What It’s About: The mysterious death of television’s Superman George Reeves (Ben Affleck) is analyzed under the microscope of Sopranos director Allen Coulter as seen through the eyes of a private detective (Adrien Brody) and Reeves’ lover, the very married former Zigfield girl Toni Mannix (Diane Lane).

What Works: Coulter definitely has a feel for the mood and the ambiance of old-school Hollywood and gauges the fine line between A-list and B-list and falling with appropriate distinction. Affleck climbs out of his recent rut by infusing this most tragic hero with just the right amount of Hollywood charm. Lane exudes sex-appeal, sophistication and ultimately tragedy in a tour-de-force, Oscar worthy performance as an aging Hollywood beauty.

What Doesn’t: Brody’s a gifted actor, but in his role as smarmy, down on his luck detective Louis Simo, he seems an ill fit and as a result, his segments of the film drag. Coulter could have stood to lose 20 minutes off the final cut.

What’s In It for Us?: Well, certainly, the three leads are all easy on the eyes, and Hollywood drop in’s by Rita Hayworth and Vivien Leigh will certainly excite. Gay and lesbian jokes are strung throughout (some in good taste, some in bad, all appropriate for the era).

Bottom Line: Though a bit long and sluggish in parts, Hollywoodland is a fitting tribute to a man who became legend for all the wrong reasons. Anchored by solid performances from one of today’s finest actresses and an actor who knows all too well what its like to be chewed up and spit out by the system, it’s a fitting kick off to award’s season.

For more information, visit www.hollywoodlandmovie.com.

Half Nelson

What It’s About: Inner city junior-high school teacher Dan Dunne (Ryan Gosling) has an uncanny ability to reach his students, but his together front begins to crumble when he forms an unlikely bond with one of his students (Shareeka Epps) after she discovers he is a drug addict.

What Works: Though this film tackles the most depressing of subjects in a filthy and all too accurate way, it’s the sort of profound filmmaking that sticks with you for a lifetime. Gosling further establishes himself as a force to be reckoned—his scenes with Epps warm your heart and break it in quick succession.

What Doesn’t: To say Half Nelson is a perfect film is overstating, but it’s close. Of course, a bigger budget might have helped, but this is the sort of film-making you hope and pray you’ll see when attending indie film festivals.

What’s In It for Us?: Dan’s teaching methods are extremely progressive, challenging the students to look at conflict throughout history as a power struggle for change. On example splices in the assassination of openly gay politician Harvey Milk.

Bottom Line: It’s a tough film to watch, so I strongly recommend you don’t see this when you need some perking up. As cinema, however, it’s the finest thing I’ve seen all year and if Gosling (and frankly, 13-year-old Epps) is not named come Oscar time, it’ll be a damn shame.

For more information, visit www.halfnelsonthefilm.com.

The Covenant

What It’s About: Four young men who belong to a supernatural legacy are charged with stopping the evil force they released into the world years earlier. Jealousy and suspicious threaten to tear them apart as they all pursue their individual destinies.

What Works: Though the film wasn’t screened for critics (which is probably a good thing considering director Renny Harlin’s last project was disastrous Exorcist: The Beginning.). But judging from the previous, we’re going to go out on a limb and say the four 20-something half naked hotties make it worth seeing. And fans of the sci-fi/horror/supernatural genre should at least have a moderately enjoyable experience.

What Doesn’t: Again, not screened for critics, but judging from the preview (an Harlin’s past) we’re going to go with most of the film not working.

What’s In It for Us?: Did you read the part about the four hot, 20-something half naked boys? Let’s put it this way. Watching the trailer, I turned to my friend Sasha and said, ‘This looks terrible.’ He responded,’ Yeah, but I’m so going.’ Enough said.

Bottom Line: I’m not sure it’s going to be worth your $10.50 unless you have a bottle of lube waiting in the car, but it should be good for at least living out some of your horny male fantasies.

For more information, visit www.sonypictures.com/movies/thecovenant.

Sherrybaby

What It’s About: After serving a three year prison sentence, the rehabilitated Sherry Swanson (Maggie Gyllenhaal) returns home to New Jersey in an attempt to reestablish a relationship with her young daughter.

What Works: Gyllenhaal is always worth watching and the premise is engaging enough. Director Laurie Collyer assembles an able cast of supporting players, including veterans Kate Burton and Giancarlo Esposito.

What Doesn’t: Collyer’s film is a bit of a mess at time, too rushed in places, trudging along at a snail’s pace in others. The cast does their best to make things work, but the stilted dialogue seems to fail them at every pass.

What’s In It for Us?: Gyllenhaal is one of our bravest actors working today, and while the only lingering hint of a gay subplot goes away almost as quickly, she’s still worth putting on your radar.

Bottom Line: This might be best viewed on TV when you can skip through the pointless parts.

For more information, visit www.sherrybaby-film.com.

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