to the occasion and save an animal kingdom that includes his lawyer Badger (Bill Murray) and his sidekick Kylie (Wally Wolodarsky). Lou Lumenick-New York Post

up in the air   (2009, USA, 109mins,14a)

Dir. Jason Reitman Starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman

George Clooney plays slick corporate downsizer Ryan Bingham. He's a smooth operator, specializing in swift layoffs. Ryan travels to offices he has never set foot in and affably fires people he'll never see again. He's in his element amid the anonymity of business class, enjoying the perks of his position, reveling in rootlessness. Ryan's comfortably nomadic existence is upset when his smarmy boss, Craig (Jason Bateman), hires the freshly minted Natalie (Anna Kendrick) and institutes her plan to "revolutionize" the business by terminating employees via the Internet. A one-night stand with fellow traveler Alex (Vera Farmiga) also begins to take on emotional heft for Ryan. Artfully blending a breezy, blithe spirit with a darker social satire, Up in the Air has one of the year's sharpest scripts and an exceptional ensemble cast.

Precious: Based on the novel push by sapphire   (2009, USA, 109mins, 14a)

Dir. Lee Daniels Starring Gabourey Sidibe, Mo’Nique, Mariah Carey, Paula Patton

Played by newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, Claireece "Precious" Jones could hardly ask for a more ironic nickname: she’s raped by her father and verbally, physically, and sexually abused by her mother (Mo’nique), a welfare wastrel determined to keep her daughter locked into the same cycle of poverty that ruined her. A dim light appears at the end of the tunnel when Precious transfers to an alternative school and falls under the guidance of a generous teacher (Paula Patton) and an attentive counselor (Mariah Carey). The girl's story is almost unbearably painful, and when Precious finally reclaims her dignity and self-worth, her accomplishment seems genuinely heroic. J.R. Jones-Chicago Reader

up in the air   (2009, USA, 109mins,14a)

Dir. Jason Reitman Starring George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman

George Clooney plays slick corporate downsizer Ryan Bingham. He's a smooth operator, specializing in swift layoffs. Ryan travels to offices he has never set foot in and affably fires people he'll never see again. He's in his element amid the anonymity of business class, enjoying the perks of his position, reveling in rootlessness. Ryan's comfortably nomadic existence is upset when his smarmy boss, Craig (Jason Bateman), hires the freshly minted Natalie (Anna Kendrick) and institutes her plan to "revolutionize" the business by terminating employees via the Internet. A one-night stand with fellow traveler Alex (Vera Farmiga) also begins to take on emotional heft for Ryan. Artfully blending a breezy, blithe spirit with a darker social satire, Up in the Air has one of the year's sharpest scripts and an exceptional ensemble cast.