21 Jump Street (2012)

The remake of the 1980s television series splits the difference between complete goof and homage, casting Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum the next generation of undercover high school cops. The whole thing works, with a few cameos from the original series.

d: Phil Lord, Chris Miller | imdb.com | trailer | Angry black captain
You idiots are perfect. | It’s getting very real.

Greenberg (2010)

Noah Baumbach directs this character study of Roger Greenberg, a 40-year-old former musician turned carpenter full of regret. Greenberg is Ben Stiller’s most serious role and possibly his funniest, while newcomer Greta Gerwing is a regular-girl revelation.

d: Noah Baumbach | imdb.com | trailer | “Charlie Rose”