A bounty of Oscar bait in Savannah— "The Book Thief" (***½), "Philomena" (****), "The Invisible Woman" (****)

Geoffrey Rush and Sophie Nélisse star in "The Book Thief"

"The Book Thief," director Brian Percival's first film as a director since his success with television's "Downton Abbey," carries the same crisp and clean aplomb as his overwhelmingly successful TV series. Anchored by a tremendous young talent in Sophie Nélisse, "The Book Thief" is based on a novel by Markus Zusak about a young girl and her foster parents in World War II Germany as they hide a Jewish friend in their home. Although some of the film's most beautiful moments occur while the film's mysterious narrator—Death—reveals his perspective, there is a disconnect between the film's overall sweet tone and the narration. While not completely saccharine, there isn't much of an edge to be found for a story of such high risk and devastation, making the film feel more like an adaptation of a young adult novel at times. Production values are exceptional, as are performances from Geoffrey Rush, Emily Watson, Ben Schnetzer and Nico Liersch. John Williams' beautiful-as-always score is a sure bet for an Oscar nomination, though that remains the film's best bet. "The Book Thief" has enjoyed decent success at the box office in the past few weeks, and will continue to find an appreciative audience for this well-made and affecting film. 3.5 out of 5 stars.

"Philomena" and "The Invisible Woman" after the jump.

Atlanta review bundle: "The Woman in the Fifth" (***1/2), "A Little Bit Zombie" (***1/2), "Ok, Good" (****)

Kristin Scott Thomas and Ethan Hawke star in "The Woman in the Fifth"

"The Woman in the Fifth" is Pawel Pawlikowski's first film in seven years and marks no departure from the Polish filmmaker's steady, romantic aesthetic. The film possesses a particularly high density, especially due to such strong performances from Ethan Hawke and Kristin Scott Thomas. It fails, however, to really engage the viewer past the feeling of general intrigue. Pawlikowski's firm grip on the wheel, embellished with harmonizing technical aspects, keeps you interested, but not interested enough. The best scenes, which feature Hawke at his 'job' in an underground room, are filled with more suspense and dread than most entire horror films contain. Looking back on the film, it has to be noted that few films set in Paris showcase so little of the City of Light. Most of the film takes place in dimly lit rooms, windowless basements or dirty hotels. Did Hawke's character ever truly leave the mental hospital from which he was supposedly released? 3.5 out of 5 stars.

"A Little Bit Zombie" and "Ok, Good" after the jump.

Win two passes to an advance screening of "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" in Atlanta!

We have two passes to a screening of Lasse Hallstrom's "Salmon Fishing in the Yemen" to give away for tomorrow night (March 20th) at Atlantic Station! The film is lovely and features some great performances by Emily Blunt, Ewan McGregor and Kristin Scott Thomas. 

How do you win the passes? Simple! Retweet this tweet or Share our Facebook post to be entered to win. We will contact the winner with the passes by tomorrow morning.