seasonal surprises

if you read my earlier posts, you're aware of how lightly i regard the standard releases during the early months of the typical calendar year. it is true that the multiplexes are still ripe with winter dreck. wedged therein between every four or five stinkers, however, there have already been a handful of surprisingly solid offerings. this week alone i was treated to three such legitimate exceptions, each a distinct genre--something, i suspect, to satisfy nearly any frequent filmgoer.

the other boleyn girl--
not only a period piece, a history piece; the stuff Heavy (read: boring) films are made of. throw in natalie portman, scarlett johansson, and eric bana, however, and you've got youthful spirit, sex appeal, and (whatdoyouknow?) box office. i was a bit worried in the first act, when setup is rather stock. once past what i'll call a directorial warmup, the work delivers. david morrissey's realistically villainous duke of norfolk sparks the intrigue early and keeps it rolling throughout. portman gives a commanding performance, her career best. johansson reminds us she's got chops. bana proves a convincing (albeit a bit too studly) henry. the writers have fun with their history lesson, in the process managing a most agreeable tone. also notable were the cinematography and costumes.
delivers: 3 stars

the bank job--
...really is as good as you've heard. so much more thriling when you see that it's based on a true story (some liberties, sure, but heaps of fun nonetheless). also the first authentically human character i've seen jason statham play. right on. the titular heist itself is handled fairly early, and the ensuing runabout pulls you into the action ever deeper. i found myself desperately wanting the hard-luck crooks to get away clean. and (no spoiler here) see for yourself, you'll be rooting for them too.
thrilling: 4 stars

snow angels--
it's not news to say that director david gordon green has a way with small-town life. he paints crisp, thoughtful portraits full of it-could-happen-to-you scenes with textured characters who never come off character-y. heck, he's flatout good for actors. this 2007 sundance standout gives wings to its ensemble. top tier turns from kate beckinsale, sam rockwell (devastating monologue in act two), adorable olivia thirlby (so dependable in juno), and relatable, likeable michael angarano. funny, poignant, romantic, and heartbreakingly sad, it is ultimately beautifully human.
standout: 4 stars