Junebug (2005)

Set and filmed near Winston-Salem, N.C., the movie feels as handmade as the art and woodworking that it depicts — full of just-right touches from Cheerwine to church hymns. A pregnant Amy Adams proves touching, her wide-eyed innocence irresistible.

d: Phil Morrison | imdb.com | trailer | The Johnstens | Amy Adams

Shaun of the Dead (2004)

Not a spoof but a smart, comedic homage to zombie movies, specifically George Romero’s “Dead” trilogy. Simon Pegg, who plays Shaun, and director Edgar Wright co-wrote the pitch-perfect script — from “We’re coming to get you, Barbara” to the finale in a cellar.

d: Edgar Wright | imdb.com | trailer | more private time

Dawn of the Dead (2004)

In an update of George Romero’s 1978 classic, the zombies are fast, and they’re chasing Sarah Polley, Ving Rhames, Jake Weber and Mekhi Phifer. This “Dawn of the Dead” delivers better acting and special effects but not the same sense of play in the mall.

d: Zack Snyder | imdb.com | trailer

Bruce Almighty (2003)

The third film from director Tom Shadyac and Jim Carrey, a TV reporter who hates his life and thus God (Morgan Freeman). Shadyac wants to say something about selflessness and free will but doesn’t know how. “Liar Liar” suffered from similar failed aspirations.

d: Tom Shadyac | imdb.com | trailer

Adaptation. (2002)

Wonderfully strange and funny, the film is about screenwriting and orchid thieves and … Nicolas Cage plays twin brothers — real screenwriter Charlie Kaufman and fictional screenwriter Donald Kaufman. Brian Cox is dead-on as script doctor Robert McKee.

d: Spike Jonze | imdb.com | trailer | Brian Cox | Robert McKee

Comedian (2002)

A post-“Seinfeld” Jerry Seinfeld restarts his career as a stand-up in a fascinating and funny documentary, with appearances by Colin Quinn, Bill Cosby, Robert Klein, Chris Rock and Garry Shandling. The film also follows the mildly funny and obnoxious Orny Adams.

d: Christian Charles | imdb.com | trailer