Forrest Hartman, a Highbrow Magazine contributing writer and Video Verdict columnist, is an independent film critic whose byline has appeared in some of the nation's largest publications. He also reviews movies for several radio stations and for Fox 11 TV in Reno, N.V. When he isn’t reporting on projects of his own, you’ll find him teaching journalism and English at the University of Nevada, Reno. 

Tom Hanks has an extensive filmography as an actor and producer, but he’s not nearly as prolific as a director. During his career, he’s helmed a handful of TV projects, but – prior to this year – his only attempt at directing a feature film was 1996’s “That Thing You Do!” After a 15-year wait, Hanks decided to direct again, producing “Larry Crowne,” a film he co-authored with Nia Vardalos (“My Big Fat Greek Wedding”).

Director Francis Lawrence (“I Am Legend,” “Constantine”) and screenwriter Richard LaGravenese (“Beloved,” “The Horse Whisperer”) have taken liberties with their film adaptation of novelist Sara Gruen’s “Water for Elephants,” but the changes shouldn’t upset anyone, as the result is a well-produced Depression-era love story. 

It’s been a great year for Marvel, as three of the comic book company’s superhero titles have made their way to the big screen, each garnering critical praise and respectable box-office numbers. “Thor” got things started in early May, followed closely by “X-Men: First Class.” “Captain America: The First Avenger” hit theaters most recently, and it maintained the high quality set by the earlier films. 

Only time will tell if “Tree of Life” becomes an all-time great, but it is certainly one of the most intriguing films released this year. The movie is hard to describe because it is so sweeping in scope. Terrence Malick has always strayed from traditional storytelling and added elements of visual poetry to his films. Here, he takes that predilection to the extreme, adding lengthy sequences of footage that are backed only by music tracks and never completely explained.

The “Fast and the Furious” movies have never been the benchmark for cinematic quality, but expertly staged action sequences and a likable cast have helped them achieve an impressive box office run. Now a decade old, the series is still relevant and, surprisingly, getting better.