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Here's a look at the movies in theaters I saw this week, including an early contender for Best Picture and Best Actor.

127 Hours

Starring: James Franco

Synopsis: This film is based on the true story of Aron Ralston (Franco), who in April of 2003 headed out alone in the wilds of Utah and ran into serious problems. Many will probably remember the description of how Ralston survived (he was trapped and, after days of struggle, cut off his own arm with a pocket knife) even if you don't remember his name. Co-writer/director Danny Boyle — who won Best Director for his work on "Slumdog Millionaire" in 2008 — does a great job of bringing this story to life. This film could have been a tedious slog through the time Ralston spent trapped in the wilderness, but instead Boyle and company — including co-writer Simon Beaufoy — work to make the film something of an exploration of the mental trauma of an incident like that. Through flashbacks and visions, we see the regrets and dreams of a man who's worried he won't make it out of that canyon alive. When Ralston finally decides to do the unthinkable, we're fully invested in his survival if only to see how he changes when he survives. It's an interesting tale, well told, that features an incredible lead performance. To say Franco has to carry a bulk of the film on his own is an understatement. Though the film has taken flack for a gruesome sequence as Ralston makes his escape — and make no mistake, it is VERY tough to watch — the film is about a lot more than a little bloodshed. It is a compelling and engrossing tale.

Rating: R for language and some disturbing violent content/bloody images.

Verdict: Four stars out of four.

Burlesque

Starring: Christian Aguilera, Cher, Stanley Tucci, Kristen Bell, and Eric Dane

Synopsis: This movie is an odd mismash of familiar stories. The best I can figure it, "Burlesque" is a combination of plot elements from "Coyote Ugly," "Chicago," and "Showgirls," with the latter having the most impact on the plot. In fact, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was just a PG-13 version of "Showgirls" based on the trailer. Of course, the real appeal here is not the story — which is weak and predictable — or the performances — which are merely passable despite the presence of some decent actors — it's the singing. Cher still has a powerful voice, as she demonstrates in a pair of musical numbers, and Aguilera probably has the most unique and powerful voice of her generation. She does a great job with all her musical numbers as well. As an actress, Aguilera shows some potential in her first real role. She's a lot better than most singers who decide to try their hand at acting, but this role seemed pretty easy and comfortable for her. She and Cher have a nice chemistry too. Director Steve Antin does a nice job of keeping the tone light and focusing on the lavish musical numbers, the strength of the film. This film delivers pretty much everything you'd expect and nothing more.

Rating: PG-13 for sexual content including several suggestive dance routines, partial nudity, language and some thematic material.

Verdict: Two stars out of four.