Mini-Review: Any time a film tells a story in a unique way, it's labelled as a gimmick by simple minds. There's nothing wrong with a silent film in 2011 paying tribute to a bygone era, especially when it's done as admirably as this. Even if it gets dry at some points, it's full of memorable sequences that deserve praise. Dujardin is a joy to watch, only at times upstaged by his dog, and while I'm not gushing over the film, I won't reject this as an Oscar winner at all.

Mini-Review: I don't know what the problem is with people. If the film was fake and orchestrated, Horn's natural performance never let me notice. It's an emotional rollercoaster, and if I analyzed why I got sad and determined it wasn't the characters but re-living the event, then I'd have to wonder why there were so many moments I couldn't help smiling at as well. It's a touching story revolving around a tragedy, and it's up to you if you can handle that.

Mini-Review: One of Streep's best performances. She deserves every bit of acclaim she gets. Now to the film: I was too young and not British to know much of anything about Thatcher beyond the fact that she was an extremely controversial figure, so I value the education this gave me. The rest of the film is a mess. I know, I know, people are tired of cookie cutter biopics, but that's the film's problem: it's too self-aware. It tries so desperately to be something fresh, but it's just all over the map.

Mini-Review: It's depressing how jaded audiences can be these days. This year Spielberg released two films that play to both of his great strengths: delightful action and heart-wrenching drama. As per the latter, War Horse is unflinchingly manipulative, but of course it is - that's what the man has been doing since E.T. I applaud the flawless care he put into this picture, as well as his willingness to not romanticize history and venture to darker places. It's not just a moving film, it's moving filmmaking.

Mini-Review: I came for the mystery, I stayed for the comedy, which I don't think gets as much credit as it should. Sure, Curry and Co. are running about like idiots, and some laughs rely on physical mishaps, but none of it is overused nor randomly placed. The comedy is organic to the characters and situations, which is what sets it above most screwball movies made today. I think this may have one of the best last lines ever.