Carnage

Jodie Foster stars as Penelope, Kate Winslet as Nancy, John C. Reilly as Michael and Christoph Waltz as Alan - a group of parents in New York City dealing with trouble between their kids.

In an incident seemingly driven by some playground bullying, Nancy and Alan's child hit Penelope and Michael's child with a stick when he didn't want to take the abuse anymore. Of course, in today's high strung, litigious society, this is a matter for a massive meeting far exceeding the peace accords between Egypt and Israel at Camp David.

As the four try to hammer out some understanding, resolution and steps to move forward, we get a glimpse into their lives, personalities, troubles, marriages and more.

I love Carnage because it is one of those movies that tears back the curtain of civility to reveal what people truly think and feel, which leads to plenty of hearty laughs and some shocks. Writer Yasmina Reza and co-writer/director Roman Polanski (based on Reza's script for the play Gods of Carnage) keep the action flowing by constantly shifting alliances and topics.

Some may be scared of a movie essentially set in one apartment, but the dialogue keeps the audience glued to the screen as we wonder who is going to say what next, and who will side with them, especially as the conversation turns from the kids to the various marital issues each couple is facing. Plus, we get a heaping helping of how people today are functioning in society, and what society is like (and you may not like what you see).

Particularly, Oscar winner Waltz shows he is just as adept at comedy as he is at drama. His smart aleck reactions to the statements being made by the others in the room are the stuff of legend for anyone who is a bit fed up with the touchy, feely, oversensitive way many issues are handled today. Often, we see Alan becoming the instigator as he becomes bored with what is happening around him, which leads to hilarious laughs, and some great flustered and surprised emotions coming from his co-stars.

Carnage is one of the funniest movies of the year, but one that may not make you laugh if you see yourself in it or take life a little too seriously.

Carnage is rated R for language