The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

 

The story of 7 people on trial stemming from various charges surrounding the uprising at the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. 

This courtroom drama based on actual historic events is both revealing and entertaining and makes a strong case for justice and (American) constitutionality against a criminally adversary administration; a great ensemble film with Sacha Baron Cohen stealing the show.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Bio:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Gordon-Levitt

50/50 (2011)

Inspired by a true story, a comedy centered on a 27-year-old guy who learns of his cancer diagnosis and his subsequent struggle to beat the disease.

It's always a risk to stage the drama of a life-threatening illness and try to spice it with humor, but careful direction and an excellent cast actually help manage to pull it off.

Maltin***: "...this sure-footed film manages to blend comedy and drama with satisfying results. Gordon-Levitt is perfect in the leading role."

Don Jon (2013)

A New Jersey guy dedicated to his family, friends, and church, develops unrealistic expectations from watching porn and works to find happiness and intimacy with his potential true love.

For what it is well-made and with a good ensemble, the plot itself (and the main Character) are quite off-putting.
Maltin***: "Impressive feature-film debut for Gordon-Levitt as writer, director, and star, with winning performances from his well-chosen cast."

Snowden (2016)

Killshot (2008)

A couple, despite being in a witness protection program, are being chased and confronted by the criminals they outed.

Thoroughly clichéd thriller tries hard to be more than it is, exemplified by Mickey Rourke playing a laughably incompetent hitman as a super-cool wiseguy.

Maltin**: "Routine crime thriller...Quintessential B-movie material is drained of action and suspense via pretentious treatment..., although interesting cast keeps it watchable."

Hesher (2010)

A young boy has lost his mother and is losing touch with his father and the world around him, but then he meets Hesher who manages to make his life even more chaotic.

Offbeat drama does compel with some outrageous (and unsettling) sequences, but doesn't quite convince in its entirety.

Maltin*1/2: "Often vile, self-conscious "dark fairy tale" has little to offer in the way of enlightenment and seems to revel in its main character's sheer outrageousness. If that's your idea of fun, have at it."

Lincoln (2012)

As the War continues to rage, America's president struggles with continuing carnage on the battlefield as he fights with many inside his own cabinet on the decision to emancipate the slaves.

Despite depicting a short historic episode, the is movie convincingly creates a complex study of Abraham Lincoln, the political and social situation of the time and some good portrayals of other protagonists concerning the fight for the 13th Amendment; Daniel Day-Lewis' performance is spectacular, but the rest of the cast is great, too.

Maltin***1/2: "Day-Lewis miraculously disappears into the role of Lincoln, while the filmmakers persuasively create the look and feel of Washington in 1865.Thoughtful screenplay...and great casting from top to bottom make this a piece of American history come to vivid life."