In 2006, Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff pled guilty to three federal felonies regarding fraud and corruption of public officials. Abramoff’s story seemed to be perfect fodder for a Hollywood film – details of his saga include bribery, sex, drugs and murder. It’s a real tragedy, then, that the resulting film is such a disaster. Though Kevin Spacey is dynamic in the title role, the other characters in Casino Jack are reduced to one-note caricatures, making it impossible for audiences to grasp how serious the lobbyist’s crimes really were. Worse yet, it’s unfunny, overlong and damn boring.

Though the Coens turned this classic western into something of a screwball comedy, True Grit still feels like their most accessible work to date. Don’t let my description of the film as “audience-friendly” deter you, though; it is still an intriguing and well-written story packed with dynamic characters. And although the source novel’s author, Charles Portis, gets credit for much of the film’s narrative strength, it is Joel and Ethan’s signature wit and great performances from the always-impressive Bridges and Damon – along with a star-making turn from newcomer Steinfield – which make the brothers’ latest especially worthwhile.

This is the kind of film for which “awards season” exists. An uplifting underdog story which takes its inspiration from real-life events and is brought to the screen through engrossing performances by a solid ensemble cast, The Fighter is that rare movie which manages to be universally appealing while still impressing us pickier aficionados. Among the most impressive elements is Christian Bale’s phenomenal supporting turn as a burnt-out former boxer with a crippling crack addiction. He deserves all the praise he’s been getting, as does the finely crafted film itself.

Like its predecessor, this is a film which relies primarily on ambitious visuals, which are rarely short of stunning. The 3D imagery (which is thankfully done in-camera) is among the better out there – and the smart decision to integrate the effect into the story relieves some of that gimmicky feeling. Despite a few wooden performances and several scenes solely containing expositional dialogue, TRON: Legacy still ultimately feels more like a success than a misfire. It’s far from perfect, but is still a treat for your eyes and – thanks to a terrific score from Daft Punk – your ears.

Even though I saw 127 Hours a couple weeks ago at the (awesome) Austin Film Festival, it’s stuck to me like that boulder stuck to James Franco’s character’s arm. In this instance, that’s a good thing. Even if movies can’t always change lives, they can often change perspective. In this country, those of us who are fortunate need a wake-up call every once in a while. Danny Boyle and his star surprisingly good one-man show provide us with that and more. 127 Hours is funnier and more poignant than you’d expect judging by its premise. You’ll walk out feeling alive.

After sitting through Twilight: Eclipse, this much I can surmise: Robert Pattinson will have a career after Twilight because, well, he can actually act. Taylor Lautner, not so much. Kristen Stewart too often falls back into the same awkward, mumbling character but I blame her performance more on the insanity of a character like Bella Swan. Her blind devotion to someone (a vampire, no less), which would in turn cause her to have to one day leave behind her entire family forever is mind-boggling. The acting is laughable and I find it hard to believe that these supposedly ruthless members of the Volturi are all teenagers sporting haircuts that belong in an emo band. Pretty ridiculous, but not the worst movie I’ve ever seen.

I’m probably overlooking a few trilogies, but Toy Story 3 could be the best threequel ever. I’d honestly rather watch it in “Spanish mode” than just about anything else I’ve seen this summer. The additions of Lotso, Ken (Michael Keaton kills it, by the way) and the rest of the Sunnyside Day Care crew, alongside off-to-college Andy, give Woody his stiffest opposition yet. Andy isn’t the only thing that’s all grown up either; Pixar continues it’s trajectory of deeper thinking pictures (Wall-E, Up) while wrapping up the Toy Story saga. I’ll miss those damn toys about as much as Andy will.