Argo

Affleck’s spy-thriller lacks surprises and action but still manages to be heartfelt, funny and tense as hell.  Simple but nuanced film stands above Ben’s predecessors due to real-life story and abnormally empathetic Daredevil.  Unknown hostages excel under Affleck’s on and off-screen direction, while state-side big-namers provide mission with comedic support.

The Lincoln Lawyer

A film of firsts. Macy plays something other than a loser. McConaughey and Philipe deliver spectacular performances. Both keep shirts on. Non-Grisham lawyer movie is riveting and suspenseful. Very nearly perfect crime thriller with a stellar supporting cast. See if McConaughey and Lucas face-to-face doesn’t look like a mirror image.

I Heart Huckabees

Either an excellent satire or a laughable exploration of alternative mode of thought. Watts and Wahlberg take comedic turns while Schwartzman plays himself and Hoffman inhabits role that’s stranger than fiction. Contrived plot and quirky humor establish tone perfectly. Surely did for exercise balls what E.T. did for Reese’s Pieces.