War Horse

In addition to the following releases, Chasing Madoff is also available.

We Bought a Zoo

Directed by Cameron Crowe, We Bought a Zoo stars Matt Damon as Benjamin Mee, a father who literally buys a zoo in hopes of making a fresh start for his family after the death of his wife. As one might imagine, the process doesn't go quite as smoothly as Benjamin, his kids, or the head zookeeper (Scarlett Johansson) hope. The story is a bit sappy but the acting is great, especially from Damon and the young stars playing his children. Deleted scenes come with the DVD.

66%

War Horse

Set at the height of the first World War, Steven Spielberg presents an incredible story about a boy (Jeremy Irvine) who is forced to sell his beloved horse. The horse is passed to different owners, and while we wait for it to be reunited with its owner, we are able to see them both grow in the face of the horrendous war. The film was nominated for six Oscars, and it's a perfectly balanced drama for horse enthusiasts and film buffs alike. DVD extras include an exploration of the set and look of War Horse with the film's creative team.

77%

One more DVD to check out when you read more

If you're throwing an Oscar theme party this Sunday, you might as well look to one of the nine best picture nominees for inspiration. Up for the honor is Steven Spielberg's War Horse, and though it might not seem as glamorous a party idea as, say Midnight in Paris, a little creativity makes the sprawling European great party fodder.

• How to decorate: Go for decor inspired by the English countryside, where Albert grows up and he trains Joey the horse. This means wildflowers in jars and vintage vases, lots of baskets, and rustic wood pieces.
• How to dress: While you're more than welcome to don a horse costume, I'd merely pay homage to Joey and wear equestrian-inspired clothes like riding boots, skinny pants, and a blazer.
• What to serve: Traditional English fare like fish and chips, or tea and crumpets. For your drinks, Beefeater ("the quintessential English spirit") has put together a gin cocktail inspired by the movie, called "Take the Reins." To get the recipe, just keep reading.

Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol reaped the benefits of wide release, and won the weekend box office with $29.5 million. Behind it was last week's champ, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, which garnered $20.2 million in its second weekend out. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo debuted in third with $12.7 million, closely followed by Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked, which took in $12.7 million. Completing the top five was The Adventures of Tintin, which opened to $9.7 million.

Matt Damon's We Bought a Zoo only earned $9.4 million in its first weekend, while War Horse made $7.5 million in its Christmas Day release.

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures

Leave it to Steven Spielberg to make an engaging, epic, and poignant movie with a horse as the main character. The legendary director is behind War Horse, a World War I-set drama that follows a horse named Joey as he's raised in Britain and trained by his doting owner, Albert (Jeremy Irvine). Due to financial circumstances, Albert's family is forced to sell Joey to the war effort, and as the horse is involved in various battles and trades, he's passed from different owners and opposing sides all over Europe.

As Joey enters the life of each temporary caretaker, we experience a snapshot of these characters' lives and how the war has affected them. Though the movie is a long and sprawling tale, Spielberg makes each vignette compelling and touching enough that you want to ride along with Joey on his journey. To find out where else War Horse succeeds, just keep reading.