 | The Dark Knight (Widescreen Single-Disc Edition)
Buy new: $10.49 / Used from: $2.48 I'm sure everyone's gotten around to this one, and rightfully so. It has a magnificent cast, exciting action sequences, great production, more than ONE fascinating villain, and a compelling parallel to the way we cope with terrorism and heroism.
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 | Doubt
Buy new: $22.49 / Used from: $3.83 For once, moral controversy within the clergy is given a fair dose of righteous judgment AND devil's advocate. The four key performances are award-worthy, and the dialogue (except for the last line of the movie) is sharp.
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 | Forgetting Sarah Marshall (Three-Disc Unrated Collector's Edition)
Buy new: $20.49 / Used from: $4.35 Exactly what you hope from a comedy, and something more. Jason Segal stars in his own script, and deals with the hilarity and truth behind heartbreak. Hilarious cast & smart script make this a winner.
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 | Frost/Nixon
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $2.94 Reinterpreting or rearranging history is acceptable when handled right. Ron Howard's take on Peter Morgan's play is a welcome telling of how a struggling British newsman interviewed ex-President Nixon with the goal to expose his role in Watergate. The performances are strong, and Howard's use of "archival" interviews adds to the stakes.
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 | Frozen River
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $1.49 Indie filmmaking, when as compelling as this movie, can be a wonderful thing. The small story of an abandoned mother trying to support her children by smuggling immigrants is both a natural and touching story. The moral undertones slowly seep through, leaving an impression long after the film ends.
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 | In Bruges
Buy new: $12.49 / Used from: $2.49 This wonderful gem redefines itself while you're watching it, and especially after it's over. A strange mix of British comedy, offbeat violence, Catholic morality, Belgian mythology, and midgets on a movie set.
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 | Quantum of Solace (Two-Disc Special Edition)
Buy new: $22.49 / Used from: $8.74 While not as well-received as its prequel, I found this to be even more exciting and engaging. The action sequences are impressive, and Marc Forster's direction is inventive with its sprawling story. The plot faithfully continues the developments from "Casino Royale", with more room to explore. A much better Bond adventure than given credit.
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 | Rachel Getting Married
Buy new: $7.99 / Used from: $2.35 I would've loved to be a fly on the wall for this heart-warmer. We've all been to this world, and though some audiences chose to avoid its shaky camera or troubled protagonist, those of us who stayed were glad we did. Escapsim is why movies were invented, but this alternate familiarity is a breath of fresh air with its wonderful music & subtle acting.
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 | Redbelt
Buy new: $12.49 / Used from: $1.36 If you can forgive a clunky final act, you can marvel at David Mamet working his magic. The master of dialogue and shady characters examines the martial arts this time. Chiwetel Ejiofor delivers a marvelously stoic turn as an instructor who grapples with morality after dealing with MMA promoters, movie talents, and other ways the world has misused & misunderstood the teachings he values most.
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 | The Visitor
Buy new: $6.99 / Used from: $1.08 Longtime reliable actor Richard Jenkins finally gets a starring role, and brings it all home. A man becoming increasingly bored and lonely, finds new meaning when immigrants have occupied his home. This wonderful story is made even better the overlooked strong supporting cast.
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 | Wall-E (Three-Disc Special Edition + Digital Copy)
Buy new: $34.49 / Used from: $12.99 Another terrific presentation from Disney/Pixar. This clever little gem somehow made global devastation suitable for kids, and made adults' hearts warm from a love story with robots. And Ben Burtt's work on sound effects & voice acting is among his very best.
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 | The Wire: The Complete Series
Buy new: $122.99 / Used from: $95.79 With this incredible series concluding, you now have the chance to witness storytelling at its absolute best. Five seasons, 63 hours, 1 amazing experience.
I actually recommend picking up the individual seasons, but this isn't a bad way to go.
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 | The Wrestler
Buy new: $8.99 / Used from: $2.44 A quality picture involving the pro wrestling business was long overdue. But like the best dramas, Darren Aronofsky's film only uses the art form as a backdrop. It's Mickey Rourke and the strong supporting cast who capture the gold. This redemption tale is made better by forcing the viewers to share the hardships, and make our own judgments on what the profession has caused our champion.
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