Bigger Stronger Faster*

Prime example of the power of a personally motivated tale (and natural directing and editing talent).
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1151309/

Last Train Home

Can't say it better than Ebert: "The rulers of China may someday regret that they distributed the works of Marx so generously."
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1512201/ (Original title: Gui tu lie che)

Man of Steel

You thought the Avengers destroyed NYC (Metropolis, NYC, tomato, tomahto).
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0770828/

The Heat

Irreverence in any kind of female-led movie is refreshing.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2404463/

Dirty Wars

Way too much of the creator in this film, but horrifying nonetheless.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2532528/

Downton Abbey: Season 4

They've handled the Mary heartbreak very well. Not sure I can say the same about the remainder of the characters.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1606375/

Her

A strange 24 hour juxtaposition: finish proofing the Turing book and then go see a movie about AI.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1798709/

House of Cards: Season 2

Fortunately, those with an "if I just ran the world..." mentality aren't also psychotic.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1856010/

Captain Phillips

Greengrass = a man who can accurately and calmly provide a thriller. He also really gets what shock is all about.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1535109/

Dogtown and Z-Boys

Great soundtrack, avant-garde choices (burned filmstock!), helter-skelter content, can't lose.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0275309/