Black Swan

Cast
Natalie Portman
Mila Kunis
Vincent Cassel
Barbara Hershey
Winona Ryder
Screenwriters
Mark Heyman
Andres Heinz
John J. McLaughlin
Director
Darren Aronofsky
Running Time
108 minutes

Black Swan is a psychological thriller set in the world of New York City ballet. Featured dancer, Nina, finds herself locked in a web of competitive intrigue with a new rival at the company. (Fox Searchlight)

Clever and gripping with a strong central performance that made me care about what was happening. The graininess bothered me a little and although I almost believed Portman was dancing the fact she wasn't shown full length and en pointe for more than a split second, usually in a mirror hurts it a little.

Blue Valentine

Cast
Ryan Gosling
Michelle Williams
Mike Vogel
John Doman
Maryann Plunkett
Screenwriters
Derek Cianfrance
Cami Delavigne
Joey Curtis
Director
Derek Cianfrance
Running Time
111 minutes

Blue Valentine is the story of love found and love lost told in past and present moments in time. Flooded with romantic memories of their courtship, Dean and Cindy use one night to try and save their failing marriage. Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams star in this honest portrait of a relationship on the rocks. (The Weinstein Company)

Intense and harrowing with great performances.

The King's Speech

Cast
Colin Firth
Geoffrey Rush
Helena Bonham Carter
Guy Pearce
Michael Gambon
Timothy Spall
Derek Jacobi
Eve Best
Screenwriter
David Seidler
Director
Tom Hooper
Running Time
118 minutes

Prince George (Firth), known as Bertie to loved ones, has been afflicted by a debilitating stammer since his childhood. And when his brother abdicates the throne and war looms, he reluctantly turns to Aussie Lionel Logue (Rush), a speech therapist whose methods are unconventional to say the least.[Empire]

An engrossing and moving film with great performances but clearly made on a shoestring budget.

127 Hours

Cast
James Franco
Amber Tamblyn
Kate Mara
Treat Williams
Screenwriters
Danny Boyle
Simon Beaufoy
Director
Danny Boyle
Running Time
94 minutes

127 HOURS is the true story of mountain climber Aron Ralston's remarkable adventure to save himself after a fallen boulder crashes on his arm and traps him in an isolate canyon in Utah. (Fox Searchlight)

Really good, surprisingly uplifting and enjoyable.