Scorecard

A quick recap of some of this season's releases.

LAST CHANCE HARVEY
Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson star in this offbeat romantic comedy set in London. It's surprisingly effective, and it's worth seeing for this pair's lovable and neurotic performances alone. It might just be the lone bright spot after a series of dreary Oscar-bait movies. B+

DOUBT
Adapted from his own play about a conflict at a Catholic School, John Patrick Shanley directs a quartet of powerhouse performances: Meryl Streep (as a nun), Phillip Seymour Hoffman (an accused priest), Amy Adams (also a nun), and Viola Davis (a weary mother). B+

THE READER
One of the best films of the year. Kate Winslet plays Hanna Schmitz, a Nazi war criminal who seduces a student (David Kross) who is oblivious of her past. Compelling for its history, it also depicts fiercely complex characters who will leave you questioning your beliefs. A

GRAN TORINO
This movie was made for Clint Eastwood, who delivers his lines as a crotchety war vet with the subtlety of a rabid dog. The focus is a culture clash, but it's also, surprisingly, one of the funniest movies to come out in recent months. B+

REVOLUTIONARY ROAD
A crumbling marriage in the early 60s. Sounds thoroughly depressing - and it is - but the performances by Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet are so compelling, you won't care. Think American Beauty meets Little Children. Everyone's abuzz about the leading performances, but Michael Shannon and Kathy Bates offer outstanding support too. A