last movies of the lunar year

Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events (2005)
3 Stars
Starring Jim Carrey, Jude Law, Meryl Streep
Better than I expected. Jim Carrey is at his worst, and the older kids are too old to garner enough sympathy. But the visuals are top notch, a take on Tim Burton. It's more for children than families, but I think there's an age range (maybe 7-10?) for which this is a great movie.

Aparajito (1956)
5 Stars
Directed by Satyajit Ray
Part 2 of the Apu Trilogy. More of the same goodness, but with more contemporary themes, as the story moves on to the 1920s.

The Odd Couple (1968)
3 Stars
Starring Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau
Great concept, catchy theme song, but doesn't really get off the ground. Jack Lemmon too manic to be sympathetic.

Apur Sansar (1959)
5 Stars
Directed by Satyajit Ray
Alright, it's now official: the Apu Trilogy is my favorite trilogy of all time, by far. It is as close to perfection as movies get, with the best of everything: exquisite acting; beautiful but unobtrusive cinematography; quiet, but not slow, pacing; a universal story, but with a strong historical and cultural context; pathos, joy, wonder - okay, I'm gushing. See it. The trilogy has a linear storyline, so it's best watched in order. BTW, Apur Sansar one does have a wedding, but fear not: there's no dancing.