Days of Heaven (1978)

A hot-tempered farm laborer convinces the woman he loves to marry their rich but dying boss so that they can have a claim to his fortune.

From memory: The strikingly beautiful cinematography of this period movie is almost a character of its own as it underscores its achingly romantic story.

Halliwell****: "Visually a superb slice of period life, it has an emotional force that emerges slowly from the conjunction of the vast landscape and its reticent intruders, who have fled from the dark of the city to find no peace in the country."

Maltin***1/2: "Exquisite mood piece...its visual beauty almost overwhelms the story - which is second priority here."

Out of the Furnace (2013)

When a young man mysteriously disappears and law enforcement doesn't follow through fast enough, his older brother takes matters into his own hands to find justice.

At its core a simple revenge story is heightened by excellent location cinematography and great performances throughout; Woody Harrelson is particularly efficient as a sinister low-life crook.

Maltin**: "A story that would have been exploitation-movie fodder in the 1970s is played here with a heavy hand, straining for significance. Good performances and vivid location work can only go so far."

Fair Game (2010)

CIA operative Valerie Plame discovers her identity is allegedly leaked by the government as payback for an op-ed article her husband wrote criticizing the Bush administration.

Effective political drama based on a true case manages to tell the story straight and fairly simple, although it does heroize the two leads a bit; Watts and Pean, however, are in top form.

Maltin***: "Intimate, propulsive drama...reveals how these events affected their lives and threatened their marriage. Engrossing and credible; an especially fine showcase for Watts."

Mud (2012)

Two young boys encounter a fugitive and form a pact to help him evade the vigilantes that are on his trail and to reunite him with his true love.

Slow-paced and subtle melodrama of juvenile awakening, all made in good taste with a competent cast, but the two teenage leads are the true stars of the movie.

Maltin***1/2: "Beguiling, fablelike film...Unusual film moves at a leisurely pace, as it should, with sensitive performances from the kids and grown-ups alike."

Inhale (2010)

A couple goes to dangerous lengths to find a lung donor for their daughter.

Intense and in the end harrowing thriller with a complex sociocritical message.