The Artist

21 Jump Street

Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) are unlikely partners assigned to go undercover and infiltrate a high-school drug ring in this comedic adaptation of the '80s cop show. Fitting in proves to be a little more difficult than they imagined, and their drug mission soon takes a back burner to their quest for popularity. The film has a nice balance of chase scenes and hilarious high-school moments, and Tatum holds his own against comedic veteran Hill. DVD extras include a blooper reel, a segment with Johnny Depp, deleted scenes, and an audio commentary.

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The Artist

In this charming, award-winning darling, Jean Dujardin plays George Valentin, a silent film actor whose life is turned upside-down upon the arrival of talking pictures. As the world collapses around him, he finds a friend in dancer Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo), whose vigor for talkies reignites his passion for filmmaking. The near-completely silent The Artist won five Oscars, including best picture, best director, and best actor. Extras include a making-of featurette, a blooper reel, and a look at the locations used in the film.

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In one of the most clever videos we've seen of late, Leonor Greyl has come out with this cute parody of The Artist, complete with adorable Jack Russell, hot guy, and well-placed beauty mark. Look for a cameo from Louise Moon, who is Jean Dujardin's groomer in real life (and creator of the Academy Award-winner's Oscars-night hairstyle). She plays the stylist who's fixing up our hero while he flirts with a cute Peppy stand-in. You definitely have to have seen the movie to find this spot charming, but fans of the film may find themselves suddenly inspired to start using more hair products.

Best actor nominee Jean Dujardin has a good chance of winning the Oscar for his performance in The Artist, and this Funny or Die video has a very specific idea for his career trajectory. Two Hollywood types inform Dujardin that many foreign Oscar winners go on to play memorable villains, so the good-natured Dujardin agrees to audition for a bad guy role — in every possible upcoming movie. Watch the ultra-charming star and his French accent try out every clichèd villain threat (and catch all the hilarious titles for sequels that aren't real . . . yet).

The Oscars air on Sunday, Feb 26, and any movie lover already has the date penciled in. In case your plans are even grander than simply watching the show and you want to throw a viewing party for friends, then why not pick a theme based around one of the best picture nominees? I'm suggesting The Artist as inspiration, the delightful silent film that's been creating a deafening award season buzz. Here's how to pull it off.

• How to decorate: All your decorations should be black and white, with art deco accents. Play The Artist movie soundtrack or big band music while guests are arriving. And if you know anyone who owns a Jack Russell Terrier, borrow him and pretend he's Uggie.
• How to dress: In glam 1920s Old Hollywood garb. Think tuxes for men, and flapper dresses or diaphanous gowns and long pearls for women.
• What to serve: Lots of champagne, of course, along with Manhattans and Sidecars, cocktails popular in the '20s.
• How to act: Ask everyone to be as silent as possible, but expressive with their face and hands. It sounds crazy, but at least you won't have to shush anyone when the show starts.

Photo courtesy of The Weinstein Company