My Week with Marilyn (2011)

Michelle Williams doesn’t have Marilyn Monroe’s body or smile, but she does capture the icon’s madness and insecurities during the filming of “The Prince and the Showgirl.” The best parts are Williams’ musical numbers at the beginning and end.

d: Simon Curtis | imdb.com | trailer | Charlie Rose | Heatwave

Young Adult (2011)

Jason Reitman directs another script by Diablo Cody (“Juno”), a dark comedy about high school — 20 years later. Charlize Theron is an understated force, a desperate, alcoholic who wants her old boyfriend back, while Patton Oswalt adds truth and humanity.

d: Jason Reitman | imdb.com | trailer | Do I know you? | Adorable
Checking in | Looking for a dress | Wedding photo

The Descendants (2011)

George Clooney, looking as weathered as he can, mourns the loss of his comatose wife through ponderous voice-over and discovers her recent affair in a soapy comedy set in Hawaii. Clooney and teenager Shailene Woodley are excellent, but the film is cold.

d: Alexander Payne | imdb.com | trailer | Charlie Rose
Mom was cheating on you. | Stalking. | We’ll surprise your sister.