Daniel Melnick (1932-2009)

As a producer and studio executive, Daniel Melnick made the classics “Straw Dogs,” “Network,” “All That Jazz” and “The Goodbye Girl.” But coolest of all, he hosted monthly poker games that included Johnny Carson, Steve Martin, Neil Simon and Chevy Chase.

imdb.com | The New York Times | Los Angeles Times | Martin Short

Where the Wild Things Are (2009)

Director Spike Jonze creates a world so fantastic that it honors a child’s imagination yet so realistic that Max, King of the Wild Things, can’t solve life’s complicated emotions even in his make-believe world. Jonze has made a little piece of joy.

d: Spike Jonze | imdb.com | trailer | featurette
What’s your story? | This is our family. | Dirt clod fight

An Education (2009)

Carey Mulligan recalls the wit and charm of Audrey Hepburn as a high school student who is seduced by the sly, older Peter Sarsgaard. Set in suburban London in 1961, the coming of age tale is as fun and charming as the French pop records Mulligan adores.

d: Lone Scherfig | imdb.com | trailer | Interest or hobby
I never did anything ... | You have taste. | Hard and boring

The Damned United (2009)

The film catches soccer coach Brian Clough between triumphs — during his 44-day run as coach of Leeds United. Michael Sheen is excellent as the complicated Clough, a trash-talking impresario obsessed with first division fame and rival coach Don Revie.

d: Tom Hooper | imdb.com | trailer | Brian Clough
Don Revie | New players | Management | Leeds United

Anvil! The Story of Anvil (2009)

This is not Spinal Tap. This is a touching documentary about influential heavy metal band Anvil, led by lead singer Steve “Lips” Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner, and how their love of music has carried them through 30 years of obscurity.

d: Sacha Gervasi | imdb.com | trailer | I love to entertain.
We missed our train. | Jam fucking packed | “Thumb Hang”

A Serious Man (2009)

Joel and Ethan Coen’s most personal film is an adaptation of The Book of Job — except darker and funnier. A Jewish physics professor (Michael Stuhlbarg) in suburban Minnesota suffers an endurance test informed by Jefferson Airplane’s “Somebody to Love.”

d: Ethan Coen and Joel Coen | imdb.com | trailer | I’ve tried ...

Capitalism: A Love Story (2009)

Michael Moore’s shtick can grow tired, but his documentary about the end of the American economy presents revelatory material, including stunning unearthed footage of Franklin Delano Roosevelt calling for a “second bill of rights” in 1944.

d: Michael Moore | imdb.com | trailer | Speed it up.
Return to GM | Tim Geithner | The bank of you | Taking it back

Whip It (2009)

First-time director Drew Barrymore knows how to have a good time — roller derby, trash talk and food fights. Ellen Page (in a Stryper T-shirt) delivers the pathos as a 17-year-old at odds with her mom. Kristen Wiig and Juliette Lewis are great in supporting turns.

d: Drew Barrymore | imdb.com | trailer | Being judged | Food fight

Zombieland (2009)

The comedy is about all the fun parts of living in Zombieland — firearms, Escalades, vandalism, amusements parks and finding out Bill Murray isn’t dead yet. Woody Harrelson drives the Escalade and the movie, looking for his next kill and a Twinkie.

d: Ruben Fleischer | imdb.com | trailer | the rules | prospecting

The Invention of Lying (2009)

Ricky Gervais’ first film isn’t as smart or funny as his HBO series “The Office” and “Extras,” but he fashions a clever premise — a world without lying — into some great moments and a gentle commentary on religion. Louie C.K. is especially good.

d: Ricky Gervais and Matthew Robinson | imdb.com | trailer
Any messages? | You’re fired. | birthday coupon for sex