Air Racers on AllMovie Air Racers (2012)

Strap in for the fastest motorsport on the planet in this IMAX 3D documentary that takes viewers to the Reno National Championship Air Races. Blasting by at speeds that would leave NASCAR drivers in the dust, these adrenaline-addicted pilots fly wingtip-to-wingtip just 50 feet off of the ground. And while the competition is fierce for rookies like Steve Hinton Jr., the prospect of pushing a P-51 Mustang fighter plane to the limit is just too tempting for some daredevil pilots to resist. In addition to watching the race firsthand, viewers also take to the skies with the Canadian Forces Snowbirds for a stunt-riding session that defies the laws of physics.

Chasing Ice on AllMovie Chasing Ice (2011)

Filmmaker Jeff Orlowski profiles National Geographic photographer James Balog as he endeavors to capture undeniable proof of climate change by launching the ambitious Extreme Ice Survey (EIS), a project that entails using time-lapse photography to document shifting ice glaciers. With the aid of his young assistants, Balog travels to three continents, placing 30 cameras in key positions to record vivid images of the majestic ice caps as they slowly melt away. In the process of capturing these incredible shots, Balog finds his skepticism fading, and experiences a brush with mortality that leaves him positively convinced that nature is currently experiencing a profound shift, the likes of which has never been witnessed by modern man.

Marley on AllMovie Marley (2012)

Oscar-winning documentarian Kevin Macdonald (One Day in September) examines the life of pioneering reggae artist Bob Marley in this film featuring intimate footage from the family's personal archives.

The Kid With a Bike on AllMovie The Kid With a Bike (2011)

A boy who longs to be reunited with his family refuses to accept the reality of his circumstances in this drama from the sibling writing/directing team of Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne. Cyril (Thomas Doret) is an 11-year-old boy who loves his father and believes in him. The trouble is, Cyril's dad Guy (Jeremie Renier) is a bum who doesn't care about his son, doesn't want to spend his money caring for him, and has left the boy at an orphanage rather than keep him. While these facts are clear to everyone else, Cyril refuses to believe them, and his determination to be reunited with Guy, coupled with his discipline problems, makes him a chore to look after. Samantha (Cecile De France), who works in a beauty shop, offers to take Cyril on weekends so he can have some kind of a home life, but her determined compassion makes only so much of an impact on the youngster, who is still convinced he can find his father. As Samantha struggles to bond with Cyril, the boy finds an unfortunate father figure in Wes (Egon Di Mateo), a small-time crook who drafts Cyril into his latest criminal scheme. Jeremie Renier, who plays Guy in Le gamin au vélo (aka The Kid With a Bike), made his screen debut in an earlier film by the Dardenne Brothers, 1996's La Promesse, in which he fittingly played a troubled youth.

Batman Begins on AllMovie Batman Begins (2005)

The origins of the Caped Crusader of Gotham City are finally brought to the big screen in this new adaptation of the perennially popular comic-book series. The young Bruce Wayne (Gus Lewis) leads a privileged life as the son of wealthy, philanthropist parents, both of whom stress their commitment to improving the lives of the citizens of crime-ridden Gotham City. After his mother and father are murdered by a mugger, however, Wayne grows into an impudent young man (Christian Bale), full of rage and bent on retribution until encouraged by his childhood sweetheart, Rachel Dawes (Katie Holmes), to search for answers beyond his own personal vendettas. Wayne eventually finds discipline in the Far East under the tutelage of Henri Ducard (Liam Neeson), a member of the mysterious League of Shadows who guides him in the study of martial arts -- and the ways in which an ordinary man can hone his senses to an almost superhuman acuity. After seven years away from Gotham, Wayne returns, determined to bring peace and safety back to the city. With the help of his faithful manservant, Alfred Pennyworth (Michael Caine), and Lucius Fox (Morgan Freeman), a scientist at his late father's corporation, Wayne develops a secret identity as Batman, a masked fighter for justice. But when a shady psychiatrist (Cillian Murphy) joins forces with the criminal underworld, Wayne realizes that putting an end to their nefarious plans will be very difficult indeed. Batman Begins also features Gary Oldman as Lt. James Gordon and Tom Wilkinson as the crime boss Carmine Falcone.

The Dark Knight on AllMovie The Dark Knight (2008)

Christopher Nolan steps back into the director's chair for this sequel to Batman Begins, which finds the titular superhero coming face to face with his greatest nemesis -- the dreaded Joker. Christian Bale returns to the role of Batman, Maggie Gyllenhaal takes over the role of Rachel Dawes (played by Katie Holmes in Batman Begins), and Brokeback Mountain star Heath Ledger dons the ghoulishly gleeful Joker makeup previously worn by Jack Nicholson and Cesar Romero. Just as it begins to appear as if Batman, Lt. James Gordon (Gary Oldman), and District Attorney Harvey Dent (Aaron Eckhart) are making headway in their tireless battle against the criminal element, a maniacal, wisecracking fiend plunges the streets of Gotham City into complete chaos.

A Royal Affair on AllMovie A Royal Affair (2012)

Mads Mikkelsen and Alicia Vikander headline director Nikolaj Arcel's historical drama set in the 18th century, which details the tense love triangle between Queen Caroline Matilda (Vikander), her enlightened royal physician Struensee (Mikkelsen), and her increasingly deranged husband, Danish King Christian VII (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard).

A Late Quartet on AllMovie A Late Quartet (2012)

A Late Quartet, the first fiction film from director Yaron Zilberman, follows the lives of four longtime colleagues who play in a celebrated string quartet together. As the group begin their 25th season together, the eldest member (Christopher Walken) discovers he has the beginning stage of Parkinson's disease. Because he can't perform to the best of his abilities, he would like to bow out of the quartet without disbanding it. However, a married couple within the group (Philip Seymour Hoffman and Catherine Keener) are on the brink of breaking up, and their rocky period isn't helped by the fact that the fourth member has begun an affair with their college-age daughter. A Late Quartet screened at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival.

Farewell, My Queen on AllMovie Farewell, My Queen (2011)

Director Benoît Jacquot adapted Chantal Thomas' bestselling novel examining the genesis of the French Revolution as witnessed from the perspective of the servants closest to Marie Antoinette. July 1789: Versailles. As the people of France rise up against King Louie XVI (Xavier Beauvois), the frightened sovereigns begin plotting their escape. Sidonie Laborde (Léa Seydoux) is the Queen's reader, and as such enjoys the many lavish privileges of being in the monarch's entourage. She sees herself as an extended member of the royal family, so when Marie Antoinette (Diane Kruger) requests that Sidonie don the Queen's clothing and flee in her carriage, the naïve servant views it as a tremendous honor. Meanwhile, the Queen herself plots to escape the palace under the cover of darkness, leaving her most loyal servant at the mercy of the raging mob.

Singin' in the Rain on AllMovie Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Hollywood, 1927: the silent-film romantic team of Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) is the toast of Tinseltown. While Lockwood and Lamont personify smoldering passions onscreen, in real life the down-to-earth Lockwood can't stand the egotistical, brainless Lina. He prefers the company of aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds), whom he met while escaping his screaming fans. Watching these intrigues from the sidelines is Cosmo Brown (Donald O'Connor), Don's best pal and on-set pianist. Cosmo is promoted to musical director of Monumental Pictures by studio head R.F. Simpson (Millard Mitchell) when the talking-picture revolution commences. That's all right for Cosmo, but how will talkies affect the upcoming Lockwood-Lamont vehicle "The Dueling Cavalier"? Don, an accomplished song-and-dance man, should have no trouble adapting to the microphone. Lina, however, is another matter; put as charitably as possible, she has a voice that sounds like fingernails on a blackboard. The disastrous preview of the team's first talkie has the audience howling with derisive laughter. On the strength of the plot alone, concocted by the matchless writing team of Betty Comden and Adolph Green, Singin' in the Rain is a delight. But with the addition of MGM's catalog of Arthur Freed-Nacio Herb Brown songs -- "You Were Meant for Me," "You Are My Lucky Star," "The Broadway Melody," and of course the title song -- the film becomes one of the greatest Hollywood musicals ever made.

Your Sister's Sister on AllMovie Your Sister's Sister (2011)

A man struggling with his feelings following a death in the family throws himself into an even more uncomfortable situation in this independent comedy-drama from filmmaker Lynn Shelton. A year after the death of his brother, Jack (Mark Duplass) is still having a hard time dealing with his loss, and when he has an emotional outburst at a family get-together, Iris (Emily Blunt) steps in to offer some help. Iris is one of Jack's closest friends and was also dating his brother at the time of his death; Iris' family has a cottage on Puget Sound, and she suggests Jack bike up there and take some time to come to terms with his troubles. Jack accepts her offer, but when he arrives at the cabin, he discovers it's occupied by Iris' sister Hannah (Rosemarie DeWitt), who is in need of some alone time after breaking up with her lover. Jack and Hannah discuss their heartache over a bottle of tequila, and end up stumbling into bed. The next morning, Iris arrives, and Jack is desperate to keep her from learning he had sex with her sister; Hannah agrees not to tell, but as she bonds with Jack, she also senses his feelings for Iris aren't as platonic as he cares to admit. Your Sister's Sister received its world premiere at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

Short Term 12 on AllMovie Short Term 12 (2013)

I Am Not a Hipster director Destin Daniel Cretton expands his 2008 short of the same name into a feature film depicting the struggles of a compassionate twentysomething contending with some unexpected life developments while working as a supervisor at a home for at-risk teens. Grace (Brie Larson) has dedicated her life to helping kids who have slipped through the cracks of the system. Committed to her job and in love with kindhearted co-worker Mason (John Gallagher Jr.), she's still struggling to make sense of her own troubled past when she learns that her life is about to change forever. Meanwhile, into the facility walks a young girl who's been constantly shifted between group homes due to dangerous behavior. Almost immediately, Grace forges a powerful connection with her new charge. Now if Grace can just open up to Mason the way she encourages her kids to open up to her, she may find a way to make peace with the future while still providing support to the kids who depend on her the most.

Housefly: An Everyday Monster on AllMovie Housefly: An Everyday Monster (1999)

This intriguing documentary by Kurt Mündl gets viewers up close and personal with the common housefly, revealing some of the secrets to its success as a species. Despite being the prey of many an animal and the frequent target of extermination by humans, the common housefly has prevailed throughout history. Capturing amazing images through macro-photography, Housefly: An Everyday Monster reveals the life of the fly, from eating to propagation, and details some of the many ways that it has adapted to avoid extinction at the hands of its many predators. Nominated for a Wildscreen Award in 1994 (wildlife and environmental filmmaking awards), Housefly: An Everyday Monster is narrated by David Cameron.

Hysteria on AllMovie Hysteria (2011)

Set in Victorian London, Tanya Wexler's period comedy Hysteria tells the tale of Mortimer Granville (Hugh Dancy), a young doctor disturbed by the way most hospitals ignore the latest research on germ theory, and still treat patients with bleedings and leeches. After being fired from his most recent job for speaking out on the matter, he ends up in the employ of Dr. Robert Dalrymple (Jonathan Pryce) who runs a private practice specializing in treating women who suffer from "hysteria" and come to the doctor for his precise digital manipulations in order to get a release. With the help of Mortimer's best friend Edmund (Rupert Everett) together they create a device that allows these women to achieve the desired result much more quickly. Complicating matters, Mortimer becomes enamored of Dalrymple's strong-willed, feminist-minded daughter Charlotte (Maggie Gyllenhaal). Hysteria played at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

Crooked Arrows on AllMovie Crooked Arrows (2012)

A multiracial Native American connects with his proud heritage by coaching his reservation's scrappy lacrosse team to the state finals in this inspirational sports drama starring Brandon Routh. Joe Logan (Routh) wants to give his reservation a modern makeover. But the locals don't trust him, and they're happy with the way things have always been. Meanwhile Joe's father, the Tribal Chairman, senses that his son has lost his way. In order to get him back on the right path, Joe's father puts him in charge of the reservation's high school lacrosse team on the eve of a big match against their most fierce rivals. When Joe proves a better coach than anyone could have anticipated, his team soon realizes that they may have a chance of beating their most fierce rivals - an athletically-gifted prep school team - in the annual championship game. In the process, cynical Joe learns that some traditions are worth holding onto.

The English Teacher on AllMovie The English Teacher (2013)

A reserved, single English teacher comes out of her shell to help a former student realize his dreams of becoming a playwright in this warm-hearted comedy drama. Linda Sinclair (Julianne Moore) teaches high-school English in Kingston, PA. Forty and single, she's content to spend her evenings curled up with a good book in her cozy apartment. Linda's staid routine is suddenly interrupted, however, with the unexpected reappearance of her most promising pupil, Jason Sherwood (Michael Angarano). Having failed to make his mark as a playwright in New York City, Jason has returned home to Kingston humbled, and convinced that success has passed him by. Jason's domineering father Dr. Tom Sherwood (Greg Kinnear) wants him to go to law school rather than wasting his time pursuing a career in the arts, and the rejected twentysomething is about to do just that when Linda makes the decision to mount his brooding play as a high-school production. With haughty drama teacher Carl Kapinas (Nathan Lane) assuming the role of director, the Kingston High School stage is soon buzzing with activity. Meanwhile, as Linda embraces uncertainty for the very first time, she finds that in life as in romance, there are no rewards without risks.

Agneepath on AllMovie Agneepath (1990)

This Hindi action-drama stars Amitabh Bachchan as Vijay Dinanath Chahuan, a man whose moral father was murdered by the local mobsters. When Vijay reaches adulthood, he himself gets involved in the criminal underworld and ruthlessly rises through the ranks with the sole purpose of getting even with the boss who had his father killed. This violent and melodramatic film is epic in length and is one of Bachchan's most highly respected dramatic roles.

Killer Joe on AllMovie Killer Joe (2011)

A desperate Texas drug dealer plots to settle a sizable debt by killing his mother and collecting the insurance money, but gets into an even bigger mess after hiring a twisted police detective who moonlights as a killer-for-hire to get the job done. Chris (Emile Hirsch) is in serious trouble. He's just incurred a major debt to Digger Soames (Marc Macaulay), and when you're late paying Digger, you can wind up dead. His back against the wall, Chris comes to his father Ansel (Thomas Haden Church) with a sinister proposition: they'll hire a killer to get rid of Chris' mother (and Ansel's ex-wife), then collect the insurance money that will go to Chris' teenage sister Dottie (Juno Temple), a seraphic sleepwalker who seems to exist in a world all her own. Bringing Chris' temperamental stepmother Sharla (Gina Gershon) in on the hustle, the young deadbeat and his dimwitted father enlist the services of Joe Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), a local police detective whose authority and detailed knowledge of police procedures make him the perfect hired killer. But Joe doesn't come cheap, and when his fee proves bigger than expected, Chris and Ansel agree to let him have Dottie as a "retainer" until the insurance check clears. Just when it starts to look as if everything is going according to plan, however, an unexpected complication plunges the entire situation into total chaos. A lurid black comedy that goes to some very dark places, Killer Joe is the second collaboration between acclaimed director William Friedkin and playwright/screenwriter Tracy Letts, who previously worked together on the 2006 psychological thriller Bug. READ MORE

Footnote on AllMovie Footnote (2011)

An anti-establishment professor and his approval-seeking son enter into a heated competition against one another when their roles are suddenly reversed. Rising up through the ranks, Uriel always relied on recognition to fuel his sense of self-worth. His father, on the other hand, always shunned the spotlight. But when his father learns he is about to receive the highest honor rewarded in his field, the older man's vanity is revealed for all to see. Meanwhile, Uriel's intense jealousy drives him to consider the unthinkable.

Monsieur Lazhar on AllMovie Monsieur Lazhar (2011)

A teacher and his students learn from one another in the wake of a tragedy in this drama from director Philippe Falardeau. Simon (Emilien Neron) and Alice (Sophie Nelisse) are a pair of grade-school students who make a shocking discovery one day when they witness their teacher taking her own life in their classroom. The school's principal (Danielle Proulx) wants things back to normal as soon as possible, and when substitute teacher Bachir Lazhar (Mohamed Fellag) drops off his resume after learning of the tragedy, he's hired almost on the spot. The children don't immediately take to Lazhar, since most of them have never had a male teacher before, and Lazhar has his own adjustments to deal with -- he's an Algerian immigrant new to Montreal, he's still learning the finer points of Quebecois French, and his teaching style differs from that of his new colleagues. But as Lazhar tries to guide Simon, Alice, and their classmates through the shock of what has happened, he also finds the experience helps him heal after struggling with a loss of his own. Monsieur Lazhar (aka Bachir Lazhar) won the Audience Award at the 2011 Locarno Film Festival and was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2012 Academy Awards.

Rust and Bone on AllMovie Rust and Bone (2012)

A struggling single father helps a beautiful whale trainer recover her will to live following a terrible accident that leaves her confined to a wheelchair. Lonely and destitute, Ali (Matthias Schoenaerts) leaves the north of France for his sister's house in Antibes after becoming the sole guardian of his estranged five-year-old son Sam. When Ali lands a job as a bouncer in a nearby nightclub, things quickly start to look up for the itinerant father and son. Then one night, after breaking up a fight in the club, Ali meets the radiant Stephanie (Marion Cotillard), and slips her his number after dropping her off safely at home. Though Stephanie's position on the high end of the social spectrum makes romance an unlikely prospect for the pair, a tragic accident at Marineland robs her of her legs, and finds her reaching out in desperation to Ali. Her spirit broken by the same tragedy that took her legs, Stephanie gradually finds the courage to go on living trough transcendent moments spent with Ali -- a man with precious little pity, but an enormous love of life.

Sleepwalk With Me on AllMovie Sleepwalk With Me (2012)

Successful comic-turned-playwright Mike Birbiglia brings his popular one-man show to the big screen with this autobiographical comedy-drama about a frustrated stand-up comedian locked in a volatile relationship. Meanwhile, his growing sleepwalking problem becomes much too frequent to ignore.

Ek Tha Tiger on AllMovie Ek Tha Tiger (2012)

An Indian superspy falls for his beautiful target as his mission turns deadly in this adrenalized action thriller starring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif.

The Queen of Versailles on AllMovie The Queen of Versailles (2012)

Filmmaker Lauren Greenfield offers this documentary profile of nouveau-riche time-share entrepreneurs David and Jackie Siegel, who witness the sudden collapse of their lifelong dream when construction on their opulent, 90,000-square-foot Versailles-inspired manor is suddenly halted after the economy collapses.

Dabangg 2 on AllMovie Dabangg 2 (2012)

Unorthodox Indian cop Chulbul Pandey is transferred from a small town to the biggest city in the state of Uttar Pradesh, where he soon comes into conflict with the local criminal element.

Ruby Sparks on AllMovie Ruby Sparks (2012)

A young author creates a character based on his dream girl, and gets the surprise of his life when she turns out to be real. Celebrated novelist Calvin (Paul Dano) used to be the darling of the literary scene; now he's wondering if he'll ever actually write another book. His inspiration at an all-time low, Calvin creates Ruby (screenwriter/co-star Zoe Kazan) and the ideas start flowing. A week later, when Ruby shows up in Calvin's apartment completely smitten, the lonely writer begins to fear he's losing his mind. Elliott Gould, Chris Messina, and Annette Bening also star.

Jiro Dreams of Sushi on AllMovie Jiro Dreams of Sushi (2011)

Jiro Ono is one of the most-respected and acclaimed sushi chefs in Japan. At the age of 85, he operates an exclusive sushi restaurant, Sukiyabashi Jiro, with a long waiting list for reservations (the restaurant has a mere ten tables and a typical meal costs $300) and a prized three-star rating from the Michelin restaurant guide. Perfecting the art of sushi has been one of Ono's obsessions since he was a young man, and filmmaker David Gelb offers a delicious look into his life and work in the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi. In the film, Ono discusses his unhappy childhood, his early days in the restaurant game, and his techniques and philosophies about his chosen dish; he also interacts with fish dealers and his two sons, both gifted chefs who live and work in their father's shadow. Jiro Dreams of Sushi was an official selection at the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.

Girl in Progress on AllMovie Girl in Progress (2011)

A teen with an absentee single mother attempts to accelerate her transition into adulthood with the help of her best friend, and she learns some important lessons about growing up in the process. Ansiedad (Cierra Ramirez) doesn't have a father, and her mother Grace (Eva Mendes) is hardly an inspirational role model. Insulting, inconsiderate, and often too busy with work or men to give her daughter any real attention, Grace is in the midst of an affair with a married doctor (Matthew Modine) when her handsome co-worker (Eugenio Derbez) tries to sweep her off her feet. Meanwhile, Ansiedad begins to grasp the concept of the archetypal "coming-of-age" story in English class with the help of her concerned teacher, Ms. Armstrong (Patricia Arquette), and decides that it's high time she left adolescence behind. Together with her best friend Tavita (Raini Rodriguez), Ansiedad hatches a plan to speed up her development, even if it means willingly sacrificing some of her own innocence along the way. Little does Ansiedad realize that growing up isn't just about getting older, but getting wiser as well.

Samsara on AllMovie Samsara (2011)

Director and cinematographer Ron Fricke offers a striking glimpse into some of the world's most remarkable happenings in this visually spectacular documentary. Following in the same template as 1992's Baraka (also directed by Fricke), Samsara is a study in the ways humanity works as a collective and as individuals, with the cycle of human existence providing the subtext for the parade of images (the title is a Tibetan word meaning "the wheel of life"). Combining scenes of destruction and rebirth, images of profound humanity and mechanized lifelessness, Baraka includes remarkable images of people working together en masse, including Muslims visiting the holy city of Mecca, hundred of Chinese dancers performing a synchronized routine, and prisoners doing group exercises in a prison yard. Fricke filmed Samsara over a period of several years, shooting on 65mm film stock and transferring the footage to 4K high-definition video for post-production and exhibition. Samsara received its world premiere at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

Barfi! on AllMovie Barfi! (2012)

Lovable, deaf prankster Barfi (Ranbir Kapoor) finds his life thrown into a tailspin by two beautiful women (Ileana D'cruz and Priyanka Chopra) in this mischievous comedy from director Anurag Basu (Gangster, Kites).

Talaash on AllMovie Talaash (2012)

Police Inspector Shekhawat (Aamir Khan) investigates a suspicious car crash that claimed the life of a famous movie star, and finds that the only way to unravel the mystery is by confronting his own painful past. Rani Mukerji and Kareena Kapoor co-star.

Albert Nobbs on AllMovie Albert Nobbs (2011)

Glenn Close co-wrote and stars in this period drama based on the short story The Singular Life of Albert Nobbs by author George Moore, centering on the experiences of a 19th century Irish woman who poses as a man in order to work as a butler at an opulent Dublin hotel for the upper class. Maintaining her elaborate ruse over the course of two decades, Albert (Close) suddenly finds her dedication to the role challenged by the unexpected arrival of a painter who turns out to understand Albert better than anyone she could have imagined. Meanwhile, Albert finds her attempts to help pretty hotel maid Helen (Mia Wasikowska) thwarted when Helen becomes enamored with a charming but callous handyman (Aaron Johnson). Albert Nobbs played at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

Jab Tak Hai Jaan on AllMovie Jab Tak Hai Jaan (2012)

Legendary Bollywood filmmaker Yash Chopra directs Shah Rukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, and Anushka Sharma in this epic romance featuring the music of the great A.R. Rahman.

Celeste and Jesse Forever on AllMovie Celeste and Jesse Forever (2011)

Lee Toland Krieger's humorous romantic drama Celeste and Jesse Forever focuses on best friends who stay incredibly close even after they divorce. Celeste (Rashida Jones) is a type-A marketing whiz with a knack for trend spotting, and Jesse (Andy Samberg) is a struggling artist with an irresponsible streak. They've been BFFs since 10th grade, and even though their attempt at marriage together failed, they still spend every day together, enjoying their private jokes and making each other laugh, six months after their separation. He hopes for a reconciliation, she wants him to grow up. Their deep bond takes its first serious blow when Jesse finally does become involved with another woman - causing each of them to wonder how to be in each other's lives. Co-written by Jones and actor Will McCormack, the movie co-stars Ari Graynor, Eric Christian Olsen, and Emma Roberts.

Raiders of the Lost Ark on AllMovie Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) is no ordinary archeologist. When we first see him, he is somewhere in the Peruvian jungle in 1936, running a booby-trapped gauntlet (complete with an over-sized rolling boulder) to fetch a solid-gold idol. He loses this artifact to his chief rival, a French archeologist named Belloq (Paul Freeman), who then prepares to kill our hero. In the first of many serial-like escapes, Indy eludes Belloq by hopping into a convenient plane. So, then: is Indiana Jones afraid of anything? Yes, snakes. The next time we see Jones, he's a soft-spoken, bespectacled professor. He is then summoned from his ivy-covered environs by Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott) to find the long-lost Ark of the Covenant. The Nazis, it seems, are already searching for the Ark, which the mystical-minded Hitler hopes to use to make his stormtroopers invincible. But to find the Ark, Indy must first secure a medallion kept under the protection of Indy's old friend Abner Ravenwood, whose daughter, Marion (Karen Allen), evidently has a "history" with Jones. Whatever their personal differences, Indy and Marion become partners in one action-packed adventure after another, ranging from wandering the snake pits of the Well of Souls to surviving the pyrotechnic unearthing of the sacred Ark. A joint project of Hollywood prodigies George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, with a script co-written by Lawrence Kasdan and Philip Kaufman, among others, Raiders of the Lost Ark is not so much a movie as a 115-minute thrill ride. Costing 22 million dollars (nearly three times the original estimate), Raiders of the Lost Ark reaped 200 million dollars during its first run. It was followed by Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1985) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), as well as a short-lived TV-series "prequel."

Robot & Frank on AllMovie Robot & Frank (2012)

An aging thief with a fading memory finds his love for larceny reinvigorated after receiving a companion robot from his concerned son in this tender sci-fi comedy-drama starring Academy Award nominee Frank Langella. Frank (Langella) is a former criminal living out his twilight years in quiet solitude. Though frequent trips to the local library keep him physically active and mentally stimulated, there's little question that his memory isn't what it used to be, and lately his grown children have begun to express concern over the fact that he lives alone. Bestowed a caretaker robot capable of offering engaging interaction and tending to basic household chores, Frank at first resents his android helper. But in time he lets his guard down and begins to actually enjoy the companionship of his new domestic partner. Later, when the future of the local library is threatened, Frank falls back into his old ways and discovers that his robot also doubles as a competent criminal sidekick.

Last Ounce of Courage on AllMovie Last Ounce of Courage (2012)

A patriotic veteran rallies the citizens of his small town to fight back against tyranny as their rights are slowly stripped away in this politically-charged family drama. Bob Revere (Marshall Teague) knows what it's like to fight for freedom. A small-town war hero, he's heartbroken when his own son Tom loses his life defending America abroad. But Tom left behind a son of his own named Christian, and 14 years later, the young boy and his mother move back to Mount Colombus to be with their family for the holidays. Meanwhile, Christian's grandfather Bob, now the mayor of Mount Columbus, begins to notice that his country is heading in a dangerous direction, and that freedom itself is on the line. As Bob rallies the locals to awaken from their comfortable stupor and fight back against the powers that be, Christian learns that sometimes the battle for liberty begins at home.

Atlas Shrugged Part II on AllMovie Atlas Shrugged Part II (2012)

As an oppressive government attempts to seize control of a world on the brink of collapse, one woman makes a discovery that could put power back into the hands of the people in this sprawling adaptation of Ayn Rand's famous novel. As the economy buckles, unemployment skyrockets and the price of oil reaches an all-time high, the world's greatest minds all begin to disappear without a trace. But just when it seems as if all hope is lost, Taggart Transcontinental Vice President in Charge of Operations Dagny Taggart (Samantha Mathis) discovers a revolutionary motor that can harvest unlimited energy without the need for fossil fuels. But without the inventor to reveal all its secrets, the motor is useless. Now, as a tyrannical government rises, word of the radical new invention begins to spread and Taggart must race to find the one person who knows how to harness its power before it falls into the wrong hands, and all hope is lost.

Nitro Circus: The Movie on AllMovie Nitro Circus: The Movie (2012)

Motorcycle stunt-riders perform death-defying tricks in state-of-the-art 3D.

Searching for Sugar Man on AllMovie Searching for Sugar Man (2011)

Two South African music lovers embark on a mission to uncover the fate of an obscure, 1970s-era U.S. rocker whose debut album became a surprise hit in their home country, and uncover a shocking secret along the way. Sixto Diaz Rodriguez had the kind of musical career that every aspiring rock star fears -- lauded by critics but ignored by the public, he released two albums before unceremoniously disappearing from the spotlight. But while sales of Rodriguez's debut CD Cold Fact fell flat in the U.S., overseas in Australia and South Africa, the fans couldn't get enough. In apartheid-torn South Africa in particular, Cold Fact became something of an anti-establishment classic, eventually going platinum. Later, rumors began to swirl that Rodriguez had suffered a horrible death. When Rodriguez's second album Coming From Reality makes it's belated debut in South Africa, a pair of devoted fans take it upon themselves to uncover the facts surrounding the mysterious musician, and get the surprise of a lifetime while attempting to track the profits from his record sales.

The Cold Light of Day on AllMovie The Cold Light of Day (2012)

Brash Wall Street trader Will Shaw (Henry Cavill) races to rescue his family after they're kidnapped while vacationing in Spain, and he exposes a sinister government conspiracy and unearths dark family secrets along the way in this thriller co-starring Bruce Willis and Sigourney Weaver. Directed by Mabrouk El Mechri (JCVD).

Raging Bull on AllMovie Raging Bull (1980)

Martin Scorsese's brutal character study incisively portrays the true rise and fall and redemption of middleweight boxer Jake La Motta, a violent man in and out of the ring who thrives on his ability (and desire) to take a beating. Opening with the spectacle of the over-the-hill La Motta (Robert De Niro) practicing his 1960s night-club act, the film flashes back to 1940s New York, when Jake's career is on the rise. Despite pressure from the local mobsters, Jake trusts his brother Joey (Joe Pesci) to help him make it to a title bout against Sugar Ray Robinson the honest way; the Mob, however, will not cave in. Jake gets the title bout, and blonde teenage second wife Vickie (Cathy Moriarty), but success does nothing to exorcise his demons, even as he channels his rage into boxing. Alienating Vickie and Joey, and disastrously gaining weight, Jake has destroyed his personal and professional lives by the 1950s. After he hits bottom, however, Jake emerges with a gleam of self-awareness, as he sits rehearsing Marlon Brando's On the Waterfront speech in his dressing room mirror: "I coulda been a contender, I coulda been somebody." Working with a script adapted by Mardik Martin and Paul Schrader from La Motta's memoirs, Scorsese and De Niro sought to make an uncompromising portrait of an unlikable man and his ruthless profession. Eschewing uplifting Rocky-like boxing movie conventions, their Jake is relentlessly cruel and self-destructive; the only peace he can make is with himself. Michael Chapman's stark black-and-white photography creates a documentary/tabloid realism; the production famously shut down so that De Niro could gain 50-plus pounds. Raging Bull opened in late 1980 to raves for its artistry and revulsion for its protagonist; despite eight Oscar nominations, it underperformed at the box office, as audiences increasingly turned away from "difficult" films in the late '70s and early '80s. The Academy concurred, passing over Scorsese's work for Best Director and Picture in favor of Robert Redford and Ordinary People, although De Niro won a much-deserved Oscar, as did the film's editor, Thelma Schoonmaker. Oscar or no Oscar, Raging Bull has often been cited as the best American film of the 1980s.

Safety Not Guaranteed on AllMovie Safety Not Guaranteed (2011)

A personal ad placed for a time-travel partner prompts an investigation involving three magazine reporters in this quirky comedy produced by Mark and Jay Duplass (Jeff, Who Lives at Home) and starring Aubrey Plaza (Parks and Recreation). Kenneth is a self-proclaimed time traveler who doesn't want to take his next journey alone. Intrigued by Kenneth's cryptic ad, a local newspaper editor dispatches cynical reporter Darius (Plaza) and a pair of other employees to get the scoop. Upon meeting Kenneth, Darius see past his peculiar front and recognizes the lonely soul inside. As genuine as Kenneth may be, however, his questionable sanity leaves Darius uncertain of how to proceed with her story.

The Raid: Redemption on AllMovie The Raid: Redemption (2011)

A police raid on a Jakarta tenement building turns into a non-stop bloodbath when the drug dealer who owns it unleashes a furious barrage of fists, bullets, and blades, leaving the few remaining survivors of the invading SWAT team to fight their way up to the top and end the psychotic criminal's violent reign once and for all. Expectant father Rama (Iko Uwais) is an honest cop with deadeye aim and killer fighting skills. Following orders from his lieutenant -- a respected police veteran and mastermind of the ambitious raid -- Rama leads his heavily-armed team into the building silently and stealthily. Their mission is to take down Tama (Ray Sahetapy), a vicious criminal kingpin who uses the building as a shelter for both his many customers and his small army of loyal dealers and killers. Even the bravest cops in the city have never dared to breach Tama's fortress, and once the team's cover is blown, it quickly becomes apparent why; almost immediately, half of the team is shredded in a vicious barrage of gunfire and machetes. The exits have all been blocked, and with Tama's men closing in fast Rama's only hope is to keep going up and take out anyone who gets in his path. Meanwhile, Tama realizes that some of the cops have managed to survive the initial assault, so he unleashes two of his best men to stop them dead in their tracks. With his team cut down to a mere handful and his munitions exhausted, the determined cop vows to complete his mission by whatever means necessary. The Raid made its North American debut at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival, where it quickly gained buzz thanks to an enthusiastic audience reception, while also garnering the Cadillac People's Choice Midnight Madness Award.

Goon on AllMovie Goon (2011)

The sports comedy Goon stars Seann William Scott as Doug Glatt, a slacker from a rich family who discovers he has a knack for hockey brawls. Dragged to a game by his best friend, Doug punches out the visiting team's toughest player when the angered thug rushes into the stands. The home team quickly recruits Doug (even though he can't skate) and encourages him to beat up their opponents.

Jeff, Who Lives at Home on AllMovie Jeff, Who Lives at Home (2012)

Directing brothers Jay and Mark Duplass examine fate and family in the comedy Jeff, Who Lives at Home, starring Jason Segel as the title character, a slacker who still lives with his mother. He spends the vast majority of his time smoking pot and explaining how he's waiting to understand his own fate, using the film Signs as the model for how he takes in the world. His brother Pat (Ed Helms) is a salesman in a mid-life crisis having purchased a sweet new sports car over the objections of his wife (Judy Greer). After Jeff answers the phone and a voice demands to speak to "Kevin," the stoner believes this is the sign he's been waiting for. During the course of the day, Jeff and Pat will confront their issues with each other, while their long-suffering mother (Susan Sarandon) may find love for the first time since the death of her husband. The film played at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival.

The Apparition on AllMovie The Apparition (2012)

Tom Felton (the Harry Potter film series), Ashley Greene (the Twilight Saga series), and Sebastian Stan headline this tale of two young college students who are conducting a paranormal experiment when they unleash a terrifying supernatural force that thrives on fear.

October Baby on AllMovie October Baby (2012)

Aspiring collegiate actress and abortion survivor Hannah (Rachel Hendrix) recruits her best friend Jason (Jason Burkey) to help seek out her biological mother, and discovers some shocking truths about her difficult birth and childhood along the way.

Won't Back Down on AllMovie Won't Back Down (2012)

Two headstrong mothers (Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis) wage a valiant struggle to save their children's troubled inner-city school, but find their forward-thinking efforts hampered at every turn by apathy and systematic bureaucracy. Holly Hunter, Rosie Perez, and Ving Rhames co-star.

For Greater Glory on AllMovie For Greater Glory (2012)

The Cristero War serves as the backdrop of this historical drama following a group of devoted Mexican patriots who risk their lives to defeat an oppressive regime, and defend the freedom of future generations. Andy Garcia, Oscar Isaac, Eva Longoria, and Peter O'Toole star.