Charlie Wilson's War
By Mike Nichols
Among the slew of recent political movies focusing on American foreign policy in the Muslim world, this is one of the best. An all-star cast of Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts and Phillip Seymour Hoffman manage to downplay their own star power and focus on their roles, delivering strong, convincing performances. But the story here is the real-life account of a morally ambiguous senator from Texas who helped change the world by supplying Afghan rebels with their most useful weapon in their war against the Soviet Union.
 

Juno
By Jason Reitman
In the vein of "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Rushmore�" Juno continues the trend of blending the quirky drama of indie films with flippant, comedic writing. Like many of its predecessors, the movie focuses on family relationships, young love, and normal characters in awkward situations (or is it awkward characters in normal situations?). The movie has a fine soundtrack, a stellar cast of unknown and little-known actors highlighted by star Ellen Page, and a witty, engaging script by debut screenwriter Cody Diablo.
 

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
By Tim Burton
Have Tim Burton, Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter made a deal with the devil? The gothically gifted trio have collaborated so often (and have pulled off so many Tim Burtonesque masterpieces) that their combined presence has become almost a given when Burton is at the helm. Why ruin a good thing, I guess ... certainly, Sweeney Todd doesn't ruin anything, except perhaps an appetite or two: this is by far the goriest production that Burton/Depp/Carter have produced, but it still bears all their hallmarks: strong, if quirky, performances; the dim dark gothic world in which Burton (on screen, at least) lives; vicious comedy; and the magnetic presence of the film's two stars. A bloodier musical you will not find. Click on the image to buy now!