Carnage (2011)  Comedy

Directors: Roman Polanski

Writers: Yasmina Reza (screenplay), Roman Polanski (screenplay)

Stars:

 Jodie Foster, Kate Winslet and Christoph Waltz
THE BUZZ: Roman Polanski and Yasmina Reza have updated her one-act play from the version that was lengthened and translated by celebrated writer Christopher Hampton for European audiences. Polanski's son Elvis plays one of the children whose altercation puts the narrative in motion, and what follows has been referred to by many as Virginia Woolf hysterics in a tastefully appointed set, styled to indicate a New York City apartment. Sure to entice older audiences (a group to which I know belong), thus far the early reviews say there's wicked fun to be had here, though the Broadway production (which featured James Ganolfini, Marcia Gay Hardin, Jeff Daniels, and Hope Davis) might remain the preferred American version.


Young Adult (2011)  Comedy

Directors: Jason Reitman

Writers: Diablo Cody

Stars:

 Charlize Theron, Patrick Wilson and Patton Oswalt
THE BUZZ: Jason Reitman and Diablo Cody's reunion has piqued blogger curiosity and perhaps made Paramount a bit unsure how to introduce this thematic departure to the public. Meanwhile, Charlize Theron shakes off the Oscar curse as she prepares for a string of hotly anticipated movies; having been in a couple press rooms with her, I can assert that dark comedy should suit her perfectly -- especially if she gets to curse. Also hysterical is co-star Elizabeth Reaser.


New Year's Eve (2011)  Comedy

Directors: Garry Marshall

Writers: Katherine Fugate

Stars:

 Sarah Jessica Parker, Jessica Biel and Ashton Kutcher
THE BUZZ: If you must name a movie after a holiday, make it good enough to watch every year on that special day. Will you ever watch Valentine's Day again? For this sorta-sequel, Garry Marshall heads across country to NYC with a new celebrity cast -- most of whom could really use a hit. My suggestion: let the stars who have created iconic New Yorkers reprise their characters here. This way, Sarah Jessica Parker could play Carrie Bradshaw and Robert De Niro could revisit Johnny Boy.