Carnage

Trapped in a tiny apartment, Oscar winners perform a charming play.  Foster leads the pack performance-wise while Reilly and Waltz play it heavy, but it’s difficult to make such an underwhelming story truly compelling on the screen.  Bookend shots leave apartment but stay far from kid subjects.  Director Polanski’s choice?

The Ghost Writer

Polanski delivers another healthy Baby with this political thriller. McGregor is nuanced and empathetic as he investigates a brilliantly cryptic Brosnan. Supporting cast, though arbitrary, Hutton and Belushi, are excellent, and the entire piece has a ghostly sense of foreboding. Respectfully suspenseful, an altogether excellent ride, with a perfect ending.