Contraband (2012)

Mark Wahlberg, the Houdini of smuggling via cargo ship, takes on one last job, because his brother-in-law screwed up the last one. Wahlberg outwits Giovanni Ribisi, beats the shit out of Ben Foster and saves wife Kate Beckinsale in a satisfying payoff.

d: Baltasar Kormakur | imdb.com | trailer | Trust me.
Back from the dead | AA meeting | Customs | What’s up, Houdini?

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

The Cold War spy picture intends to be slow and unretired spy Gary Oldman intends to be quiet. But without knowledge of the source material — the 1974 novel or the 1979 British miniseries — the film plays cold, overly complex and even boring.

d: Tomas Alfredson | imdb.com | trailer | I’m retired.
Smiley is suspicious. | The scalp hunters | Belinda the Blonde

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.

Tower Heist (2011)

Eddie Murphy’s anticipated return to actual entertainment is mostly unfulfilled promise. Murphy isn’t nearly funny enough, and neither is Ben Stiller, thanks to a lackluster script. The best part is the heist, a farcical version of the “Ocean’s” movies.

d: Brett Ratner | imdb.com | trailer | Slide trains the crew.
We’re undefeatable. | Never give your wallet ... | Lunch is on me.