Kris Kristofferson is a down-on-his-luck drug dealer in Los Angeles. Notable cast, including Gene Hackman, Hollywood locations, ridiculous and dated portrayal of '70s drug culture, and a forgettable soundtrack by Kristofferson. Cool 'cause it's '70s, but that's it.

What do people see in Carey Mulligan? (Still pissed that she was cast in Drive.) Her blandness makes her co-stars appear more dynamic. Enough about Mulligan. Michael Fassbender's portrayal of a sex addict is fascinating, but there's not much beneath the surface. Arty, dark.
http://www.foxsearchlight.com/shame/

Writer James Ellroy has made a career of dirty cops, and Woody Harrelson delivers the most compelling characterization of corrupt law enforcement since Russell Crowe's Wendell "Bud" White of L.A. Confidential. From The Messenger (2009) team of Harrelson, Oren Moverman and Ben Foster. Bleak.
http://rampartmovie.com/

Chow Yun-Fat, 1920s China, action, humor. Yes, it's long, but it's good: see it.

Susan Hayward won an Oscar for her portrayal of good time girl turned death row inmate Barbara Graham. Late film noir directed by Robert Wise. Great Johnny Mandel jazz score. Yes.

Perfect vehicle for Sam Rockwell to flex his alcoholic poacher who accidentally kills a teenager and ends up with some bad guys moneymuscle.
http://matthewfjones.com/

The original that The Tourist  was remade from. French thriller / romance: just okay.

Romance, poetry, biopic period piece, Goethe: yes.
http://www.younggoetheinlove.com/

Bleak Norwegian drama about a 1915 boys reformatory / prison; Bastoy Residential School, staring Stellan Skarsgard and a cast of fine young lads. Strong nautical theme, shifting P.O.V..
http://www.bastoy.no/

Steven Soderbergh has perfected the craft of weaving score and montage, and this slick, trim, 90-minute thriller features a fabulously tough Gina Carano. Loved it!