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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week plus a continuation of my look at the Best Picture nominees.

The Roommate

Starring: Leighton Meester, Minka Kelly, Cam Gigandet, Matt Lanter, and Alyson Michalka

Synopsis: This could easily be a TV movie, or a marketing strategy for the CW. After all, the network seeded stars in this film (one from every major show). The movie features Leighton Meester (“Gossip Girl), Nina Dobrev (“The Vampire Diaries), Matt Lanter (“90210”), Alyson Michalka (“Hellcats), and Danneel Harris (“One Tree Hill). Though Minka Kelly wasn’t a star on the CW, she still fits the demographic starring in “Friday Night Lights” and the failed CW pilot “Body Politic.” And, finally, Cam Gigandent wasn’t on the CW, but he’s no doubt familiar to the demographic thanks to his roles on “The OC” and in the movie “Twilight.” In short, it’s not hard to tell what demographic the filmmakers were aiming for with the casting. That's probably the most interesting thing about this film... which is predictable, poorly developed, and lacking in dramatic tension. While a viewing of the film did make me thankful my college roommate wasn't a predatory sociopath with lesbian tendencies, there wasn't much positive to glean from this film. It was pretty much a dud. Meester is a capable actor, but these characters are too two-dimensional to work. Kelly is weak in a lead role, and none of the supporting characters is developed enough to make it work. This movie is a turkey.

Rating: PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Verdict: One star out of Four.

Best Picture Nominees

Inception

Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Michael Caine, Cillian Murphy, and Ken Watanabe

Nomination: 8 Total, including Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography

Opinion: This was one of my favorite films of the year. I would rate this film as the second best film of 2010, but I believe it's a long shot in most of the award categories. It could certainly receive some technical awards (I wouldn't be surprised to see it earn a cinematography award). I also think Nolan is a strong bet to win an original screenplay award. But, with Nolan failing to register a directing nomination and the film failing to receive any acting nominations, it is a long shot for Best Picture. It's a shame too, because this was one of the most creative, fascinating films of the year. My feeling is it might have been too in-depth and too much of a puzzle for Academy voters (and audiences).

Rating: PG-13 for sequences of violence and action throughout.

Verdict: Four stars out of Four.

Toy Story 3

Starring: (The voice talents of) Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, and Ned Beatty

Nominations: 5 Total; including Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Animated Film

Opinion: Rarely do animated films connect with adults in a real, emotional way. "Wall-E" certainly fit that bill, and the first 15 minutes of "Up" were some of the most emotional resonant moments in any film in 2009. "Toy Story 3" continues that tradition, making it a no-brainer selection for Best Picture. While it won't win that prize, this is without a doubt the winner of the Best Animated Film award. Any other result in that category would be a travesty. This was a great film that really set the bar higher for animated features with the way it seamlessly created a story for younger viewers and a layered emotional experience for adults. Beautifully done.

Rating: G

Verdict: Four stars out of Four