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Here's a look at this week's new reviews. Next week I'll be making my annual Academy Award predictions in anticipation of the big show, set for Sunday, March 7. It's the Super Bowl of entertainment and Must See TV for film nuts like myself.

An Education
Starring: Peter Sarsgaard, Carey Mulligan, Alfred Molina and Olivia Williams.
Quick Take: This is one of the 10 Best Picture nominees. A British import, the film is set in the 1960s and is the story of a young girl (Mulligan) coming of age and caught up in an affair with an older man (Sarsgaard). The film is crisply shot and well-acted. It's a nice example of the seductive power of sin and the importance of making good choices and following your conscience. The story probably has too happy an ending for some, and isn't as good as some of the best films in the Best Picture race, but it's solid. In addition to Best Picture, the film earned a nomination for Mulligan in the Best Actress race and for Best Adapted Screenplay for the work by Nick Hornby.
Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic material involving sexual content and smoking.
Verdict: Three stars out of four.

Shutter Island
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley and Max Von Sydow
Quick Take: From Martin Scorsese and based on a novel from Dennis Lehane, "Shutter Island" is a psychological thriller. It features some intense, disturbing material, including graphic flashbacks of a Holocaust death camp. There are some fine performances, including supporting cameos from Michelle Williams, Jackie Earle Haley and Emily Mortimer, as well as good work from Kingsley and DiCaprio. The film is too intense and likely too dark for many viewers. Still, it provides some interesting food for thought. Of particular interest to me was a quote from DiCaprio's Teddy Daniels, "This place makes me wonder whether it's better to live as a monster or die as a good man." It's a question everyone must ask themselves when struggling with facing areas of brokeness in their lives. There are strong aspects of the film but it's not a great complete work.
Rating: R for disturbing, violent content, language and some nudity.
Verdict: Two stars out of four.

Academy Award nominee home video bonus:
The Cove
Quick Take: This film is nominated for Best Documentary feature. It is about the dolphin slaughter that occurs yearly in a small village in Japan. I've never been an animal rights activist, but as a Christian I think it's important to respect, honor and cherish all of God's creations. The images in this film and the ritual slaughter that occurs each year is horrifying. You will never look at seafood, Seaworld or "Flipper" the same way again. It's a moving, gripping documentary and a must see.
Rating: PG-13 for disturbing content.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

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