Here's a couple of films that really flew under the radar in '08, yet both have pretty decent casts.
Transsiberian: Starring Woody Harrelson, Ben Kingsley, and Emily Mortimer this film begins with a Hitchcockian vibe. Harrelson and Mortimer played a married couple travelling on the Transiberian train from China to Russia. Along the way they meet another couple who may be hiding their true intentions for being on the trip. The first half of the film is intense and mysterious, but once you figure out where it's going the film gets pretty stupid. Characters making illogical decisions and a 'only in Hollywood' ending mar what was turning out to be a decent thriller. It's available to view instantly on Netflix, so you may want to check it out. Rating: ***
The Lucky Ones: I typically don't watch movies on the Iraq war, but this one seemed to be more of a road trip film than about the war. Tim Robbins, Rachel McAdams, and Michael Pena are three soldiers on 30-day leaves who meet each other on their way back to the U.S. They each have different personal issues that they need to deal with and end up forming a bond along the way. It does a nice job of blending emotions as you watch these characters go on this journey. Rachel McAdams is absolutely adorable here and she was one of the main reasons why I rented it in the first place. I was not keen on how the film ends, but it's probably a more realistic ending. If you want something different and light, this is a decent choice. Rating: ****
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