Is a Hollywood action picture the best vehicle to enact social change? It's a question that dogs Blood Diamond, a thriller that takes on the illicit trade of precious stones in destabilized African nations. Set in the midst of civil war in Sierra Leone, Blood Diamond is the story of a fisherman (Djimon Hounsou) who discovers a particularly valuable gem, and teams up with a mercenary (Leonardo DiCaprio) to get the rock out of the war torn area. Critics say the film is well crafted and features strong performances, but it ultimately shortchanges its politics by emphasizing the action.

Sort of a cross between Home Alone and The Terminal, Unaccompanied Minors tells the story of a group of kids snowed in at the airport during the holidays; suffice to say that mischief and merriment ensue. Unfortunately, the film arrives in theaters unaccompanied by widespread critical praise, as the pundits feel the film makes the least of its talented cast, and lacks the originality needed to really make the jokes work.