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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week.

The Fighter
Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Melissa Leo, and Amy Adams
Synopsis: This is one of the strongest contenders in awards season. Based on the true life story of boxer Micky Ward (Wahlberg) and his crack-addicted brother Dicky (Bale), this film is blessed with a strong cast and an engrossing story. Director David O. Russell does a great job in bringing the story to life and getting the most out of his cast and story. Wahlberg gives a great performance as does the incredibly talented Bale, who undergoes some interesting transformations to bring his character to life. Leo and Adams, both past Academy Award nominees, bring a lot of fire and intensity to the role of the central women in Micky's life. This is a well-made film that deserves plenty of praise and recognition this awards season.
Rating: R for language throughout, drug content, some violence and sexuality.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

How Do You Know
Starring: Paul Rudd, Reese Witherspoon, Jack Nicholson, and Owen Wilson
Synopsis: For most people, you either love James L. Brooks' style or you hate it. I actually like it, and I enjoyed this film for what it is. There is a rambling style to the character and plot in this film, as there is in many Brooks films, and that can make it frustrating. It's hard to pin down a theme or a plot for the film, and the comedy isn't the typical laugh-out-loud kind of fare. The performances are strong, for the most part. Wilson really only has one character in his bag, so he pulls it out here, but he does well with it. Witherspoon has a knack for the romantic comedy genre, and Rudd has an affable screen persona that you can't help but root for. There is a lot unresolved about the story, but it's a fairly enjoyable ride.
Rating: PG-13 for sexual content and some strong language (on appeal/re-edit).
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Little Fockers
Starring: Ben Stiller, Robert DeNiro, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, Barbara Striesand, Dustin Hoffman, Jessica Alba, Laura Dern, and Owen Wilson
Synopsis: The original "Meet the Parents" was a clever idea that turned into a decent comedy. The obligatory follow-up, "Meet the Fockers," was unnecessary. This film goes beyond unnecessary. It's not that the cast isn't talented. It's not that some of the joke sequences don't work — in fact, there is an homage to "Jaws" that is both timely and kind of funny. It's just that this film formula is predictable and pointless. I'm guessing DeNiro and Stiller have fun working on these films together and enjoy the paycheck involved, which is why we're on round three. This film is littered with easy sex jokes and cliche formula moments. Some of it works, the cast is still talented, but you could miss 30 minutes in the middle of this film and not really miss anything in terms of story, which is never a good sign. A breezy holiday comedy for those that don't want to have to concentrate too hard.
Rating: PG-13 for mature sexual humor throughout, language and some drug content.
Verdict: One star out of four (This is a borderline 1/2 star film).

Tron: Legacy
Starring: Garret Hedlund, Olivia Wilde, Michael Sheen, and Jeff Bridges
Synopsis: When the original "Tron" was released in 1982, it was possibly an original idea that was ahead of the technology available. It has a laughable story, but the film was supposed to be about the special effects — which don't hold up. In that sense, "Tron: Legacy" is the perfect film for 2010. In this year where 3D films went wild, this is a prime example with the flaw in the 3D plan. "Tron: Legacy" has a great visual style. They create a rich visual experience in bringing the digital world to life. I have no problem with that. But there is little to no story, and what story there is seems to be infused with some weird New Age message. In short, this is a slightly less glamorous version of "Avatar." Doubtless many will be drawn to the film because of its sleek look and use of technology to create a new, digital world. I just wish these new, digital worlds weren't so empty. This film is a perfect metaphor for 2010, however, as it's been a year of beautiful-looking, soulless films with precious few gems sprinkled in.
Rating: PG for sequences of sci-fi action violence and brief mild language.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

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