Date: September 7
Location: Clifton Living Room

This was a highly enjoyable, if far-fetched, modern (and younger) take on Rear Window. It turns into a somewhat typical thriller in its final moments, but before that it very effectively establishes its characters. I did find myself wondering why these kids didn’t just call the police, especially later in the film, but suspension of disbelief makes things a lot more fun. Shia Lebouf is an excellent actor who can play funny, smart, dorky or cool — sometimes all at once — and he packs a real dramatic punch when he needs to. I have no doubt that he’ll be a major star for years to come.

Date: August 22
Location: Clifton Living Room

Along with Zodiac and Breach, this makes three smart, adult character-driven winners released in the first three months of the year (traditional dumping ground for low-expectation crap). Unfortunately, the timing probably means none of these films will be recognized come Oscar season. Writer and first-time director Scott Frank (who penned such classics as Get Shorty and Out of Sight) has delivered an award-worthy script and crafted a film that works as both a low-key heist thriller and a poignant character piece. The acting is wonderful across the board, including a haunting turn by Joseph Gordon-Levitt and scene-stealing work by Jeff Daniels (who really should be in every movie). Kudos to Mom for recalling British actor Matthew Goode from his work in Match Point — he’s unrecognizable here as the sympathetically sinister antagonist. I had minor problems with some convenient turns at the climax, but nothing that would keep me from recommending this as one of the year’s best films so far.

Date: Monday, August 13
Location: Clifton Living Room

I’m not sure what exactly to make of this movie. It’s very well-made, with shots and situations worthy of Jaws, to which it’s been compared. It also has a lot of screwball humor and political satire that works only about half the time. And the ending, while “brave” in the way it upends the expectations of movies like this, left me very cold. But I’m glad I saw it, and I suspect director Joon-ho Bong will be a talent to watch for some time.

Date: July 24
Location: Clifton Living Room

Another great-looking film for the big-screen TV — I loved the use of D.C. locations. There’s no way this film (or Zodiac, for that matter) should have been released in the first few months of the year. Had it come out in November, Chris Cooper would be a shoo-in for a Best Actor nomination and the film’s writing and direction would be in the running as well. It’s exceptionally smart, exciting and poignant and all the more interesting for being based on such recent history.

Date: June 10
Location: Clifton Family Room

This is the first movie I’ve watched on the new TV (not counting Barbie’s Princess and the Pauper) and damn, did it look good. I have a feeling we’ll be going through our NetFlix films a lot quicker now. This was a great film, funky and sexy but also very sweet. Great acting from Samuel Jackson and Christina Ricci, not to mention Justin Timberlake. Writer/director Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow) is a wonderful new voice, creating this deep-south grown-up fairy-tale genre with plenty of style and heart.