This Week in Film rounds up noteworthy new releases in theatres, rep cinema and avant-garde screenings, festivals, and other special cinema-related events happening in Toronto.

NEW RELEASES

This Is 40 (Various)

Everyone is talking about This Is 40, writer/director Judd Apatow's follow up (or "sort-of sequel") to the blockbuster comedy Knocked Up. This is 40 tells the story of Pete (Paul Rudd) and Debbie (Leslie Mann) by giving us a frank look into how they deal with kids, bodies that are falling apart, dreams dying, and a withering sex life.

Jack Reacher (Various)

Based on the hit novel of the same name by Lee Child, Jack Reacher is a 6'5" former United States Army Military Police Major played somehow by the diminutive Tom Cruise. In a small city, five people are shot dead by an expert sniper. Police quickly identify and arrest a suspect, but the accused man claims he's innocent and says "Get Jack Reacher." Reacher sees the news report and turns up in the city, to bury the guy. Shocked at the accused's request, Reacher sets out to confirm for himself the absolute certainty of the man's guilt, but comes up with more than he bargained for. Hard action fans and car junkies alike will enjoy this popcorn film.

Also opening in theatres this week:

• The Impossible (Various)
• The Guilt Trip (Various)
• Rust and Bone (Varsity)

REP CINEMA

The Sessions - (Friday, December 21, 7pm; Fox/Revue)

Based on the odd and questionably autobiographical writings of american poet Mark O'Brien, The Sessions tells the story of a man (John Hawkes) who has lived his life in an iron lung but is resolved to lose his virginity before he turns 40. The film features William H. Macy as a surprisingly understanding priest and Helen Hunt as a hilariously "hands-on" sex therapist.

More rep cinema screenings this week:

• 56 Up (Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)
• Gregory Crewdson: Brief Encounters (Bloor Hot Docs Cinema)

SPECIAL SCREENINGS

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior(Friday, December 21, 11:30pm; TIFF Bell Lightbox)

This is one of the only sequels that's better than the original film, the second Mad Max maintains the pure apocalyptic perfection that changed action movies, and Australian culture, forever. This film made Mel Gibson the star he is, and though he says so little in the film, his character somehow says so much. Even if you own this on DVD (and shame on you if you don't) this is your chance to see one of the best action flicks in history they way it was meant to be seen - on the big screen.

Other special screenings this week:

• It's a Wonderful Life - (Starts Friday, December 21, 2pm; Yonge/Dundas
• Silent Night, Deadly Night - (Saturday, December 22, 9:30pm; Yonge/Dundas)

Film still from This is 40