A Beautiful Mind is one of the biggest movies released this year. Based on the true story of John Nash, a Nobel Prize winner who suffers from the devastating effects of schizophrenia, this movie is a realistic and captivating romantic drama. In his role as John Nash, Crowe gives an outstanding performance, making the audience really believe what is happening. The film picked up the Academy Awards for both Best Director and Best Picture, and both were well deserved. Russell was nominated for Best Actor, and controversially missed out after having won almost every other award available.
A Beautiful Mind takes us through the life of John Nash, from his early years at university to old age. All throughout, he has to deal with the impact of schizophrenia on his life and the lives of those around him. The plot fits together seamlessly, and it is often hard to tell the real from the imaginary. This movie is exciting and often unpredictable, showing you the world through the eyes of a genius suffering from a serious mental illness. For those of you who have yet to see this movie, it is highly recommended. A Beautiful Mind will keep you wondering right till the end, and it really is an amazing film. This movie is as close to perfect as they come.

Sammy and Terry Prescott (Linney and Ruffalo) grew up with only each other to rely on. Times have changed and Sammy is now a single mother and a responsible member of their small hometown - she's strait-laced and serious, works in a bank and is a regular at church. Terry, on the other hand, is a mess: he checked out of town as soon as he was old enough and he's been wandering since; now he hasn't been heard from for months. And yet the basis of their relationship remains. Terry rings out of the blue to say he's showing up - he wants money for his girlfriend's abortion - and his arrival prompts a change in Sammy's life. She begins to find the power to shape her dealings with her boyfriend (Tenney) and boss (Broderick).
You Can Count On Me has been deservedly well received. Linney brings her own brand of bubbly cynicism to Sammy, and it's a delight to watch. It's nicely counterpointed by Ruffalo's brooding physicality, and another pleasant surprise is the presence of the next graduate from the Culkin Family School of Child Actors, Rory, as Sammy's son. This kind of movie about 'ordinary' people's lives really needs good writing and performances to work, and in this case it gets them.