Killing Them Softly- A boring heavy handed allegory for the economic crisis using the ineptness of gangsters as a comparison to the government (seriously). Just about every scene had a news clip of Bush or Obama or whoever talking about the financial situation in the US, while showing our main characters doing something that corresponds to it in some way. Boring and about as subtle as a sledgehammer to the teeth. Good performances from Brad Pitt and Richard Jenkins keep it from being a complete waste of time.
Silver Linings Playbook- This new film from David O. Russell (the Fighter) blindsided the f*ck out of me. First off, I love the movie. But I kind of hated that I loved it. Russell tricks you into thinking you're watching a crazy, f*cked up, dysfunctional family drama, and then he pulls the rug out and you realize you've been watching a very sweet romantic comedy all along! And god damnit, IT WORKS. HE TRICKED ME AND HE TRICKED ME GOOD! I hated that I loved something that ended up being so.... sweet. Maybe I'd like more romantic comedies if they were all populated by deeply f*cked up, dysfunctional people.

Also, Robert DeNiro gives his first good performance in what has to be 15 years or so. Even Bradley Cooper, who I don't always like, was really good. And Jennifer Lawrence has proven again that she's one of the best young actresses out there. Even Chris Tucker (yes, THAT Chris Tucker) managed to give a good and non-annoying performance! Also, major props for dropping a Midnight Meat Train easter egg (there's a key scene that takes place outside a movie theater on Halloween and you see the poster and the title on the marquee). I read that Bradley Cooper was still very proud of the movie and the director thought it would be fun to have that be the movie playing. Anyway, this is just darn good. Highly recommended!