Before the Devil Knows You're Dead

Most movies that start in flagrante delicto have a hard time keeping up the pace. And the genre of low-key, procedural crime-gone-wrong stories have a strong pedigree: think "Alpha Dog" and "Fargo." So from the outset, this film -- which features both these traits -- has tough competition. But I think it does the job. Two brothers need money, so they decide to rob a mom-and-pop jewelry store, owned coincidentally by their mom and pop. What ensues makes a viewer aware of several things: Ethan Hawke is actually a decent actor; Marisa Tomei doesn't mind getting nekkid; and the Iranian film "Crimson Gold" is not the only film about a jewelry store robbery that reveals underlying truths about our society. Quite an engaging story.