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What stands out first about Half Nelson is the confidence with which Ryan Fleck establishes its drama identity. Rather than relying on premise alone, Half Nelson asks Ryan Gosling and Anthony Mackie to supply personality from the opening stretch. The premise of Half Nelson is established with useful clarity: An inner city junior high school teacher with a drug habit forms an unlikely friendship with one of his students after she discovers his secret. That direct approach lets

What stands out first about The History Boys is the confidence with which Nicholas Hytner establishes its comedy identity. Rather than relying on premise alone, The History Boys asks Richard Griffiths and Frances de la Tour to supply personality from the opening stretch. The premise of The History Boys is established with useful clarity: An unruly class of gifted and charming teenage boys are taught by two eccentric and innovative teachers, as their headmaster pushes for them

What stands out first about Miss Potter is the confidence with which Chris Noonan establishes its romance identity. Rather than relying on premise alone, Miss Potter asks Renée Zellweger and Ewan McGregor to supply personality from the opening stretch. The premise of Miss Potter is established with useful clarity: The story of Beatrix Potter, the author of the beloved and best selling children's book, "The Tale of Peter Rabbit", and her struggle for love, happiness, and succe

What stands out first about The Ex is the confidence with which Jesse Peretz establishes its comedy identity. Rather than relying on premise alone, The Ex asks Zach Braff and Amanda Peet to supply personality from the opening stretch. The premise of The Ex is established with useful clarity: A slacker is forced to work for his father in law after his pregnant wife steps away from her high paying job. That direct approach lets The Ex use its 1h 29m running time for character,

What stands out first about Wordplay is the confidence with which Patrick Creadon establishes its documentary identity. Rather than relying on premise alone, Wordplay asks Will Shortz and Ken Burns to supply personality from the opening stretch. The premise of Wordplay is established with useful clarity: An in depth look at The New York Times' long time crossword puzzle editor Will Shortz and his loyal fan base. That direct approach lets Wordplay use its 1h 34m running time f

What stands out first about Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna is the confidence with which Karan Johar establishes its romance identity. Rather than relying on premise alone, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna asks Shah Rukh Khan and Rani Mukerji to supply personality from the opening stretch. The premise of Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna is established with useful clarity: Dev, a former football player is married to Rhea, a successful fashion editor. That direct approach lets Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna use it

What stands out first about Art School Confidential is the confidence with which Terry Zwigoff establishes its comedy identity. Rather than relying on premise alone, Art School Confidential asks Max Minghella and Sophia Myles to supply personality from the opening stretch. The premise of Art School Confidential is established with useful clarity: Starting from childhood attempts at illustration, the protagonist pursues his true obsession to art school. That direct approach le

What stands out first about Venus is the confidence with which Roger Michell establishes its comedy identity. Rather than relying on premise alone, Venus asks Peter O'Toole and Jodie Whittaker to supply personality from the opening stretch. The premise of Venus is established with useful clarity: Life for a pair of veteran actors gets turned upside down after they meet a brash teenager. That direct approach lets Venus use its 1h 35m running time for character, atmosphere and

What stands out first about The Ultimate Gift is the confidence with which Michael O. Sajbel establishes its romance identity. Rather than relying on premise alone, The Ultimate Gift asks Drew Fuller and James Garner to supply personality from the opening stretch. The premise of The Ultimate Gift is established with useful clarity: A deceased billionaire leaves his spoiled adult grandson a series of odd tasks to perform in order to receive "the ultimate gift," with the resent

What stands out first about Trailer Park Boys: The Movie is the confidence with which Mike Clattenburg establishes its comedy identity. Rather than relying on premise alone, Trailer Park Boys: The Movie asks Robb Wells and John Paul Tremblay to supply personality from the opening stretch. The premise of Trailer Park Boys: The Movie is established with useful clarity: Ricky, Julian, and Bubbles come up with a scheme to steal large amounts of untraceable coins. That direct appr

What stands out first about Peaceful Warrior is the confidence with which Victor Salva establishes its romance identity. Rather than relying on premise alone, Peaceful Warrior asks Scott Mechlowicz and Nick Nolte to supply personality from the opening stretch. The premise of Peaceful Warrior is established with useful clarity: Dan, a college student and a world champion gymnast, is disturbed and wants to add some meaning to his life. That direct approach lets Peaceful Warrior

What stands out first about Catch a Fire is the confidence with which Phillip Noyce establishes its biographical drama identity. Rather than relying on premise alone, Catch a Fire asks Derek Luke and Tim Robbins to supply personality from the opening stretch. The premise of Catch a Fire is established with useful clarity: A drama about terrorism in Apartheid era South Africa, revolving around a policeman and a young man who carries out solo attacks against the regime. That di