Reel Picks: More about movies playing this week

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A Dangerous Method (R)

A story built around the intense relationship between Carl Jung and Sigmund Freud and the birth of psychoanalysis. Directed by David Cronenberg and starring Michael Fassbender, Keira Knightley, and Viggo Mortensen. Both Fassbender, as Jung, and Mortensen, as Freud, have won several best acting awards for their performances.

The Descendants (R)

A land baron (George Clooney) tries to re-connect with his two daughters after his wife suffers a boating accident. Directed by Alexander Payne, and with Shailene Woodley and Amara Mille. Nominated for five Oscars, including best picture and best actor (Clooney).

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (R)

The much-anticipated American film version of the book of the same name. Starring Englishman Daniel Craig (the most recent James Bond) as Swedish journalist Mikael Blomkvist, who attempts to solve a 40-year-old murder, and the young American actress Rooney Mara as the young, eclectic, tattooed Lisbeth Salander, who lends her considerable skills to the hunt. With Christopher Plummer. Directed by David Fincher (“The Social Network,” “Fight Club”).

Hugo (PG)

Martin Scorsese’s animated, melodramatic version of the award-winning children’s book set in Paris in 1931. Twelve-year-old Hugo keeps all the clocks ticking in the train station with the help of a mysterious mechanical man. With his friend Isabelle, Hugo finds the spare parts needed to keep Hugo going.

Iron Lady (PG-13)

An unvarnished biographical study of the life of Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, with a focus on the price she paid for power. It is another star turn for Meryl Streep with support from Jim Broadbent and Richard E. Grant. Nominated for two Oscars including best performance by an actress in a leading role, Streep.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (R)

The most recent adaptation of the best-selling 1974 British classic spy novel by John le Carré. In the bleak days of the Cold War, espionage veteran George Smiley (Gary Oldham) is forced from semi-retirement to uncover a Soviet mole within MI6. Also stars John Hurt, Colin Firth, Tom Hardy, Benedict Cumberbatch. Directed by Tomas Alfredson.

War Horse (PG-13)

Produced and directed by Steven Spielberg, it’s an epic adventure. A tale of loyalty, hope, and tenacity set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War. With Emily Watson, David Thewlis, Benedict Cumberbatch. Nominated for the Golden Globe Best Picture of the Year award.

We Bought a Zoo (PG)

Based on a true story, a widowed father buys a dilapidated zoo in hopes of making a fresh start. Directed by Cameron Crowe. Starring Matt Damon, Scarlett Johansson. Icelandic musician Jón Þór “Jónsi” Birgisson, the lead singer of the band Sigur Rós, composed the music.