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Here's a quick look at the new movie I saw this week, "Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy."

Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy

Starring: Gary Oldman, Tom Hardy, Benedict Cumberbatch, Colin Firth, Toby Jones, Ciaran Hinds, John Hurt, Stephen Graham, and David Dencik

Synopsis: We may have moved into a new year, but it’s still looking a lot like late 2011 at the Box Office, especially as more award contenders that received limited release in late December make their way to more theaters. One of the films that popped up at the end of the year was the British spy drama “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy,” which has earned acclaim for its cinematic style and the lead performance by Oldman. The film, a re-make of the mini-series starring Alec Guinness in 1979 and based on the novel by John le Carré, is a period drama set during the Cold War. The film features a slow burn plot, beautiful performances, and a deep cast. Though “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” has faded a bit in the award season race, it is a sturdy and enjoyable drama. “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” isn’t a fast movie, 21st Century film. It’s more like a throwback to a past era of filmmaking. It’s got a slow burning plot, with plenty of intriguing and flashback sequences. It’s put together in the form of a puzzle, meant to finally come into view during the final sequences. To that end, this film works well. One of the problems with the modern form of storytelling is often the ease with which you can figure out the twist or reveal at the end. That doesn’t happen here. The filmmakers do a nice job of building a number of possibilities so that the audience has to keep thinking it through to the end. That is a rare gift for those that enjoy films of this ilk. Director Tomas Alfredson (“Let The Right One In”) does a nice job of building the tension and laying out the story. This is a beautifully designed period piece that transports you back to a different era. From the early sequences through to the end, Alfredson builds the look and the tone of the film and keeps it going strong. It helps that the film is blessed with an exceptional cast that give great performances. Oldman is the anchor of the film, and delivers a beautiful performance. Most of his performance requires subtle restraint, but as the story unfolds he delivers in some riveting emotional moments as well. Cumberbatch is a perfect compliment to Oldman. The actor — probably best known for his lead performance in the BBC’s “Sherlock” — does a great job as the young aid, conveying a range of emotions throughout the film. The rest of the supporting cast is strong too, with good work from Hurt, Hardy, Firth, Jones, Hinds, and Dencik rounding out the cast. “Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy” isn’t a film with a broad appeal. It’s very British in it’s storytelling style, and it plays like a throwback to a different era. It’s a well-made, well-acted film that achieves its goals, but it likely won’t hold sway with modern audiences looking for snappy editing, quick resolution, and a lot of action. But for those looking for a real story, this film delivers on its promise in a satisfying way.

Rating: R for violence, some sexuality/nudity and language. Enter with caution.

Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Upcoming Releases:

Friday, Jan. 13 — "Contraband," "Joyful Noise," "The Iron Lady," "Beauty and the Beast 3D"

Friday, Jan. 20 — "Haywire," "Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close," "Underworld: Awakening," "Red Tails"

Friday, Jan. 27 — "We Need to Talk About Kevin," "Albert Nobbs," "The Grey," "One For The Money," "Man on a Ledge"