Daniel Craig’s 007 needs an injection of bon vivant. Plus, a splendidly dark Christmas tale.

The documentary Dear Zachary is one of the most disturbing films of the year. Plus, Swedish vampires!

Kristin Scott Thomas is gravely beguiling in I’ve Loved You So Long. Plus, the scare-your-pants-off Splinter.

Charlie Kaufman’s death-obsessed ramble, Synecdoche, New York; Plus, Oliver Stone’s toothless W.

Mike Leigh’s delicious role model for hard times (good timing). Plus, Bill Maher’s mock anti-religious odyssey.

The director’s Rachel Getting Married spins gold out of the very bleak. Plus, Body of Lies launches a new star.

It might seem specious to observe that New York actors seem more real than their West Coast counterparts. But look at them.

Miracle at St. Anna is Spike Lee’s bloody, blunt attack on the whitewashing of WWII.

Dakota Fanning’s revelatory turn in Hounddog; Keira Knightley’s most excellent duchess.

The refried yuks of Burn After Reading; the power and glory of Moving Midway.