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Here's a look at the new movies I saw this week. With no new releases coming out this week, it's a good time to catch up with some award nominees. This could easily be called the award nominee review... Stay tuned to tomorrow's post for my top 10 and bottom 5 films of the year.

Black Swan
Starring: Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, Vincent Cassel, and Barbara Hersey
Synopsis: This is certainly one of the strangest films of the year. It is well made and well told, but it can be hard to watch. Portman gives an incredible performance in the lead role in this film, and will likely be a front-runner for the Academy Award. This film has some substantial sexual content, and it's nothing if not dark, but director Darren Aronofsky does a great job of putting the film together. This film received a Best Picture nomination from the Golden Globes and will likely receive the same from the Academy Awards.
Rating: R for strong sexual content, disturbing violent images, language and some drug use.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

The King's Speech
Starring: Colin Firth, Helena Bonham Carter, Geoffrey Rush, and Guy Pearce
Synopsis: This film is based on the true story of King George IV (Firth) and the speech impediment that nearly derailed his career. It is about his struggle to overcome a debilitating stammer and the friendship he develops with his speech therapist, Lionel Logue (Rush). Director Tom Hooper ("The Damned United," "John Adams") does a great job of bringing the story to life. The performances from Firth and Rush are great, both earning Golden Globe nominations and both will likely be Academy Award nominees. This film has some humorous moments and some beautifully raw, emotional moments. A well crafted film that should be a lock for a Best Picture nomination.
Rating: R for some language.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

True Grit
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Hailee Steinfeld, Matt Damon, and Josh Brolin
Synopsis: This film from the Coen Brothers is not a re-make of the 1969-original starring John Wayne but rather a new adaptation of the novel from Charles Portis. This film features some great performances from Bridges, as Marshal Rooster Cogburn, and Damon, as Texas Ranger LeBeouf. The true find in this film is Steinfeld, who delivers a beautiful performance as Mattie Ross. Steinfeld holds her own against her decorated co-stars and adds a lot to the overall production. The Coen Brothers are very strong filmmakers with a definitive style. This is their best film since "No Country For Old Men." The scenery, editing, score, and cinematography are strong as well. This film was largely snubbed by the Golden Globes but should be a player come Academy Award time.
Rating: PG-13 for some intense sequences of western violence including disturbing images.
Verdict: Four stars out of four.

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