The Help (2011)

Based on the novel by Kathryn Stockett, director Tate Taylor makes an overwrought tear-jerker with some bathroom humor about Southern black maids in the early 1960s. But the movie is well executed, thanks to good performances, especially by Viola Davis.

d: Tate Taylor | imdb.com | trailer | Charlie Rose
Let’s begin. | I need your help. | I got a job. | You is important.

Crazy, Stupid, Love. (2011)

The best parts of this almost winning romantic comedy are Ryan Gosling teaching Steve Carell how to dress and pick up women. Gosling also romances the (Emma) Stone. But Julianne Moore is barely there, and Jonah Bobo, 13, is an annoying sitcom character.

d: Glenn Ficarra and John Requa | imdb.com | trailer | Charlie Rose

Easy A (2010)

Screenwriter Bert V. Royal’s loose high school adaptation of “The Scarlet Letter” isn’t quite as smart as he thinks it is, but Emma Stone is a charming smartass. She leads a fun, breezy 90 minutes, complete with knowing nods to those cheesy John Hughes films.

d: Will Gluck | imdb.com | trailer | “Pocketful of Sunshine”
There’s a higher power. | Olive & Brandon | Woodchuck Todd

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