New Releases: March 20 Edition

Today is a very exciting day for fans of all types of films. Literally. Suspense? Check Mystery? Check. Dramedy? Check. Comedy? Check. Family? Biggest check of the year (until Pixar's Brave comes out). For the second week in a row I have been eagerly awaiting Tuesday and keep in mind with my four day work week Tuesday is technically Monday.
 Let's start with The Muppets. Not only was this the best children's movie of 2011, far better than the dreadful crop of animated films, it was one of the best films of the year period. For children you have muppets, massive amounts of color, music, laughs, and more muppets. More importantly, for the adult there is the nostalgia that accompanies The Muppets, cameos and pop culture references to-boot, humor, a comprehensible storyline, and a movie that is aware of what it is supposed to be. The moment Oscar winning song "Man or Muppet" written by Bret McKenzie of Flight of the Conchords is over you will know exactly what you're in for and you'll be excited to continue the ride. If that doesn't get you than Chris Cooper playing the villain with his historic maniacal laugh will.
The only film that can rival my excitement for The Muppets release is that of the David Fincher version of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The title sequence of which sets up the rest of the film brilliantly. Karen O. and Trent Reznor of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Nine Inch Nails respectively composed a fantastic rendition of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song" plays scenes of a black liquid metal form different objects and a torch sets fire to different things (in a nod to the sequel The Girl Who Played With Fire) and show you Fincher's vision for the film. It will be dirty, gretty, dark, and abrasive. Rooney Mara has gone from an unknown to a highly buzzed and Oscar nominated actress over the last two years and her performance in this film will explain why. It is not for everyone, but those who can stomach the brutality of it all will be in for a treat.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy earned Gary Oldman into an Academy Award nominee after decades of mind blowing performances. The film itself is confusing, elaborate, smart, very British, and very well put together. The confusion is done on purpose as the director wants you to feel the confusion that George Smiley (Oldman) is suffering through while trying to figure out who the spy in his department is. You will learn who the spy is by the film's end but you won't see it coming.
Other releases include the Roman Polanski film Carnage that got mixed reviews but has a talented cast and interesting enough premise to warrant a rental and the raunchy comedy The Sitter starring Jonah Hill. Neither film got much promotion and were hardly in theaters, even in major cities so now there's finally a chance for the masses to see them.